HARDWICK – After one year on the job, Oluwwdare (Olu) Sowunmi is exiting the Hazen Union athletic department and will become the new A.D. at Colchester High School.
Sowunmi was hired as the full-time A.D. at Hazen last winter and helped stabilize an athletic department, student body, and community who was mourning the sudden tragic death of former Hazen Union A.D. Jared Cushing. Leading the Wildcat athletic program was Sowunmi’s first A.D. job at the high school level after graduating from Castleton University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a Master of Science with a focus in Athletic Leadership. He is currently overseeing the athletic program at Hazen on a temporary basis as they embark on a busy winter sports season, but is expected to depart in the near future for his new assignment at division I Colchester. Sowunmi didn’t reply for comment, but posted the following statement on the Hazen Union Athletic Fan Page:
“…I write this with a bittersweet taste in my mouth. I have accepted an AD position at Colchester High School. As I am excited for the new opportunity, I can’t express how sad I am to be leaving the Hazen community. To the students of Hazen, I hope you all know I poured my heart into my job. Each and every day I wanted to make sure I was the best AD and role model I could be for you all. I wanted to make sure no voice or face went unheard or unseen. In my everyday decisions, I tried to do what’s best for the greater good of you all. I am deeply sad to be leaving your wonderful faces, positive attitudes, and can’t forget the laughs we shared in the halls of Hazen. I know you all will have incredible journeys in your lives. Remember sports are temporary; it’s the life values, lessons, and friendships that last a lifetime. Always live in the moment and know it is always great to be a Hazen Wildcat.”
Locals Invited to VSCA Senior Classic
HARTFORD – Several local senior soccer stars got the invite over the weekend to play in the upcoming Vermont Soccer Coaches Association (VSCA) Senior Classic at Maxfield Sports Complex in Hartford.
All seniors who were selected to the Vermont All-State team and other seniors nominated by their respective leagues were invited to compete. The official All-State roster for both girls and boys will be released this weekend. Hazen Union’s Tessa Luther and two-time All-State selection Caitlyn Davison received an invite, along with Camryn Hoffman, Alice McLane, and Jasmine Reason of Danville-Twinfield-Cabot (CCSU). On the boys’ side, Hazen’s leading scorer Xavier Hill and Twinfield-Cabot two-time All-State selection Meles Gouge got roster invites.
The boys’ match will kick off at 10 a.m. on Sunday, with the girls’ match to follow at approximately 1 p.m.
