We have often said to students, "No one reaches their greatness without the help of others." For many of us, a coach played an important role in our lives by supporting us, challenging us, and believing in our best as individuals and team members. Learning from a master coach is something special.
Recently, the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame announced the twelve-member class of 2024. One of those named was Hyde's own Thomas Bragg '83. Tom came to Hyde School from Washington, DC. In his time at Hyde, he was a standout athlete and leader in the school. For example, he:
- Lettered in four varsity sports - Basketball, Football, Lacrosse and Track
- Led basketball teams that won Class C Maine Principal's Award [MPA] championships as well as a Class A New England Preparatory School Athletic Council [NEPSAC] Championship in 1983.
- Graduated from Hyde with honors
- Is the only Hyde alumni to play Division 1 in College in both Basketball and Football
Later, as a teacher at Hyde, Tom set the tone for the school culture in his various roles and became a legendary figure in Maine high school basketball. Some of his achievements include:
- Winning the MPA Award in 1997 after his team won the class D Gold Ball as the state champions at their level.
- Coaching teams to four Western Maine titles in1993,1995,1996, 1997.
- Coaching teams to NEPSAC Championships when at Hyde Woodstock.
- Coaching women's lacrosse to three Maine Association of Independent School Athletic Directors league titles.
While all of this is impressive, it is Tom's character that is the glue holding our community together. Malcolm Gauld summed it up, "Tom has a singular focus to get a player and a team ready for the big moments and he brings out the best in both. You can never count out one of his teams!" In his school-wide evaluation last year, a student told him, "Mr. Bragg, you sometimes have to get on us and help us be better, but we know that you love us and you need to know that we love you." Well said. And this award is so well deserved! Tom will be inducted into the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame at the Augusta Civic Center on August 11, 2024. Thank you, Tom, for who you are and what you bring to our school community!
Laura D. Gauld'76