Two from Ponaganset High School honored with Coach of the Year awards

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – Two coaches from Ponaganset High School were recently honored by the the National Federation of State High School Associations Rhode Island Interscholastic League with presentation of “Coach of the Year” awards.

Softball Coach Michael Calenda and Cross Country Coach David Glasberg received the awards “for their outstanding service and unselfish devotion to interscholastic athletics,” according to a release on the recognitions.

Calenda, a retired Johnston police officer who has taught 8th grade social studies at Ponaganset Middle School for more than 20 years, has also served as a football coach at the high school. The director of the Wreaths Across America program, Calenda has also served as dean of students at both PHS and PMS, and also previously held the title of athletic director for the district.

Raised in Providence, the former police sergeant retired from law enforcement in 2000. In 1999, he received the Medal of Valor, and was also the recipient of the Top Cop Award from the National Police Association, presented by President Bill Clinton at a White House Ceremony.

The recent award recognized his work as head coach of the PHS girls softball team for a second time in just five years. RIIL also named Calenda the Softball Coach of the Year for the 2019/2020 school year.

“Individuals selected to receive the Coach of the Year honor are chosen based upon their performance as a coach on and off the field and the positive work they have done with the athletes in their program,” noted a release on the honor.

Glasberg has served as head coach for the boys’ cross country team since 2018, and is also a full-time math teacher for the district.

His coaching journey began at the University of Maine, with the Division I Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field programs.

“It was there that I learned the behind-the-scenes discipline and logistical parts required to build something special skills I continue to use every day as a coach, meet director, and mentor,” Glasberg said.

During his time leading the cross country program at Ponaganset, the team has hosted events including the 2022 New England Championships, Covered Bridge Classic, and Rhode Island State and Class Championships.

“I was incredibly honored to be named the RIIL State Coach of the Year, an award that reflects not just personal recognition, but the tireless effort and heart my athletes at the time;  Jeremy Roe, Owen Klein, Nick Olszewski, Eric Burgjohann, Jackson Souza, Jack Rockwell, Jack McEntee, Conor Fairbanks, Aidan Grace, Jay Finklestein, Jaycob DeRoche, Chase Braxton, Evan Sheeran, and Ethan Betts, assistant coaches; Mrs. Erica Winn, and Mr. James Caron, and the community who pour into this program,” said Glasberg. “Cross country has always been more than a sport to me it’s a space where young athletes grow into confident, resilient individuals.”

“Over the years, our team has experienced some unforgettable seasons, with countless personal bests, new records, team championships, and lifelong memories forged in the woods on and off our home course,” he added.

A former student congratulated the coach on social media.

“As someone who ran under Mr. Glasberg’s guidance throughout high school, I’ve witnessed firsthand the dedication and passion he brings every single day,” the student noted. “From early morning workouts to strategic race plans, he’s not just a coach but a mentor who has shaped many of us into not only better athletes but better individuals.”

“Even though I’m now in college, the lessons learned and memories created during those cross country seasons at Ponaganset remain with me. Mr. Glasberg, you truly deserve this recognition.”

Glasberg was also recipient of the RIIL Distinguished Service Award in 2023

“I’m incredibly proud of continuing the legacy of what has been built at Ponaganset, and I’m excited for what’s still ahead,” said Glasberg.

The awards were presented during halftime of the RIIL Girls Basketball State Championship game at the Ryan Center in March.