HUDSON – Few people are as well acquainted with the rich history and commitment to excellence of the Hudson High School football program as Zac Attaway.
A three-sport standout at HHS (Class of 2001), Attaway has served the past five seasons as an assistant coach under Dan McAnespie. So, in December, when McAnespie announced he was stepping down as Hawks’ football coach after 25 seasons, Attaway wasted little time making himself a candidate for the position.
Last week, Athletic Director Jessica Winders announced Attaway was named the team’s new head coach.
“It’s kind of surreal but it’s really a dream come true for me,” said Attaway, who played football and baseball at Worcester State. “It’s definitely an opportunity I’ve been waiting for. Definitely something I’ve always wanted to do.”
Attaway comes into the job as his son, Jake, who will be a junior this fall, enters his third season as Hudson’s starting quarterback.
“Before I took the job, I sat down with the family to talk about it. They were all onboard,” said Attaway. “Jake was very excited about it and wanted me to do it.”
Attaway, who works as a sergeant with the Marlborough Police Department, and his wife live in Hudson with their four children. Their daughter, Taylor, is also at Hudson High, where she plays volleyball and softball.
While Attaway will bring his own unique style and approach to the job, he is quick to point out how much he learned about football and coaching in his years as a player and an assistant under McAnespie.
“When Coach Mac first came on [at Hudson], one of the things he really preached was that a football team was really a family. That’s one of the things I’ve brought with me throughout my coaching career,” said Attaway. “Ever since I graduated, he has always welcomed alumni back. He always made you feel like you had a home in Hudson.”
Attaway inherits a strong program that went 9-2 last season and reached the Division 5 State Tournament quarterfinals. The Hawks were led by Jake, who passed for 1,371 yards and 18 TD and rushed for 1,256 yards and 15 TDs.
This year, Hudson has been dropped to Division 6 due to decreased enrollment. The team will remain in the Mid-Wach C and look to defend its league championship.
Attaway comes into his new job with previous head coaching experience, on both the JV and youth levels. He understands that there are different responsibilities that come with being the leader of a program.
“As an assistant coach, I think you’re more approachable [to] the players. As head coach, you’re delegating more,” he said.
Attaway will be looking to build on the relationship between the high school program and the youth program in Hudson. He feels a strong feeder system is a key to a strong, stable high school team.
“There are relationships in place but I want to start building even stronger relationships,” he said. “I want to get my players and coaches to be more involved with youth programs. I want to see them building their own bonds and relationships.”
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