New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Meet Ed Rodrigues, 62-year old retired teacher and basketball coach at New Bedford High School, who recently became the Athletic Director for Wareham High school.
Ed grew up in the south end of New Bedford where there was a lot of negative temptations. Alongside his good friend, Brian Baptiste, who is the Head Basketball coach at UMass Dartmouth, filled his time with playing basketball, instead of getting involved in the trouble that surrounded them.
After graduating high school, he went on to college, and upon returning to New Bedford started coaching and teaching U.S. History at New Bedford High. New Bedford is his home and he felt it was important to return to the city that he loved to impact kids who wanted and out from the trouble just like him. In his time as the Men’s Varsity basketball coach he led the team to win 2 State Championships and multiple conference championships. His biggest enjoyment of coach and teaching was seeing kids overcome their trials and go on to succeed in life.
He made such an impact at the school during his time there that they even named the basketball court after him. After retiring from his career at the school he couldn’t stay away from being involved in teenagers lives and accepted the position as the Athletic Director for Wareham High School.
“Give an effort every single day, have a passion for what you are doing, and be loyal to those who have helped you out.”
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Mr. Rodriquez was my teacher many years ago and he is and he is great.
I am not surprised that he had always left positive energy and loyalty wherever his presence has been.