200 winning number as Monty girls hoop coach tops plateau.

Byline: Jay Gearan

FITCHBURG - Montachusett Tech math teacher Steve Newingham stepped into the head coaching ranks 15 years ago, steadily building the Monty Tech girls varsity basketball program.

Mr. Newingham, after several winning seasons, entered this winter with 196 victories, just four shy of the milestone 200-victory plateau.

Three early season victories during December and January came without a hitch. Most players and fans expected celebrating soon.

Then came a frustrating lull, a span of seven straight games when Mr. Newingham's total win count stalled at 199.

Finally, however, it happened, when the Bulldogs defeated South Lancaster in an away game. The long wait was over, and Mr. Newingham was smiling all the way back to Fitchburg on the team bus.

Explaining the struggle to get to the magic 200, he said, "We were winning games, and then we hit a rut, losing close games. We lost to Bay Path by two points. I thought that was going to be the night."

A popular, dedicated teacher at Monty Tech, Mr. Newingham, in the late 1980s, coached the Bulldog girls jayvee team, learning the basics of strategy and motivation on the court.

His first year coaching the varsity team was the 1994-1995 season when the Bulldogs finished with 8 wins and 12 losses. It didn't take long for winning seasons to appear on his record.

In 2002, Mr. Newingham's team won 23 games. Last season the Bulldogs were victorious in 21 of their 24 total games. Since the start of the 2004 season, extending into this year, his teams have compiled 73 wins.

"We've done pretty well, especially during the last few years," said Mr. Newingham. "But, I've been very lucky because I've always had good kids on my teams. They're fun to coach."

Over the years, under Mr. Newingham's direction, the Monty Tech girls basketball team has captured seven Colonial League Championships and finished as runners-up twice.

The Bulldogs have also advanced to the Central Mass. postseason tournament 10 times.

Also, after qualifying for nine state vocational school tournaments, Monty Tech won the title in 2002. The Bulldogs have finished second four times in that tournament.

Asked about his next milestone in coaching, Mr. Newingham laughed and said, thinking about his retirement in the not-so-distant future, "The next milestone is going to the Cape permanently. I have a home there."

Mr. Newingham has also coached the Monty Tech golf team in the past during the fall months before the start of basketball.

Mike LeClair, the jayvee coach at Monty Tech, praised his mentor, Mr. Newingham.

"I graduated from here, and Steve was my math teacher for four years, so I really got to know him during my high school years," Mr. LeClair said. "I consider myself very lucky working with Steve. He's a great person and a great coach. I've learned quite a bit in my two years here working with him. I've very happy with the way things are going on here."

On Valentine's Day, Mr. Newingham scheduled a short practice in the morning. Afterward, he rewarded the girls on his team with a breakfast at a local restaurant not far from the gymnasium.

"Valentine's Day is a big deal for the girls," said Mr. Newingham. "I like to treat them at least once a year."

Said Ivette Tejada, a junior, about her coach, "It's an honor to have a coach win 200 games. He deserved it."

Last week the Bulldogs defeated Hudson Catholic, 45-40, notching their sixth win of the season. Junior co-captain Tejada led the team with 20 points. The other junior captain, Katie Haney, added 14.

Other key contributors on the Monty Tech team this year include Ashley Hoffman, Heather Butler, Kelsie Twombly, Stacia Johnson, Gabrielle LaPosta, Heather McDonald, Allison Cunningham and Alyssa Babineau.

ART: PHOTOS

PHOTOG: JAY GEARAN

CUTLINE: (1) Montachusett Tech girls basketball coach Steve Newingham talks to the team during a timeout at a recent game. (2) Montachusett Tech girls basketball coach Steve Newingham between junior co-captains Ivette Tejada, left, and Katie Haney.