ANDOVER — Superintendent John Lavoie is pleased to announce that Mike Nelson, a veteran school administrator, will join Greater Lawrence Technical School (GLTS) as its new athletic director. 

Nelson comes from Saugus High School, where he spent 17 years as a teacher, coach and administrator. He will bring that experience with him as he prepares to guide a GLTS athletic program that he had, until now, admired from afar.

“I always thought the kids of GLTS were tough, athletic players. In the same respect I always thought the teams were well coached and well prepared,” Nelson said. “In addition, I share the philosophical approach of GLTS administrators that places an emphasis on setting high expectations for students and seeing to it that they live up to those expectations.” 

As the athletic director in Saugus, Nelson oversaw the addition of several new sports for girls at the high school, developed a Student-Athlete Leadership Council and launched an Athletic Open House that enabled students to explore the school’s various athletic offerings. He also implemented an athletic study support group that helps student-athletes succeed in the classroom.

Nelson hopes to implement new ideas that will help improve the GLTS athletic program, and is also eager to join GLTS at a time when the opening of a new athletic facility is on the horizon. He is also looking forward to hearing from the GLTS community as he works to get to know the Reggie culture.

“My plan the first year is to talk and listen to as many people as possible and learn about Greater Lawrence Technical School and the GLTS Athletic Department,” Nelson said. “I want to know what they feel works, what doesn’t, what needs to be improved upon, and what they think is best for the student-athletes at GLTS. I am excited to be a Reggie and I know great things will come about based on hard work from myself, the coaches and the athletes.”

“Mike’s accomplishments over a lengthy career in school athletics are truly admirable, and we are excited that he will be bringing his expertise to the GLTS athletic program,” Superintendent Lavoie said. “He truly embodies the spirit of what it means to be a Reggie, and we feel lucky to have him joining our team.”

Mike Nelson will be joining GLTS as its new athletic director (Courtesy Photo)