About

Pasquale M. “Patsy” Polletta, born on December 1, 1911, was one of nine children and grew up in the town of Amesbury, Massachusetts. A 1929 graduate of Amesbury High School , Polletta was an accomplished athlete, earning letters in track where he excelled in the 400 meters, half-mile, mile, and relay events alongside his teammate Bill Clark. He also played varsity football under coach Charlie Broderick, spent a year playing club hockey before advancing to varsity hockey, and dabbled in club baseball. His passion for sports was evident from an early age, laying the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to athletics.

After graduating from AHS, Polletta enrolled at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, where he excelled as both a captain and navigator. He served on Merchant Marine supply ships, navigating routes to Africa and the Middle East. His dedication earned him commissions as a captain in both the U.S. Navy and the Merchant Marine. However, his maritime career tragically ended in 1959 when he was paralyzed onboard his vessel off the coast of Africa.

Undeterred, Patsy lived an active life. He competed in the Wheelchair Olympics  throughout New England in shot put, javelin, discus, swimming, and bowling. He practiced archery, transformed his front yard into a personal training facility for shot put, javelin, and discus,  and swam at the YMCA, never letting his limitations define him.

Patsy Polletta’s coaching career at AHS spanned from 1969 – 1993, a period during which he became a beloved figure in the Amesbury community. He held multiple coaching roles, serving as both assistant and head coach for boys’ and girls’ cross country and track teams. His boys’ track teams won CAL championships in 1981, 1983, and 1984.  He also played a key role as the head timekeeper on the AHS track and led the intramural track program.

 Polletta’s influence on his athletes extended far beyond the track. He had a unique ability to motivate and inspire, often using his coaching as a vehicle to impart life lessons. One of his guiding principles was the idea of “racing against yourself” to achieve a personal best. Through coaching, he imparted life lessons, emphasizing the importance of self-improvement and respect for others. One of his athletes, Donna Randall, described him as a coach who believed in more than just physical performance, emphasizing the value of being the best version of oneself every single day. 

As a coach, Patsy guided AHS athletes to remarkable achievements, including All-American honors, Cape Ann League All-League selections, Globe All-Scholastic titles, and success in Jr. Olympics, state meets, NCAA regional meets, and ECAC New England tournaments. True to his character, he always accompanied his athletes to their meets, providing unwavering support and guidance.

Patsy’s competitive spirit was evident in his coaching style . He followed his team in his car, honking the horn or shouting out the window when he was dissatisfied with their pace. Despite a physical handicap, Patsy was fiercely competitive and would “kick your butt” if he felt it was necessary to teach a lesson. His approach was rooted in the belief that hard work and practice could unlock one’s potential, and he never hesitated to challenge his athletes to achieve their best.

In addition to his coaching duties, Patsy served as a full-time substitute faculty member at AHS from 1968 to 1982, teaching Earth Science and remaining on call in the years that followed. Despite his physical challenges, he never requested special treatment; he drove his own car, loaded his wheelchair into the back seat, and prepared his own meals.

Patsy Polletta’s legacy is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to helping others achieve their best. His impact on the Amesbury community and the countless lives he touched through his coaching and teaching is a testament to his remarkable character and enduring spirit.  Groups from Newburyport, and Salisbury hosted annual road races in his honor.