Atkins to Return as Head MHS Football Coach

Coach James Atkins is pictured at left in a photo taken last summer. Photo courtesy MedfordFootball.net.

No Charges Filed After Year-Long Hiatus

– Allison Goldsberry

James Atkins will return as MHS Head Football Coach this fall after being forced to stand back and not coach while Medford awaited the outcome of an investigation regarding the alleged misallocation of booster funds for the Chelsea football team in the fall of 2006.

No charges have been filed one year after new Medford High School Football Coach and Chelsea Police Sergeant Atkins had been placed on paid leave by both of his employers pending the outcome of a criminal investigation.

Atkins said he is happy to return as head coach after spending a year on paid administrative leave.

“Obviously I’m excited…It was a long, rough year. I’m excited to get back on the field with the kids,” said Atkins.

It is not clear if Atkins is still under investigation but Medford officials feel as though they waited long enough for the situation to be resolved.

“Coach Atkins has not been indicted or charged. We have not received any evidence that would preclude us from putting him back on the field,” said School Superintendent Roy Belson.

Belson said Atkins has a good record as a coach and that Medford has given Chelsea a “reasonable amount of time” for its investigation.

“We’ve already lost one season…we’re going forward to produce a program for Medford,” said Belson.

A spokesman for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office refused to confirm or deny an investigation in the absence of criminal charges.

“There were never any charges pending and there aren’t any at this time,” said Suffolk County DA spokesman Jake Wark.

A call to Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes was not returned. According to Athletic Director Bob Maloney, Atkins is not yet returning to his job a police sergeant.

Maloney is glad to see Atkins returning to the program as a full-time coach after a year-long hiatus. He said Medford waited long enough for Chelsea to complete the investigation and no charges or indictments have followed.

“We’re happy it’s behind us. We’re thrilled that Coach Atkins is back on the field,” said Maloney.

The football program will resume in just a few weeks, with nearly sixty athletes heading up to Camp Robin Hood in New Hampshire to begin training.

Atkins spent some time last year with Medford’s middle schools and said the incoming freshman class looks good. He is looking forward to a strong fall season for the Mustangs.

“Medford will be happy with their football team this year,” said Atkins.

The Mustangs open up the season away against Revere on September 12 and play their first home game against Reading on September 19. The team will play eleven games, three of which will be played at home. Bishop Fenwick and North Reading have been added to the schedule, as Arlington and Waltham are no longer part of the Greater Boston League. The Mustangs finished 2-9 last season.

The team’s five captains are John Sousa, Anthony Falco, Jim Lynch, Dennis Barnwell, and Pedro Fuentes.