Lexington Coach Retires After 60 Years On The Job

LEXINGTON (CBS) -- He's used to leading from the sidelines but Thursday he was front and center.

After winning his final game at Lexington High School, Coach Bill Tighe retired at 86-years old. "It's a special win," said Tighe, who beat Burlington 14 – 0.

With 62 years on the job, Tighe is the oldest high school football coach in the country.

In his honor, generations of teams gathered around him for a half-time ceremony on the field.

Alana Gomez reports.

Hugs, handshakes, and tears took over the moment, as former players reminisced. "He changed every one of us," said Mark Trantonella, who played for Lexington in 1976. "My life has never been the same since I met Coach Tighe."

WBZ News Radio's Carl Stevens reports.

"He said things such as 'get your head out of the clouds,' or 'you're about as interesting as watching paint dry!'" said Adkeem Jackson, class of '02. "He not only helped us be better football players he helped us be better people."

Tighe coached in Wakefield and Malden before spending the last 36 years at Lexington High.

"He's helped me out with school, got my grades up, and now I'm going to the Navy," said Senior Chris Butler.

The Thanksgiving Day win gives the Coach a record of 186 wins, 181 losses and 9 ties.

Tighe says it's not about winning or losing. "Its dealing with the kids their personalities and directing them to a bright and beautiful future," said Tighe. "I love them all."