George Finnegan is the architect who laid the foundation for Bartlett High School athletics, as well as academic achievement for many students.

From September, 1922 until June, 1945, George taught chemistry and coached football, basketball, and baseball at Bartlett. During that 23-year span, his teams won 612 games, losing 267, with line ties. His football teams were 115-67-9; baseball teams had a 235-98 record, and his basketball teams were 262-102.

When he concluded his varsity coaching careers in 1945, George remained as Athletic Director until his retirement in 1963. George is credited with being the most major influence in establishing Bartlett athletic programs as one of the most competitive in Central Massachusetts.

Following his death in the early 1980’s, an athletic scholarship was established in his name. It is given annually to a Bartlett male student athlete at graduation.

George graduated from Tufts University in 1922 where he captained the hockey team, and played on their football and baseball teams. In his senior year at Tufts, major league baseball scouts followed George’s performances. He was given an opportunity to “train” with the St. Louis Browns (now the Baltimore Orioles).

But George wasn’t interested in the pay-for-play game, for he had his sights set on a teacher-coach career. He did play with profession teams outside of the major leagues, which eventually brought him to Webster. He became aware of a teacher-coach opening at Bartlett. The rest is history.

His coaching records are without parallel. He gave years of service to organizations dedicated to promoting a better America. All of the students and athletes benefited in some form, shape, or manner due to their association with a teacher among teachers, coach among coaches, and above all, a man amongst men.

The late George Finnegan’s wife is Gertrude. There are two daughters, Eleanor, 73, and Peggy, 66, and one son, Ronald, 68.