Winkin is not slowed by change> Despite pain of firing, coach keeps striving

Veteran baseball coach John Winkin sat down with NEWS sportswriter Pete Warner to talk about life after the University of Maine, his new position at Husson College, and staying young.

You’ve been at Husson for 18 months. How are you adjusting to life after the University of Maine?

“It was a deep hurt, and I doubt if I’ll ever get over it, in a way. Fortunately, thanks to Bill Beardsley, Husson came along. That was a great stroke of fortune, that it came as quickly as it did… I knew right away that was a good fit for me. The nice thing here is, there is enough competitive about it to replace, to some degree, the fire that you have as a head coach. I don’t think anything matches that, of course.”

What do you miss most about being a head coach?

“You cannot be as competitive as I am and not miss it. I’m thankful to be in baseball, and I’ve learned to adjust. I miss the Division I level of competition. I miss being a big player in it like I was. I loved the pressure.”

How did spending 56 months in the U.S. Navy’s Pacific fleet during World War II change you?

“My life was at stake every day. It made me tougher. When my wife died of cancer, when my daughter ran away, when I got fired at Maine, I could handle all that because [the war] taught me how to handle life.”

What are your duties as Husson’s Fellow in Sports and Leadership?

“I’ve been involved in putting on the symposium and the leadership weekend coming up. What we’re trying to do is work with people in leadership roles in athletics in the state of Maine, get them involved, and serve them. I’m involved in teaching in the Sports Management program and advising students in that. Whatever the president [Beardsley] seems to feel in sports that fits my cup of tea, he brings me in and either asks for my advice or I get involved in some way.”

How does your position reflect Husson’s philosophy on athletics?

“I think Husson accepts that athletics is an important part of the college experience, but I see the potential for Husson to play a more significant role. Does it want to stay at the same level it’s at, or does it want to be at a higher, more competitive level? What kind of image is it looking for in athletics? Take baseball. Husson, with a little more pitching and a little more hitting, can certainly be above a Division III. And if USM can win the national championship in Division III, it can be a level above it. I’m in a position to say we ought to think about that. My life has been spent only to win, to be the best.”

How might new or improved athletic facilities fit that philosophy?

“I’m involved in looking at Husson and examining where it should go in terms of its facilities and how we might better fit the needs of the students. Facilities is one part of it, but you also have to have a vision with your academic program and your athletic program.”

You turn 79 in July. What are the keys to your longevity and your ability to remain productive?

“I guess I’ve always appreciated the importance of taking care of myself. I don’t drink, don’t smoke. I just have cereal at breakfast and very little lunch, then I eat one good meal every day, and my share of ice cream. I thrive on being active, mentally and physically. I think that’s important. I run an hour. That’s fulfilling for me. Every single day I run, I’m thankful that I can run that day.”

What do you see yourself doing five years from now?

“I can’t see myself stopping. I would go absolutely out of my mind. I’d like to find a way to keep active. You know that it can’t go on forever, but I guess the best thing is to not worry about what’s ahead, live it the best you can, enjoy what you can, and be thankful every day.”