Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Executive Director of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management Tom Ashe and team, Sheriff Nick Cocci, and City Councilor Kateri Walsh joined with Wellpoint General Manager Dave Morales and the 98.5 The Sports Hub Bruins Radio Network to honor longtime dedicated public service professional Stephen Athas who is one of our hometown heroes here in Springfield. Many friends, family members, coaches, colleagues, and supporters of Mr. Athas joined to help honor him today at Picknelly Field.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “Simply put, Steve/ Coach has helped out thousands of youths to believe, achieve, both on and off the field- he’s always gone the extra yard. He has been a quiet, behind the scenes leader, never looking for any accolades. Steve has coached, organized, and mentored thousands of Springfield youth. Steve, thank you for your dedication to Springfield’s youth for all these years.”
PBRM Director Tom Ashe states, “Steve has dedicated years to coaching and teaching, here in the City of Springfield, and is a great supporter of youth sports and recreation having organized recreational basketball, baseball, and soccer throughout the City. A well-deserved honor for our hometown hero. Congratulations, my friend, and thank you for what you do.”
Wellpoint, a health benefits company in Massachusetts, proudly recognized Steve Athas as an honoree in its Hometown Heroes program during a special celebration held at Picknelly Field. In partnership with 98.5 The Sports Hub Bruins Radio Network, this initiative celebrates the invaluable contributions of local first responders, teachers, military personnel, or other individuals in public service across Massachusetts, shining a spotlight on the everyday acts of dedication and kindness that strengthen our communities. Last year, Mayor Sarno and the Springfield Police Department joined with Wellpoint and 98.5 Boston Sports Hub to recognize Officer Nestor Santos from the Springfield Police Department as part of the Hometown Heroes Initiative. Today, we were proud to join in continuing this great initiative in honor of Steve Athas
Steve Athas is a true hometown hero whose decades of service have shaped generations in the Springfield community. For more than 50 years, including 48 years at Greenleaf Community Center, he has dedicated himself to supporting youth through sports, recreation, and mentorship.
“We are honored to recognize Steve Athas as a hometown hero whose lifelong commitment to supporting and mentoring youth has strengthened the Springfield community,” said David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint. “His decades of dedication have made a lasting impact on young people and families across the city. At Wellpoint, we’re proud to support the whole health of public servants like Steve and honor the role they play in helping communities thrive.”
In addition to his work with the Springfield Parks Department, Athas spent 35 years in Springfield Public Schools as a teacher and assistant principal. His lasting impact has earned him recognition in the Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame, and in 2024, the City of Springfield honored him by naming a street after him.
