In just over seven years, Coach Robert Sturgis has reshaped the football program at Manchester Memorial High School, bringing renewed energy, increased participation, and a culture of dedication. Originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, Coach Sturgis joined Memorial as the head football coach after an impressive playing and coaching career. From high school football to playing for Norwich University to serving as the Offensive Coordinator at Ana Maria College, his journey to Manchester has left a lasting impact.
When Coach Sturgis first arrived at Memorial, the football team struggled with numbers, barely fielding 30 players. Today, that number has more than doubled to almost 80, a testament to the program’s growth under his leadership. This past season was a historic one for the Crusaders, they made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2003 and saw Coach Sturgis named runner-up for SI.com’s New Hampshire Coach of the Year.
Reflecting on the honor, where he trailed Manchester High School West’s Football Coach, Andrew Provencher, Sturgis remarked, “Crazy for both of us to get that many votes, but it’s cool that two city schools had such a great season this year.”
The team’s success is no accident. A strong emphasis on offseason training has set the tone for Memorial’s resurgence. When we visited Coach Sturgis on a Thursday after school, the weight room was buzzing with nearly 60 players, a testament to their dedication.
“A lot of hard work has put them in this position,” Sturgis said. “What I’m most proud of is them trusting the process it takes to win, showing up every day to lift weights and put in the work.”
Team captain and Manchester Memorial junior, Jacob Schuff echoed this sentiment, describing Coach Sturgis as a leader who pushes his players because he believes in their potential. “He’ll be tough on you, but it’s because he believes in you,” Jacob shared.
Team captain and Manchester Memorial junior, Janvelpena Ramirez added about Coach Sturgis, “He pushes us to be our best.”
Coach Sturgis is already looking ahead to next season. “We aren’t at the kids’ table anymore,” he said with a smile. “We’re at the teen table, and we want to be at the adult table as the team to compete against.”
Team captain Jacob added a confident message for the community: “Last season was not a fluke. We’re putting in the work.”
Coach Sturgis sees community support as a vital ingredient for the team’s continued success. “Show up to games,” he urged. “It’s a different feeling to play in front of your community than just your family. Although, we are lucky for our team’s family support!”
He also highlighted how the growth in school spirit is extending beyond the football field, with other sports programs at Memorial seeing increased participation. Athletics, he explained, are more than just competition, they teach life skills that extend to the classroom and beyond.
“Showing up to class shows you care,” Sturgis said, emphasizing the correlation between academic performance and athletic involvement.
It’s clear that Manchester Memorial High School is on the cusp of something special. With Coach Sturgis at the helm, the Crusaders have gone from underdogs to a rising force in New Hampshire football. As the team continues to grow and set its sights on new goals, one thing is certain: the Crusaders are a team to watch, and their community will play an integral role in their journey.
For Memorial, the future looks brighter than ever, thanks to the unwavering dedication of Coach Sturgis and his team.
