We received the following from Wellesley resident Ryan Marshall, who was an assistant running coach at Wellesley High School in recent years:
An era ended quietly this summer and athletes and parents at Wellesley High School may be wondering “what happened” when fall workouts start. I can’t answer the “why?”, but middle and long distance runners at WHS will no longer have the privilege of being coached by the beloved and the ever-loving Coach Lou Pearlman. Known affectionately around the Bay State Conference as “Sweet Lou,” Coach Pearlman wrapped up an 18 year career as a coach for Wellesley’s boys and girls harriers and indoor and outdoor distance runners.
For Lou, coaching was the end to which all other means led. He worked his day job to support his coaching habit. He lived and breathed the culture of his team and treated his athletes like they were his own flesh and blood. In his time at Wellesley High Lou coached regionally ranked athletes and annually qualified teams and individuals to the highest level of competition in New England. His style was old school: sweat-pants and long, hilly, fartlek runs. His relationships with his athletes were loving, caring, and optimistic. Lou did everything in his power to see the best in every athlete.
Many of you know him; I know because whenever I sit at Peet’s or Maugus you’re interrupting our rendezvous to say hello to him, and he gladly responds. He can’t walk his dogs through town without bumping into someone he knows well. To say it’s unfortunate that the high school community will lose him is a massive understatement. I am consoled knowing that he’ll continue to live in our town.
My hat is off to Coach Pearlman for an outstanding career at WHS. Lou, I wish you well at whichever lucky school picks you up. I know ADs are lining up to have you.
Keep your shoelaces tied! Well done, Coach Lou Pearlman!
I can say pretty plainly that Pearlman initiated my love of running. I grew up watching him coach my siblings and remember being so excited to finally be on his team freshman year. Once I entered WHS, I got to experience first-hand the sheer compassion that Pearlman has for the team and the sport. Through his humor and ever-present smile he always connects with the athletes, and his lessons extended beyond the track. You can’t think of Pearlman without a smile creeping over your face. Truly a legend for the WHS XC/Track teams! Good luck and thanks for pushing me through all those miles, Pearlman!
-Billy Littlefield ’09