CALLING IT A COACHING CAREER — After 13 seasons, 166 victories and three state championships, Fred Apt has stepped down as Fryeburg Academy's varsity softball coach. Here, he celebrates a state title with fans. (Rivet Photo)

By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

An old friend of Fred Apt told him that he would know in his heart when the time was right to retire from coaching.

After 13 years as varsity softball coach at Fryeburg Academy, Coach Apt is retiring. He announced his decision to his players at a team meeting on Tuesday.

“I know the time was now. I’ve had a lot of fun and some great experiences over the years. It’s just time to pursue other things,” said Coach Apt, who won 166 games and turned the Raider program into a yearly contender for the state Class B title. Under his watch, the Raiders won five straight conference titles, and three state crowns.

When asked what meant the most to him, Coach Apt responded, “My interaction with the kids and my other coaches each day. I can’t really measure how much that time meant to me. It is an awesome thing to be able to teach kids life lessons and how to play the game the right way. I am sincere when I say this, it was a learning experience for me, as well. I’ve learned a lot from the kids over the years.”

His greatest reward is not the number of wins or state titles his clubs achieved, but knowing he made a difference in his players’ lives.

“When players tell me that through the time I spent with them it made a difference in their lives, that’s the greatest reward a coach can have,” he said. “Having a positive impact in their lives has always been my goal.”

Coach Apt said his decision “wasn’t made in a day” or “because I was mad.” He said, “I gave it a lot of thought prior to the season and realized the time has come. No question, I will miss it. I know it is time to move on. I have a boat and I love to fish. It is time to do other things.”