Known to all who live in Hopkinton and probably beyond, Scott Mackin is a loved, admired and respected living legend.
Developmentally disabled, Mackin is a pillar of Hopkinton schools and town communities. And when it comes to athletics, the lifelong Hopkinton resident is a manager of three sports, a motivator who knows how to get fans cheering for the games, and a referee for the Special Olympics games at school.
The 53-year-old began earning his stripes at the age of 13, signing on as manager for the Hopkinton Hiller football team. Forty years later, Mackin is still going strong. Adding to his accomplishments, in 2001 he joined the Hiller baseball and boys basketball programs.
And as for stripes, for the past 10 years he has worn the traditional referee uniform to ensure everyone plays fairly at the annual Special Olympics game on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Regulations mandate Mackin wear the ref shirt to distinguish him from the players, but whether or not he is wearing his black-striped uniform, people in town would recognize him anywhere.
“He brings such positive energy to the games and makes everyone feel good about themselves,” said Hopkinton High School Athletic Director Dee King. “The students enjoy being with him, taking him to the games and the movies.”
The one-man entertainer gets the fans excited about the games, especially when it comes to the roller-coaster cheer. The attendees follow Mackin’s circular moves as they all enjoy mimicking the carnival ride to show their support for the teams.
Not much stops the man with boundless enthusiasm. Whether it’s varsity or JV, Mackin is there. His constant smile, energy and enthusiasm for Hiller athletics, and the people of Hopkinton is remarkable.
For four decades, students, athletes, coaches and friends have passed his legend from class to class.
“It’s a privilege to be part of Scotty’s world,” said King. “He reminds staff, students and players that’s it’s all about having fun.”
Anyone who has met Mackin knows he has never had a bad day. Every day he spends running multiple athletic teams, and interacting with the people of Hopkinton is all he needs.
Down through the annals of the High School's sports teams, there have been many legendary managers and coaches typically responsible for one sport. Mackin takes charge of three.
He is known by many names, chief among them manager, referee, motivator and "Scotty Claus" at Christmas time.
“In his mind he is the head coach and calls himself the Big Boss,” said Jay Golden, the coach of the freshman boys basketball and baseball teams, as well as a special education teacher at Hopkinton High School. “During basketball games, Scott keeps his own personal charts and shares them with the coaches at halftime of the freshman and varsity games. During drills he passes the balls to the players.
“There is nobody like him anywhere,” Golden added. “I can’t imagine a day without him.”
The loved, admired and respected living legend is the best-known person in town and the essence of Hopkinton Hiller sports.
Send suggestions for the "Good to Know" column to Kathy Uek at uekstories@gmail.com.