Roy Wentworth Retires After 46 Years at Norwich Free Academy

Roy Wentworth, the athletic director at Norwich Free Academy (NFA), has retired after an impactful 46-year career that included hiring over 200 coaches. His tenure, which began in 1980, saw him navigate various roles as a student, coach, teacher, and administrator. On his final day, the Wildcats boys basketball team honored him with a memorable victory over Griswold, marking a fitting close to his remarkable journey.

Reflecting on his time at NFA, Wentworth expressed a deep sense of gratitude. “Being the athletic director here, it’s a very humbling experience,” he stated. “I still can’t believe that was my job.” His career trajectory, from a small school in New Hampshire to helping NFA achieve its first wrestling state championship, demonstrates a profound commitment to the community.

From Student to Leader

Wentworth’s story is intertwined with that of Carl Snitkin, a significant figure in his life who passed away in 2018. Snitkin started the NFA wrestling program in 1974, transforming it into one of the state’s most successful teams. Under his mentorship, Wentworth grew from a “lost and scared” 14-year-old to a senior wrestler on the 1983 state championship team. “Carl Snitkin made people like me who were born different in many ways… he made us believe that we could achieve,” Wentworth recalled. “We did not ever want to disappoint that man.”

Snitkin’s legacy is evident in NFA’s numerous accolades, including 13 Eastern Connecticut Conference (ECC) crowns and nine Class LL state championships. His influence extended beyond wrestling, as he served as a role model, demonstrating how hard work leads to success. Wentworth described Snitkin as a “living example” of dedication, stating, “This man was a living example of how hard work gets you successful and that was easy to buy into.”

Wentworth’s career at NFA encompassed various roles, including coaching wrestling, football, and girls’ golf, as well as teaching anatomy, physiology, and biology. His passion for education and athletics has left a lasting mark on the institution. “NFA is everything,” he said. “It’s the people, the institution, the traditions, and our uniqueness.”

Challenges and Achievements

Over the years, Wentworth faced numerous challenges, including the impact of the global pandemic in 2020 and 2021. He described the role as rewarding yet demanding, often requiring difficult conversations with stakeholders. “It has its moments,” he noted. “It’s a very rewarding and fulfilling job, but there are times when you’ve got to tell people things that they don’t want to hear.”

Among his proudest achievements were witnessing the success of teams and individual athletes. He celebrated the ECC and state championships, personal bests, and milestones such as 100 wins and 1,000 points. “Watching the teams, coaches, and athletes succeed is what brought me the greatest rewards,” he stated.

As Wentworth hands over the reins to Chris Guisti, the new athletic director, he reflects on the legacy he leaves behind. “Chris and I have been working together… I learned lots of things on the fly,” he shared, expressing confidence in Guisti’s ability to lead NFA’s athletic department.

Looking back on his career, Wentworth acknowledged the profound impact NFA has had on his life. “NFA is a huge part of my identity,” he said. “I love this school. I can’t tell you in any other way. I love every part about it.”

As he departs, he leaves behind more than just keys to the athletic director’s office; he leaves a legacy of dedication, inspiration, and a deep connection to the NFA community that he has cherished for over four decades.