Bill Tilden has retired as Old Rochester Regional High School’s athletic director after 15 years. (Photo courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55) 
Bill Tilden receives a ‘clap out’ from ORRHS students and staff on Friday, June 9. (Photo courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
MATTAPOISETT — Superintendent Michael S. Nelson announces that Bill Tilden has retired as Old Rochester Regional High School’s athletic director after 15 years.
Tilden started coaching cross country, indoor track and outdoor track at ORRHS in 1999. He has served as athletic director since 2008, while also continuing to coach.
Tilden’s impact on the school’s athletic programs is apparent. In his 15 years as athletic director, ORRHS teams have won nine state championships, including the first state championship for girls volleyball in 2021 and the golf team’s state championship in 2022. The school had won just two state championships in the 45 years before Tilden’s administration of the Athletic Department.
“‘We Are…OR!’ That was Bill’s favorite school cheer, when really, ‘He Is… OR!’ Thank you, Bill, for the last 15 years leading our Athletic Department to amazing heights,” ORRHS Principal Michael Devoll said. “Bill embodies greatness and will leave a legacy of both championships and friendships!”
Among his personal accolades, Tilden was named the Eastern Massachusetts Boys Outdoor Track Coach of the Year in 2011 by the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association, and the Division 4 Boys’ Indoor Track Coach of the Year in 2023 by the Boston Globe.
“Bill’s commitment to the Old Rochester Regional High School community and all of its athletic programs has been exceptional,” said Old Rochester Regional School Committee Chairperson Michelle Smith. “He’s served as a mentor to multiple groups of Bulldog student-athletes, both as athletic director and as a well-loved coach. His impact on our athletic programs will remain for a long time.”
“Bill has been the face of a very successful Bulldogs athletic program for the past 15 years,” said Superintendent Nelson. “He’s helped make this a highly decorated program, while also doing everything he could to support not only our student-athletes, but our school community as a whole.”
In addition to athletic director, Tilden served as ORRHS’ campus aide. He ensured student safety during lunch hours, offered words of encouragement during difficult times and more. He is described as being a constant source of warmth, kindness and guidance within the halls of the school. He provided an unwavering presence in the school community, and had a genuine concern for every student.
“It has been such an honor to work alongside Bill,” said ORRHS Assistant Principal Vanessa Harvey. “His integrity and genuine dedication are unmatched — he is irreplaceable. There is no doubt that the students and staff will miss Bill tremendously. Thankfully, he isn’t going too far!”
Tilden, who also owns a landscaping business in Marion, will remain as a member of the facilities team, leading its landscaping and grounds work. He will also continue to coach cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track at ORRHS.
The school is currently in the process of searching for a new athletic director.
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