FALL RIVER — As a teacher at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, Judson Chapman's dedication and compassion for his students is unmatched.
His thought process as an assistant basketball coach extends further than just his call of duty as an academic physics teacher.
Now Chapman's hard work has paid dividends with a bigger role at the school.
The 2003 Somerset Berkley graduate was recently appointed as the new head coach for the Bengals boys basketball team, beginning this coming winter. Chapman replaces four-year head coach Tom Librera.
"I feel like this is what I've been working toward," he said. "Varsity sports is more in the public and you're responsible, not just like the kids performing well but building good character and be a leader through example. I have to make sure those chosen to coach with me have to do the same."
Chapman, 38, has coached four seasons — the last three years at the freshman level and one season as a junior varsity coach — at Diman. He also had coaching stints at Somerset Middle School and Talbot Middle School in Fall River. This is Chapman's first head coaching job.
"Coaching comes natural to me," Chapman said. "It is enjoyable and I feel I should have a positive influence on the players and build good relationships with them."
He takes over a Bengal team that has gone 17-41 in the last three seasons.
"I think the team has a lot of fight in them and some nights played up to their potential," Chapman said. "The kids do have talent. I'm going to bring to the program contemporary ideas on basketball strategy and how to transfer skill onto the court."
Chapman played small power forward for SBR when the Raiders made a run to the Division 2 state semifinals in 2003. His memory of playing inside the FleetCenter (1995–2005), now known as TD Garden, is still etched on his mind.
"The game itself went by so fast," Chapman said. "It's like when you get married, people tell you it is going to be the fastest night of your life. That was probably the second fastest of my life because it went by so quick. When you look up from the stands on the court, you can see the depth of the FleetCenter and going into the locker rooms. You actually felt you have done something, win or lose. It is something you'll will remember for the rest of your life.
"That was quite an experience. If I can help the kids experience something like that, it would be pretty meanful in my life to pass it on. Ultimately, I hope I can get these kids at some point down the road to make a run like that and experience something with me."
Chapman wants to revolutionize the offense that will be research-based on strategy, coaching and playing with hopes the kids are meeting their potential on a more frequent and consistence basis.
"The 3-point line, playing with speed and pace in which basketball has evolved is how I see it," he said. "Another way is how practice is going to be, less drills, more playing and putting kids in situations where they solve problems."
Chapman thanked his uncle, current Raiders boys tennis coach Doug Chapman, for his help during the interview process. He also has SBR head boys basketball coach Bob Slater to lean on.
One of the goals for the new Diman coach is making the Vocational Large tournament. Chapman said making the state tournament is another dream of his.
"We'll start with that and move forward from there," he said. "This is going to be an effort that probably won't turn over quickly. I'm excited to test out these ideas. I care about these kids and I see them everyday in the hallway."
Chapman currently resides in Fall River with his wife Kathleen and their three children Remington, 8, Beau, 5, and 8-month-old daughter Esme.
Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette sports editor Steven Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@heraldnews.com. You can follow him on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @Chezsports.
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