On September 29, the Old Saybrook community came together to honor the legacy of Richard Bourn, known for his years of dedication to Old Saybrook High School through volunteering his time to help however he could at sports games and practices. He captured moments on the sideline and portrayed each and every athlete in a special manner. Bourn, who passed away on August 31, 2025, had an incredible impact on the Old Saybrook community, a fact which was apparent in the impressive show out to the renaming ceremony, where the field was renamed in his honor. This touching show of remembrance didn’t go unnoticed by members of the community. Freshman at Old Saybrook High School, and a member of the varsity girls soccer team, Nadia Roslonek noted the unification of the community, and what it would have meant to Mr. Bourn. She stated, “So nice seeing so many people here for one guy, I just wish he could be alive to see how many people love him.” Roslonek and many others participated in this ceremony in various ways, with its incorporation of student athletes being a highlight of the event. Standing behind the podium was the entire boys soccer team and standing in the bleachers were members from every single team that Old Saybrook has to offer in their jerseys.
Bourns’ impact was felt in many different groups of the community, as apparent in the numerous coaches, parents, and teachers in attendance at the event in his honor. Sam Barnes, a coach of Old Saybrook Boys Soccer for 30 years, was one of coaches in attendance, speaking on what an incredible gift it was to know a man such as Mr. Bourn. Barnes described him as being like no other, a person so rare in gift and abundant in selflessness. He noted, “There’s good people, there’s great people, and then there was Mr. Bourne.” His incredible essence was truly captured by the touching renaming of the field, to be sure, but the show of love from the community was what truly reached every corner of the community.
The renaming of the field was not only to honor the work he has done for our community, but to ensure athletes can take a quick glance at the scoreboard, no matter what the numbers may read, and remember the lessons Mr. Bourn has taught each and every one of them. Old Saybrook High School Athletic Director Brendan Saunders spoke to the lasting impact that his remembrance will have of athletes, stating “Even though he wasn’t a coach, Mr. Bourn taught our athletes lessons that will go far beyond the playing field.”
