June 31, 2015 – After a 1961 visit to Brewster Academy and introductions to Principal Burtis F. Vaughn Jr. and basketball coach Ed Murphy, Rome Aja was convinced that the energy of the two, coupled with the welcome he received from the Brewster community, could help lead him in the direction of his dream of becoming a teacher and coach. The Vermont native, who was a standout basketball player in the small town of Barre, enrolled for a postgraduate year at Brewster.
“Rome had many accomplishments during his time at Brewster,” Lawlor began, “but he recalls being named captain of the varsity basketball team the most memorable because he was just so proud to wear the Brewster jersey and have the opportunity to lead his peers. That season, Rome was the team’s leading scorer, and his play on the floor attracted attention from several college recruiters.”
After graduation, Rome returned to his home state and put together an incredible career for the Norwich University Cadets as a three-year starter. Senior year, he was recognized as an All-State performer for the colleges in Vermont and played in an all-star game in the historic Boston Garden. Upon graduation from Norwich, Rome served two years of active duty in the U.S. Army followed by 10 years with the National Guard. Meanwhile, Rome continued to pursue his dream of being a high school teacher and coach and that became a reality when he landed his first job at Montpelier High School where he taught history and coached basketball and track. After a few years as an assistant, Rome took over as the head coach of the track and field program, and in his 23 years as head coach, he led the team to eight state championships and, at one point during his tenure, had a five-year win streak. Rome retired in 1999, and in 2003 was inducted into the Vermont Principals’ Association Hall of Fame.
He has taken his talent and passion for coaching to the Special Olympics and also offers private, complimentary basketball lessons to the children of his former students.
“I first came to Brewster 54 years ago this month. Hoping to get a chance and have a school that believed in me. … Everyone needs a footprint in life, and Brewster gave me that chance. I am forever, ever indebted to you.”
“You don’t get here without a lot of help,” he acknowledged, thanking his parents, brother, teammates, and classmates. He also joked that his never-ending interest and passion in Bobcat Nation is driving some of those same people nuts as he attempts to keep up with and follow the progress of every Brewster Bobcat basketball player in college and the NBA.
He concluded, “Brewster Academy please continue your mission to listen to young people and their dreams of the future just as Mr. Vaughan and Mr. Murphy did for me so many years ago. Dreams can come true.”
“To my family, my friends, my teammates, my classmates, Class of 1962, this Hall of Fame Award is for all of you.”
