To say that Natick High’s athletic teams produced good results during the 2015-16 school year would be a huge understatement. Give the Redhawks’ squads straight-A’s in each of the three seasons.
Consider this statistic—Natick High currently has 31 varsity teams and 25 of them qualified for post-season activity after the fall, winter and spring campaigns. That number translates to 81 percent of all of Natick’s varsity teams extending their seasons into the playoffs.
“Our success for the 2015-16 school year was the best we’ve had in my six years as athletic director,’’ said Tim Collins. “The combined effort of our boys and girls teams gave us lots of visibility in tournaments. And, we’re pleased with the participation rates for each season. It’s about 60 percent of the student body.’’
When the regular season concluded in the fall, Natick had eight of its 10 varsity teams preparing for tournaments and meets. The eight squads that qualified were golf, girls soccer, girls volleyball, football, girls and boys cross-country, girls swimming and cheerleading. Individual honors in the fall went to junior Tom Downing, the Bay State Conference champ in golf, and freshman Grace Connolly, who finished sixth in the Division 2 All-State Cross-Country Meet.
“Our fall teams competed hard,’’ Collins said. “I was traveling to tourney games one right after the other. There were times when we had conflicts with two events scheduled on the same day. Hats off to our coaches and student-athletes who displayed great dedication, excellence and commitment.’’
The winter season was more of the same—nine of Natick’s 11 varsity teams had dates in the playoffs. The nine squads that qualified were boys and girls ice hockey, girls basketball, wrestling, girls and boys track, girls and boys skiing and girls gymnastics.
Two teams that put an exclamation point on winter competition were the boys ice hockey squad and the girls basketball contingent.
The boys finished 15-4-1 in the regular season and their victory over Wellesley clinched the Herget Division championship. The girls, led by Justine Gaziano who’ll play basketball at Brown next year, overcame numerous early-season injuries, finishing at 12-8. But that was just the start of the excitement. Coach Dan Hinnenkamp’s group defeated Acton-Boxboro, Algonquin and Wachusett to win the Sectional crown. The Redhawks then downed Chicopee Comprehensive in the state semifinals before bowing in the state title game to Bishop Feehan.
In track, Myles and Lucas Holt won individual and relays titles and competed in the nationals in New York City.
“What was unbelievable about the winter playoffs was we played on the first day of the post-season and also competed on the last day,’’ Collins noted. “It was a great time for the entire community. Townspeople got behind our teams and we had dozens of spectator buses. Lots of credit goes not only to the coaches and student-athletes, but also to volunteers and booster clubs.’’
The spring season ended with eight of 10 varsity teams rolling into the playoffs. The squads included girls and boys lacrosse, boys and girls tennis, boys volleyball, girls and boys track and sailing. The boys tennis teams compiled an admirable 12-6 regular season record and the boys 4x400 relay team (Myles and Lucas Holt, Brian Holihan and Matt Walak) finished first at the New England track meet, setting a school record in a time of 3:18.25.
“Spring can be a tough time for coaches and players,’’ Collins emphasized. “Both have to deal with a variety of events and situations other than sports. Games have to be scheduled around the prom, the senior trip and graduation. The coaches and the athletes did very well maintaining concentration and keeping their competitive abilities at a high level.’’
Collins also lauded the work of Natick’s athletic trainer, Aimee Mendoza, and office assistant Kathy Larkin. “Aimee has been with us a long time and her role has changed, especially in dealing with concussions,’’ Collins said. “She has lots of responsibility. And, Kathy has been with us since 2010, fulfilling so many administrative roles.’’
Although Collins is quick to credit others for Natick’s amazing year, he, too, deserves mention for his leadership and guidance.
The 46-year-old administrator is a Walpole High and Bates College graduate who later earned his master’s in education from Suffolk University. He taught English at Walpole High and also was boys’ basketball head coach and an assistant in track. He later worked as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Babson College before joining the Natick faculty as an English teacher and boys varsity basketball coach.
“Natick is a town rich in athletic tradition and there’s little doubt that its residents provide lots of support for our coaches and athletes,’’ Collins emphasized.
The source of Natick High’s athletic success in 2015-16 came from many avenues. But, as the school year concluded, it seemed like all roads led to tournament venues.
Issue Date:
June, 2016
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