Holliston May 2016

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Page 20 Local Town Pages www.hollistontownnews.com May 2016 Sports Holliston Boys Lacrosse Aims to Move Ahead this Season By Christopher Tremblay The Holliston boy’s lacrosse team is looking to improve upon last year’s 5-13 season under first year coach Anthony Karpouzis. The team lost some talented seniors from last year’s squad and will find themselves very young entering this year’s campaign. Providing Quality Work For Over 30 Years! Fully licensed and insured Roofing • Carpentry • Plastering • Kitchens • Gutters Painting • Tile Work • Other Call Us Today for a FREE “No Pressure” Quote! Your Roofing, Gutter, and Carpentry Specialist Office: 508-660-2588 Cell: 508-596-9478 Fax: 508-660-7075 www.firstclassconstructionandremodeling.com “Honestly, I know that we are a young team, with only 7 or 8 seniors, but our goal is to be the best that we can be,” the new Panther Coach said. “We may even find ourselves playing spoiler for some as the year goes on, but our ultimate goal is to get into the tournament.” Although early in the season the Panthers find themselves sitting at 1-2 through the first three games. In its most recent contest Holliston caught Wayland off guard and went into the half with a 5-4 lead, but eventually fell 8-6. “We play in the Tri-Valley League with a lot of heavy teams,” Karpouzis said. “I’m still unfamiliar with all the teams, but the tournament is on our radar. If we surprise a few in addition to winning the games that we should, we’ll not only have a fun season, but one that ends up in the tournament.” Karpouzis sees his team more as a defensive squad that plays every game tough; the offense is starting to come together and make this team a well rounded one. Leading the Panthers are its quad captains in senior Zack Spering (a well rounded defender who does everything) and juniors First-year coach Anthony Karpouzis plans to make the most of Holliston’s young lacrosse team’s great defensive skills while sharpening its offense this year. Ben Salley (the team’s tough guy, the enforcer who brings a edge), Nate Haywood (text book and analytical) and Dalton Ring (midfielder). According to the coach, each captain beings a different aspect to the game. As he mentioned earlier, Karpouzis believes that at this time in the season the defense is the focal point giving the Panthers a solid beginning to success. The defense begins but also ends with sophomore goalie William “Wayne” Celorier. “Wil is a big kid who covers a lot of net; he’s very vocal and has great reflexes,” the coach said. “He’s good at what he does. He’s not shy about bringing the ball up field and is a very big asset to this team, especially being only a sophomore.” Offensively, Holliston will look to senior attack Ryan Jensen, junior midfielders Ring, who is also one of the team’s faceoff specialist, and Ryan Vazza, the one who brings the lumber. Karpouzis will also lean heavily on senior Nick Skarmeas and junior Mike Alibrandi for offensive support. One other key cog to the team’s success will be junior attack man Sam Goldberg. “He’s a ranked wrestler with a low center of gravity that brings a different aspect to the game,” the coach said. “He’s not only solid, but one hell of an athlete.”
May 2016 Local Town Pages www.hollistontownnews.com Page 21 Baker Now Holliston’s A.D. Without ‘Interim’ Label Sports By Ken Hamwey The process took five weeks, but in the end, the “interim’’ label no longer applies to Matt Baker, who’s been Holliston’s athletic director since last August. The 37-year-old Baker became the Panthers’ A.D. through 2018 after interviews with a 10-member search committee and later with three principals, and after a public forum where he answered a variety of questions. “I’m thrilled to be on board without the “interim label,’’ said Baker who was selected from a pool of numerous candidates. “This is the outcome I hoped for, and we’re already deep into the planning for next year.’’ Last August, Baker was selected on an interim basis to replace Craig Najarian, who took the A.D. post at Catholic Memorial. A former Ashland High three-sport star, Baker earned a Bachelors degree from Assumption College where he majored in communications. He later earned his Masters degree from Framingham State in public administration. Baker, who is married, has four children and lives in Holliston, has some specific goals for the future. “I’d like to see participation numbers increase for some teams, find ways to improve some of our facilities, continue to assemble a top-notch staff and maintain the success that many of our squads have achieved,’’ he said. In his first few months on the job last year, Baker was at the helm of an ultra-successful autumn season. Five of the Panthers nine varsity teams competed in tournaments and the football contingent once again brought home a Super Bowl crown. The winter campaign didn’t quite measure up to the fall but the boys’ basketball team finished 10-10 and split a pair of tourney games after a 1-19 season a year ago. Combining the fall and winter seasons, Holliston has played host to seven MIAA tournament games so far. Holliston currently has 27 varsity sports with three of them — gymnastics, swimming and girls ice hockey — competing as co-op ventures. Skiing could become the Panthers’ 28th varsity offering. “There has been some interest and we’re looking into skiing as a possible addition,’’ Baker said. “Joining another school as a co-op team may be the way to go.’’ Since taking the A.D. reins, Baker has hired five new coaches (cheerleading, boys’ lacrosse, boys’ hockey, boys’ indoor and outdoor track and baseball). And, there’s little doubt that the recently-hired coaches and any future appointees will understand their roles when participation is the topic. “To increase our numbers, it’s important to reach out to youth programs,’’ Baker emphasized. “There’s got to be a connection with the coaches at the youth level. We also have to promote youth nights and inform parents of what’s ahead. Also, we can increase participation by publicizing our programs to middle school students and by using our current student-athletes to promote their sport to classmates.’’ Bakers hopes to keep athletic fees, which are $225 across the board, steady and stable. “We want to keep fees manageable for families and we would never deny a student the opportunity to compete,’’ Baker said. “Fees have become a necessary evil, but we’ll strive to keep them stable.’’ Baker previously worked for two college athletic departments — Framingham State University and Mass. Bay Community College. At Framingham State, where he worked for 12 years, he directed the intramural program and was in charge of the recreation center. He also dealt with varsity sports programs, monitored the equipment room and served on a variety of athletic committees. Before arriving at Holliston, Baker was the associate A.D. at Mass. Bay in Wellesley where he was responsible for scheduling and eligibility. He also was an academic advisor and served on New, permanent HHS A.D. Matt Baker says he will strive to increase player numbers by connecting with youth programs and keeping playing fees steady for pressed families. many college committees. Baker says that being an A.D. at the high school level differs from college in a very distinct way. “There’s more interaction with the students and there’s definitely more of a feeling of community,’’ Baker said. “There’s more opportunities to be involved with students’ activities.’’ Baker’s father, Dennis, currently is in his second stint as A.D. at Bellingham High, often has been a great resource. It’s that link that no doubt has prepared him well for his role at Holliston. “Some of the key attributes for being a good A.D. are patience, organization, flexibility, objectivity and being a good listener,’’ Matt Baker said. Words to live by in a position that is challenging and constantly changing. REBATES* (up to) Oil Gas AC $1900 $3500 $1150 Limited Time Offer Great Financing, 0% interest for 84 months* Gas, Oil and AC Equipment Sales & Service 888-818-2028 www.coanoil.com *Rebates and financing provided by and subject to Mass Save restrictions and limitations
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