MC Athletics

ATHLETICS

The Malden Catholic 2021-22 school year was filled with numerous outstanding individual and team accomplishments. This amazing year is even more memorable when taking into account the tremendous rebound after the pandemic year, which was filled with restrictions and limited schedules. The Lancers were ready to return to action when the season reopened, and the results speak for themselves.

RETURN TO ACTION

As the season opened, restrictions were lifted, and for the first time in over a year, Malden Catholic saw a full slate of action at MIAA competitions on the fields, courts and ice. The excitement experienced at each home event was palpable. It was also very special to see the monumental support of the entire community, as MC earned another consecutive MIAA Excellence in Sportsmanship acknowledgment at the MIAA Sportsmanship Summit held at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA.

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

Along with the first graduating class of MC girls, Malden Catholic’s female athletes and several of the girl’s programs made profound statements at the newly formed Girls Catholic Conference, as Lancers earned several conference titles and deep state tournament records.

Girls Indoor Track & Field had a phenomenal run with Coach Leone at the helm and hung Conference Banners. Several individuals and teams created legacy success stories by establishing both personal records and school records. Girls Basketball, under the leadership of Coach Keane, had a historic 21-2 run and finished a perfect 6-0 in conference action. The girls also saw a big win on the parquet floor at TD Garden defeating Cardinal Spellman. In the spring season, Coach LaRosa and the softball team took home the conference title finishing 13-7 overall and 6-1 in conference play during their second year of varsity action.

STATE CHAMPIONS

A year off from full competition during COVID-19 did not impact the success of the boys’ basketball program. The Lancers wrote a chapter in MC history by capturing the school’s first basketball MIAA DII State Championship. Led by Coach John Walsh '98, the team defeated Norwood High School at the UMass Lowell’s Tsongas Arena and finished the season 22-2 (8-2 in Catholic Conference play) and had home court throughout the Division II tournament, which resulted in earning #1 seed.

The Lancers surged into the tournament and knocked off Nauset High School, Agawam High School, North Quincy High School, and Scituate High School before defeating #7 Norwood High School in the title game and earned their State Championship hardware and championship rings with a police and fire escort through Malden.

NEW COACHES

We welcome the following new coaches to Crystal St. as they lead their teams into the 2022–2023 season of MC sports.

Joe Gaff returns as the Varsity Football coach. A successful history in the Catholic Conference will help bolster the gridiron crew on Donovan field this fall. A longtime MC swim coach, Gaff will remain in that role as well. Bailey Chiccuarelli will make the transition from assistant girls’ volleyball coach to the head role as the Lancers look to compete in the state tournament again this fall.

Seamus McGuire was named the Varsity Boys Lacrosse coach after serving as assistant coach to the Lancers last season and has the team heading in the right direction. Alexa Hingston will lead the Lancers on the ice. A very experienced and successful hockey player herself (AP, St. Anselm’s) and previous head coach at Reading High School, Coach Hingston will look to lead the girl’s hockey program to tournament action while returning a strong group of skaters.

Michael O'Connor, fresh off his retirement as both an MC teacher and boys golf coach, returned and made history as Malden Catholic added the first girl's golf program in school history. Made up of all underclassmen in their ’22 spring campaign, these Lancers are poised to be a strong program next season.

LANCER HONORS

It did not take long for Tony Felder ’22 to mark his place in MC history. With his first basket of the season, Tony became the eleventh individual at Malden Catholic to record 1000 points in their basketball career, finishing with 1576 points total. Student-athletes like Tony do not come around often. Named to the Top 5 Dream Team as one of the finest players in the state, Tony is a three time recipient of Boston Globe and Boston Herald All Scholastic Team and Catholic Conference All-Star honors. A standout performer since day one, when he arrived to play for then head coach Jim McCune, he will be remembered as one of the best athletes in the history of MC Basketball. He was a leader on the court who had an undying commitment to chasing his goals. On March 19th, 2022, he led his team with 38 points and accomplished one of his goals, bringing the first-ever, MIAA Division II State Championship home to Crystal Street. Tony embodies the values of the Xaverian Brothers' charism in his daily life: values of humility, trust, compassion, simplicity and zeal. Tony was the recipient of the 2022 Christie Serino Extraordinary Achievement Award.

OTHER STUDENT-ATHLETES RECEIVING RECOGNITION AT MC SENIOR AWARDS NIGHT INCLUDE:

The Bert Kenty Award was given to Nick Julian. Dr. Joseph Sullivan ’61 assisted Athletic Director Bill Raycraft in presenting this award for Nick’s ability to emulate the teachings of Coach Kenty by demonstrating his outstanding determination, perseverance and an unselfish performance in hockey. Nick was also the Catholic Conference recipient of the Boston Bruins Sportsmanship Award.

The Brother Myles McManus, C.F.X., Award was given to two students who exemplified outstanding personal performance and inspired those around them. The 2022 recipients were Vincent Carbone and Kylie Bragg.

The Outstanding Lancer Award recognizes student-athletes who work extremely hard at practice and in the games and make the MC community proud overall. This year, the Outstanding Lancer Award went to Christopher Gill and Khloe Camblin.

The Brother Stephen O’Donnell, C.F.X., Good

Sportsmanship Award is given to athletes who have a sense of fair play, concern for both teammates and opponents, a genuine appreciation for spirited competition and a sense of loyalty to MC. Two outstanding athletes earned this award, Charles Dilman and Brooke Langis.

The Richard Burns Unsung Hero Award went to two student-athletes who demonstrated leadership and top performance in their respective sports but may not have always received the recognition they deserved. This award was distributed to Nathan Ford and Elena Chronopoulos.

John A. Saragosa Award for Excellence in Athletics and

Scholarship is named for individuals who set a standard as scholar-athletes, top student-athletes and multi-sport athletes. This award was given to Samuel Sanzone and Madison Turner.

The Plus Ultra Student-Athlete Award is one of the highest honors bestowed at the Senior Awards Night and was presented to two students who earned accolades within the Catholic Conference and statewide recognition and demonstrated top performance in the classroom and in their respective fields of play. The 2022 recipients were Neil Harrington and Lily Mineo.

MALDEN CATHOLIC ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME RETURNS AND HONORS BROTHER DAN CREMIN, C.F.X., H’18

At MC’s Commencement, President Thornburg announced that the Malden Catholic Hall of Fame would be reignited after a hiatus and will return to recognize the first class of honorees since 2005. Mr. Thornburg also announced that the Malden Catholic Hall of Fame will be named in honor of a MC legend: the "Brother Daniel Cremin, C.F.X., H’18 Athletics Hall of Fame." An outstanding multisport athlete himself, Brother Dan will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the fall of 2022.

For a copy of the Hall of Fame nomination form, please reach out to the Athletic Department or email Athletic Director Bill Raycraft at raycraftw@maldencatholic.org. The selected honorees will be announced in the fall. This is a great opportunity to honor Malden Catholic and Girls Catholic student-athletes who have demonstrated extraordinary talent and successful results.

Student Athlete Spotlight

ETHAN TRACY '23

Sports:

Football and Basketball

Athletic Highlights:

Br. Kevin Kenny Freshman Athlete of the Year, ’22 Basketball State Champion

What traits define who you are?

Hardworking, Ambitious, Disciplined, Genuine, Leader, Compassionate, Loyal

What is your favorite subject in school? Why?

My favorite subject is Biology because I enjoy learning about the function, development and physiology of humans and animals. In college, I plan to major in health sciences.

What is your favorite book?

Carry On by Lisa Fenn is my favorite book because it is an inspiring story about friendship and resilience.

Your go-to meal is?

Tacos (hard shell) every time.

Who do you consider an inspirational leader?

Kobe Bryant was a disciplined, committed and hard-working athlete who gave 100 percent of his time and effort in everything he did both on and off the court.

What is a favorite quote of yours?

“Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.” - John Wooden

If you could have a meal with anyone (living or past), who would it be and why?

I would want to have a meal with Michael Jordan because he is the GOAT (greatest of all time), and I would like to discuss what it took for him to be great and stay there for so long.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I would like to be an orthopedic surgeon with 2 children and a dog.

If you could give advice to incoming students to MC, what would you tell them?

I would tell students to listen to their teachers and coaches, take advantage of what MC has to offer, don’t get into trouble and get involved in the community.

MADELYN RAGUCCI ‘23

Sports:

Varsity Field Hockey, Varsity Girls Lacrosse

Athletic Highlights:

I am the team captain and 3-year member of the Girls Lacrosse Team. I will be going into my fourth season with the team in the spring of my senior year. I am a one-year member of the Field Hockey Team, going into my second season as a Senior, and I am also a captain of the team.

What traits define who you are?

Kind, Thoughtful, Humorous, Energetic

What is your favorite subject in school? Why?

History is my favorite subject because I enjoy learning new topics and I find the topics to be very engaging and never dull. I also enjoy learning about past events and understanding how the events reflect our present modern world and the patterns that are displayed throughout time.

What is your favorite book?

My favorite book is Five Feet Apart by Racheal Lippincott, Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Laconis.

Your go-to meal is?

My go-to meal is a smoothie bowl.

Who do you consider an inspirational leader?

My brother is an inspirational leader to me. I have always looked up to him in life, especially in athletics, and learning from him how to be a better athlete on the field and throughout my life.

What is a favorite quote of yours?

A favorite quote of mine is a Bible verse from Deuteronomy 31:6 that says “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or in dread of them, for the LORD your God is the ONE who is going with you. He will not desert you or abandon you.”

If you could have a meal with anyone (living or past), who would it be and why?

If I could have a meal with anyone it would be with Robin Williams. I have watched his movies since childhood and loved every one of them since they always put a smile on my face. I believe that he would be a wonderful person to have conversation with.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years, I see myself as the CEO of a successful marketing company and on the list of Forbes 30 Under 30.

If you could give advice to incoming students to MC, what would you tell them?

It is important to understand that you are not alone. Starting at a new school can be nerve-wracking, and new students may feel a little anxious. It’s ok to feel that way because everyone else is either feeling the same way, or they have already experienced that emotion. Also, remember that feelings come and go, so the nerves will quickly go away. MC is a welcoming place, and your life will soon become filled with school, sports, clubs and friends. High school is going to be lots of fun and a wonderful time in your life!