THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026 Page 11 ily owned Reliable Heating, is now a social worker in Maine. Sal often sees the Merullo’s, dad Joe and son Mike, at the reunions. He also attends Endicott College men’s basketball games with them to watch their grandson and nephew Matt Boen play for the Gulls the last few winters. Matt will be a senior on this year’s team. Joe’s daughter, Michele, is Matt’s mom. Joe, better known as the Ageless Wonder, was a physical education teacher at Revere High School throughout the eighties after being a legendary athlete in the city. The University of Michigan graduate also served as the Jewish Community Center’s athletic director. It was located on Nahant Avenue. He still resides in the Point of Pines section of the city, while son Mike, who played baseball and basketball at the high school, lives in Reading with his family. During the 1980s, there were so many other personalities in Revere that also made sports so much fun to cover for a newbie reporter. In the fi rst couple of years, you had Coach Jim Palumbo’s boys hockey team that had the Restiano brothers, Larry and Andy, as two of its stars. Longtime RHS athletic director and football coach Silvio Cella stepped away from the gridiron in 1983. His son Mike then succeeded his dad as the team’s head coach a couple of years later. Revere also had legendary baseball coaches. Al Blasi headed up the high school Former Revere High School diminutive point guard Sal Bottari (Class of 1987) looks for an open man during a Greater Boston League game against Everett in the mid-1980s. (Courtesy photo) team, and Senior Babe Ruth coach Peter DiCarlo had many of his players in the summer. During this decade, American Legion baseball came back to the city. Mike Cristiano was its fi rst coach. There was also legendary RHS softball coach Joe Nichinello, who guided the likes of Jen Wells, Lisa Orlandello and Chris Craig to deep runs in the state tournament annually. The RHS track teams were well-staff ed with the likes of Steve Pavey, Tim Lorden and Frank Gallagher. The school’s boys and girls gymnastics teams were in good hands with Dave and Ann Montani at the helm. Together, the personable couple put the program on the map statewide for many years. And don’t forget Eddie Leyden’s girls basketball teams that dominated the Greater The 1982 McKinley School boys basketball team poses for a photo after winning the Junior High School championship. It was an era of competitive basketball in the city, and these battles meant a lot to the participants. The McKinley boys are, from left, front row, Joey Benenati, Brian Carrabes, Sal Bottari, Brian Cassidy and coach Peter DiGiulio. Second row, Dennis Blanchette, Mario Cimino, Jimmy Alllison and Tom Rossi. Third row, Michael Segein, Carmen Guarracino, Billy Myers and Bobby Cardillo. (Courtesy photo) Boston League, coming out on top three times. At one point, they had won 44 out of 45 league games. The likes of Kim Kelley, Melissa Moore, Patrice Misiano, Diana Odoardi, Joanna Leone and Robyn Vincent, along with the aforementioned Wells, were responsible for that dominance. There are so many more personalities and stories to mention, but space prohibits singling them out individually. But suffi ce to say, the memories are etched in my mind forever. Thank you, Sal Bottari, for reassuring me on the impact that I might have had among your peers all these years later. Revere Fall teams ready to turn potential into progress By Dom Nicastro T he fall sports season has arrived at Revere High, and with it comes a familiar combination of optimism, opportunity and plenty of new faces. For the Patriots’ girls volleyball and girls cross country programs, the 2026 season will be about developing the next wave of athletes while leaning on a handful of experienced returnees to lead the way. Volleyball enters the fall following another 15-win season and state tournament appearance, while girls cross country is almost entirely new after graduating the runners who helped anchor the program in recent seasons. Volleyball rebuilding after 15-win season Calling this a rebuilding season might be technically accurate for the Revere volleyball team, but head coach Emilie Clemons already sees enough from her new group to believe the Patriots can remain competitive. Revere finished 15-5 last fall and reached the Division 2 state tournament after going 10-3 in Greater Boston League play late in the regular season. The Patriots graduated eight seniors from that group, including Samantha Indorato, Basma Sahibi, Sara Brown, Susan Lemus Chavez, Dayana Ortega, Isabella Arroyave, Samarah Meristal and Jade Dang. That is a lot of varsity experience to replace. “Last year, we graduated eight seniors, who were all veteran players, so I was worried this might be a bit of a rebuilding year,” Clemons said. “However, after having a couple days of practice, I believe that we will be able to compete well against good teams, especially as we continue to develop throughout the season.” Revere got its fi rst opportunity to work together against outside competition during a preseason scrimmage against Methuen. The Patriots will be led by captains Anna Doucette, Sarah Lechheb and Rebecca “Becca” Mercado. Doucette gives Clemons an especially valuable veteran presence. The senior setter has played on varsity for the previous three seasons. “She is a great all-around player and leader,” Clemons said. Senior Sofia Guzman also returns after playing varsity last season and is expected to emerge as one of Revere’s primary hitters. REVERE FALL | SEE Page 19
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