Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, DECEmbEr 6, 2024 Saugus athletics director Matthew Serino refl ects on fall success, looks ahead to winter By Dom Nicastro I n his first season as Saugus High School athletics director, Matthew Serino has already seen promising progress across the school’s sports programs. From competitive fall campaigns to the anticipation of a strong winter season, Serino highlighted the commitment and growth of athletes, coaches and the broader Saugus 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! community in an interview with the Saugus Advocate. Fall recap: building momentum across programs While the Saugus Sachems football team faced challenges this fall, Serino commended the consistency and effort demonstrated by Head Coach Steve Cummings and his staff. “Football is a long season. You start in mid-August and go all the way to Thanksgiving,” Serino said. “What I’ve loved seeing is the consistency and the kids showing up every day, working their butts off.” With a young roster, the team gained invaluable experience this season that sets the stage for future success. Serino also praised the leadership of the assistant coaches who played key roles in motivating the athletes and keeping the team competitive. “The growing pains they’ve faced will only benefit them next season,” he added. The clear standout prowww.810bargrille.com Cedar impression half rounds gram this fall was girls’ soccer, led by first-year head coach April Martinez. The team excelled, earning a No. 9 seed in the Division 3 state tournament and advancing to the Sweet 16. Serino noted the legacy of strong leadership within the program, crediting former coaches Ted Martinez (coach’s father) and Chris Coviello for building a foundation of success. “April came in and finetuned what Chris worked so hard to put in place. She added her own twist, and the girls bought in quickly,” said Serino. At one point, the Sachems were ranked as high as No. 5 in the state, competing against top-tier teams like Danvers. “They tied Danvers, one of the top teams in the state, and were actually leading 2-0 at one point,” Serino said. “This team has become the picture-perfect definition of what you want a program to be.” Serino emphasized the team’s camaraderie and leadership, saying, “This group of girls does all the little things right. They lead by example, and their success is a reflection of that.” Winter preview: excitement builds across programs As winter sports gear up, Serino is optimistic about participation numbers and program growth. “We already have over 100 athletes signed up (as Matthew Serino SHA Athletic Director of Thanksgiving week), and I expect that number to double as tryouts begin,” he said. Boys and girls basketball, wrestling, cheerleading and indoor track remain strong staples of the Saugus winter sports lineup, with gymnastics joining as a new offering through a co-op with Winthrop. The basketball programs, led by alumni Joe Bertrand (boys) and Joe Lowe (girls), SERINO | SEE PAGE 6 Monogram D4 Double siding Harvey Vinyl 66 Replacement Windows Custom Aluminum Trim work Windows & Doors Top quality Vinyl Siding! •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Roofing •Free Estimates •Replacement Windows •Fully Licensed •Fully Insured
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