Talented team could clinch a third straight title
Published October 2, 2020
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—Deemed by the MIAA and other organizations as one of the safest sports to compete in this COVID world, high school golf was given an early green light to play over the summer, much to the delight of Melrose High, who returns on the heels of their second straight Freedom League title and first appearance at States in eighteen years. As they enter play this week, Melrose returns one of its strongest teams to date.
They kicked off their season on Tuesday at Mt. Hood against Burlington. And it was a win, the first varsity sport score recorded since February. Melrose prevailed over the Red Devils, 40.0-30.0
So, it’s all good news for this quad: the weather has been advantageous, they return three senior captains with statewide tourney experience, and they are the fortunate beneficiary of a few MHS football players, who boost this already-strong Red Raider squad. Leading the team this season are senior captains Quinn McCarthy, Will Pierce and Thomas Brodeur. All three made a serious mark on competition statewide. McCarthy and Pierce have served as a #1-#2 tag team for years and often swap the top spot. Says Melrose coach Rick McDermod, “These two are both quite talented and can go back and forth any time. Quinn is a great putter, Will a consistent ball striker. Both have quality golf ahead of them after high school should they choose to pursue it.”
Brodeur stunned the field last year when he became the North Sectional champ, so expect him to pick up where he left off. Of course, the landscape he and the team will compete in looks different. “There is no tournament or post season this year, so that’s disappointing,” the coach reports. “There will also be no Middlesex League Shootout, so this makes the season unusual. We’re entering this fall knowing things can change. We’re a cautious wait-and-see.”
Twenty-nine student athletes tried out this season, more than usual due to the postponement of other fall sports, like football. Melrose is on the receiving end of a few football players, who are straight off a Super Bowl winning season in 2019. It adds a little muscle to an already strong team. Among them is senior Brendan Fennell, the team’s senior quarterback who is already a presence on the team. For McDermod, it’s like hitting the lottery. “We’re lucky to have this kid. He’s a gifted athlete who just happened to very good at golf too.” Another football player, Charlie Haggerty, joins and should see starting time. Also new to the team is wrestling state champion Sean Thomas, who will bring a winning effort and attitude. Returning talent includes Anthony Delgenio, Andrew Izzi, Liam Gage, Gavin Donahue, Dom Lamentea and Brian Healy. McDermod is also excited about promising underclassmen Brendan Healey, Patrick Cotter, Roddy McGillicuddy and Jason Pino.
Expect the top spots to remain fluid but likely consist of Quinn McCarthy, Will Pierce, Brian Healy, Tom Brodeur and Brendan Fennell to start the season.
With the delay to the start of competition, expect Melrose to battle daylight issues in late October when competition winds down. But that is just a minor obstacle in a challenging world. The team still intends to earn another Freedom title. “We are familiar with the competition, and we know Wakefield will be a solid team this year. But, we’re ready.”
2020 MHS Varsity golf schedule
Week of Sept. 28
Melrose to host and travel to Burlington
Week of Oct. 5
Melrose to host and travel to Stoneham
Week of Oct. 12
Watertown (Home: 10/13 @ Bellevue, Away: 10/15)
Week of Oct. 19
Wilmington (Away: 10/19. Home 10/22 @ Bellevue)
Week of Oct. 26
Wakefield (Away: 10/26 Home 10/29 @ Bellevue)