By DAN ZIMMERMAN
In high school football, it is common practice for high-caliber athletes to play both sides of the ball, offense and defense. It requires a great deal of skill and versatility to excel as a two-way player.
North Reading’s Nick Torra, 18, is one of those all-around athletes who relentlessly makes his presence known on the field, often dishing out bruising tackles and sending opponents to post-game ice soaks. Primarily a linebacker, this resolute youth has occasionally made his mark as a receiver. For instance, Torra hauled in a 17-yard throw from Hornet QB Jason Berry to extend a key drive in a recent clash with Amesbury.
Torra, who relocated from Methuen to North Reading in 2011, admits that, while he is a three-sport athlete, he does prefer football.
“Growing up, I played soccer, basketball, baseball, and football,” said Torra, who also dabbled in ice hockey until switching to basketball for the winters. “Football will always be my favorite because of the special connections you make with teammates and the difficulty factor involved. Football is a demanding sport and it teaches you a lot about yourself.”
As he races toward graduation next spring, Torra, a co-captain of the Hornets, can proudly boast about a pair of high school championships that he was part of. During the fall of 2022, as a freshman, Torra joined the Hornets in celebrating a Division 5 Super Bowl Championship at Gillette Stadium, the first in North Reading history. And last spring, Torra made a significant contribution as the Hornets baseball team captured the 2025 Division 3 Baseball title with a decisive 10-3 win over Arlington Catholic. As he described it, Torra was “in the right place at the right time,” batting 3-for-4 and driving in three to lead the Hornets.
“That victory was for Brady Cullen,” said Torra, referring to a teammate who was battling cancer and could often be found in the dugout cheering on the Hornets. “It showed me what sports was truly about; that it’s more than just a game.”
As an 8th-grader, Torra was part of the North Reading “A” Team, which handily defeated Masconomet, 30-0, for the Championship.
Torra’s supporting cast includes his father and mother, Joseph and Heather, older siblings Gia and Halee, and of course, a pair of family dogs, Benny and Goose.
“My parents deserve my heartfelt gratitude,” said Torra. “They have always been there to give me a little shove when I needed it, as well as act as the angel on my shoulder in the tough times that are part of sports.”
The same could be said for Coaches Ed Blum and Eric Archambault, both who lead the football and baseball programs where Torra spends a significant amount of his time.
“Coach Arch and Blum have helped shaped me into the person I am today,” shared Torra, who is a member of the National Honors Society. “I’ve learned so much from these men, both on and off the field. It’s not often that you have coaches who truly care about you and I’m grateful.”
“Nick, like many of his teammates, has put in so much time to maximize his abilities,” said Coach Blum. “On the field, you can never question his heart and effort. Off the field, he pushes himself academically and as a senior class officer. He is a classic three-sport scholar athlete.”
Following some part-time work at the Big Pig Catering firm next summer and enjoying his family’s annual trip to Newport, Rhode Island, Torra will move on to the college ranks where he will seek a degree in Business Management or Finance. Organized sports will likely include far less pressure-filled pursuits such as club and intramural competition. With the little spare time he has, Torra enjoys occasional visits to the golf course, working out at the gym, and simply hanging out with friends.
“I’ve grown up with many of my teammates and we’ve become the best of friends over the years,” said Torra. “These are bonds that I hope will last well beyond high school.”