Published May 28, 2021
BY JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—What they lack in numbers, the Melrose High boy’s tennis team makes up for in spirit. After a two year pause, Melrose Red Raider tennis is back with a brand new identity. New players. New captains. New coach.
At the helm this year is first year coach Sam Stallings (a former MHS player himself) who takes over for longtime coach Matt Williams who is now coaching at Reading High. While there are only 8 boys on the roster this spring, Melrose is displaying an “all hands on deck” mentality that may serve them well this season. Expect to see leadership roles from senior captains Griffin Castergine and Mick Maguire. On the roster are Nathan Chow, Taha Jamaleddine, Caleb Miller, Sam Noel, Ben Rossi and Pat Stratford.
“We’ve got a young team and a small roster, which can be both beneficial and detrimental,” says coach Stallings. “Our team’s make-up can be seen as beneficial because our young players are getting plenty of quality match experience and they are being given the chance to learn how to win earlier in their careers.”
Melrose has enjoyed a victory this season over Watertown on May 11 and much of their losses have been close ones. “I know that my boys don’t enjoy losing and as their coach I hope the tough results we’ve had this year will drive them to want to improve and compete at a higher level,” says Stallings. “Our team’s youth is not an excuse for the 1-5 record we have, because we’ve had opportunities to win close matches, but our team’s inexperience is the most significant reason that we have had difficulty beating more experienced teams.”
Melrose started their season against Stoneham on May 6 and fell in a very narrow 3-2 loss. Another 3-2 decision fell Watertown’s way a week later. Still, Stallings can see potential in the players on the court. “Truthfully, I’m proud of all the matches that we have played so far this year. We’ve made our opponents earn their wins.”
While the lineup has changed at times through the season, it generally consists of senior Griffin Castergine in first singles. Freshman Patrick Stratford is at second singles and sophomore Taha Jamaleddine is seeing time in third singles. In doubles, Melrose has seen action in first doubles by senior captain Mick Maguire and freshman Caleb Miller. Second doubles has been behind the work of freshmen Nathan Chow and Ben Rossi.
Some early standouts include Castergine, who is currently 4-2 in singles play. “He’s had strong wins against Stoneham and Watertown’s first singles players,” reports his coach. He is also pleased with his pairing of Mick Maguire and Caleb Miller. “They’ve been fairly successful in their doubles play, as they are 2-1 in the matches they’ve played together.”
He also is excited about a freshman whose already playing against high level competition. “I’m proud of the matches that Patrick Stratford has played at second singles, as he’s shown strong levels of competitiveness and enthusiasm for trying to help our team win.”
Overall, coach Stallings is interested to see where this team will end up come mid June. Melrose will enjoy a post season this year as well. A Middlesex-League tournament that will take place from June 8 through June 14 and then the MIAA State tournament will take place shortly after.
“Our team is looking forward to the Middlesex Tournament,” says the coach. “Our goal is to be a better team by the end of the season, for when the matches truly matter. I’m happy with the team that we currently have and I know that the boys are all willing to do what it takes to improve on a day-to-day basis.”
