THE WARRIOR golf captains, Joe Colliton (left) and John Porter are ready to lead Wakefield in 2022. Wakefield is 2-2 to start the season and 1-0 in Middlesex League Freedom Division play. (Dan Pawlowski Photo)
By DAN PAWLOWSKI
WAKEFIELD — The Wakefield High golf team teed off their 2022 season on Sept. 7 at their home Thomson Country Club with a massive 37.5-34.5 victory over Middlesex League large opponent Reading.
The Warriors combined consistent with clutch in their victory over the Rockets, traits they hope to replicate throughout a season that could end up being one to remember.
After graduating nine starters from the 2020 team, the Warriors worked on gaining experience for new varsity members last year when they went 3-8 in Freedom Division play, tied for 4th with Burlington. Wakefield is off to a 1-0 start in the Freedom this year, topping Burlington 41-31 a day after their win over Reading. Wakefield dropped matches to Arlington (39.5-32.5) and Triton (144-130 in stableford scoring), but have made it clear early that they have put in the work to elevate their play.
“We have a group of golfers who gained a lot of valuable experience last season,” said head coach Chris Keane. “After graduating nine seniors two years ago, they were thrown into the fire so to speak last fall. This season, they came in much more prepared. I’m so proud of the work they put in over the summer – you can tell it’s made a big difference.”
The Warriors will be led by senior captains Joe Colliton and John Porter, players who will often be matched up with the best of opposing teams.
Of course, in order to win against always-tough Middlesex League opponents, depth is key. Wakefield has plenty of that this season, especially from two more Class of 2023 members, Sara Nemec and Drew Barrett.
“Sara and Drew have made tremendous leaps as players over the summer,” said Keane. “I’m so excited to keep watching them.”
Nemec shot a 41, tied for second best of the day, to beat her Rocket opponent 6.5-2.5. Against Burlington, Nemec tied Barrett for the best score of the day at 40 to win 5-4 at No. 4. Barrett beat his opponent 5.5-3.5 at the No. 2 spot.
Senior Ryan Tracy and sophomore Luke Greif will certainly add to that depth. Greif got Wakefield’s best score of the day with a 39 against Reading to win 6-3 at No. 7. Tracy shot a 41 at No. 6 to win with a valuable 7.5-1.5 score.
Against Burlington, Tracy beat his opponent 5.5-3.5.
The Warriors kept the talented Reading golfers at the top of the lineup at bay as Barrett and Porter picked up ties, setting up Nemec, Tracy and Greif to rack up big wins.
Wakefield isn’t shying away from setting big goals for themselves this season.
“Our top goal this season is to qualify for the sectional tournament,” said Keane. “Playing in such a tough league, it’s always difficult to go .500 and make the tournament. It’d be a great accomplishment.
“We also want to finish near the top of the Freedom Division of the Middlesex League. We have a goal to compete for the league championship.”
The Warriors are off to a great start towards that end, winning six of the eight head-to-head matchups against Burlington, with their top four putting on a clinic and making it clear that they will make the Warriors tough to beat in 2022. Barrett and Nemec’s 40 combined for a 10.5-7.5 victory. Colliton shot a 41 at No. 1 to win 5-4 and Porter shot a 41 to win 6.5-2.5 at No. 3. Tracy and junior Tylor Roycroft both won 5.5-3.5.
As is always the case, Wakefield golf’s identity revolves around athleticism and mental toughness. The Warriors might not have the same background as the top teams in the league, but they can win by being themselves.
Golf is unique in that the best teams usually have players that specialize in the sport. Their elite practice and work at their game for as year-round as you can in New England.
Wakefield isn’t that.
Their captains are three sport athletes, and top players in their two other sports. In fact, all of Wakefield’s starting lineup plays at least one other sport. Coach Keane, views that as an advantage.
“We pride ourselves on being athletes, playing gritty and being competitive,” said the coach. “They didn’t grow up playing private golf courses or getting private lessons and none of our golfers were on the varsity team for their first couple years of high school golf so we just focus on being athletes and being competitive.”
It’s that rivalrous mentality the Warriors gladly carry to the links that they’re hoping can bring them success this season.
It’s paid off so far as the Warriors continue a busy stretch of golf this week by meeting Wilmington at Hillview Golf Course in North Reading today at 3:30 p.m. and traveling to Belmont tomorrow at 4 p.m.
