by Frank Schroth

Last night the School Committee congratulated the Girls Tennis team, the Crew team, and the Rugby team for their successful spring seasons. They were all on hand along with their coaches to receive warm words.

The Girls Tennis team was joined by Assistant Coach Debbie Higgins. The girls qualified for the MIAA Division II finals. Though they were eliminated by a though Hingham team, Coach Higgins says the future is bright as the team is largely underclassmen who are only going to get better. Olivia Johnson, a Bay State all star, is only a sophomore.

The Milton Crew brought quite a contingent of rowers. They are Coached by Milos Nikolic and Mike McVeigh. The boys 4 varsity boat won the bronze in the Massachusetts Public School Rowing Association State Championship. Like Ms. Higgins, Coach Nikolic cited a cadre of underclassmen that will still be around to carry the program forward. “We will meet you here again,” he said.

The Milton High Rugby team meanwhile did nothing short of win the Division II Rugby State Championship under the coaching of Paul Dolan, who Ned Corocoran, co-coach said is the the best rugby coach in Massachusetts. School Committee member Mary Kelly’s son Brendan was MVP for this year. With the success come some challenges. Coach Dolan noted that they will be in Division I next year; but he expects to be ready.

One note that seemed to ring throughout the discussions was pride – “We represent Milton,” said Coach Nikolic. That was clearly shared by the other coaches and the pride it reflected appeared to be deeply appreciated by the committee.

In other sports news, Superintendent Gormley announced that Athletic Director Steve Traister would be leaving to take a position in Dedham. She said  we “wish Mr. Triaster all the best in his new position and thank him for the time and talent he has given the Milton Public Schools.