Driven by relentless summer preparation and an ambition to compete for the title in the
Middlesex League Liberty Division, the Reading High golf team enters the season with renewed
focus and high expectations.
Coming off a 6-5-1 campaign last fall, the Rockets are aiming for a return to the postseason.
“The guys worked incredibly hard in the offseason and competed heavily in local tournaments,”
RMHS coach Jeff Nelson said. “They were able to fare very well while navigating a lot of
tough golf courses in the area, and that summer grind has given this group a ton of confidence
coming into the season.”
Now in his 34th season guiding the program, Nelson brings an impressive 230-118-3 career
record to the tee box. Under his leadership, the squad has embraced a clear vision for the fall.
“The team’s attitude has been elite and we are a very focused group,” said Nelson. “Our goals
are straightforward, that is to win all of our home matches, play consistently every match, and
qualify for the state tournament.”
A major key to Reading’s strategy will be capitalizing on its home turf.
Over the course of the season, the Rockets will host seven matches at Meadowbrook Golf Club
this fall, welcoming league foes Wilmington, Winchester, Arlington, Lexington, Melrose and
Stoneham, as well as a premier non-league matchup against Central Catholic.
“We have a nice home course advantage at Meadow Brook, and protecting our home course is a
huge priority for us,” said Nelson. “The guys come here, and practice all the time, and they know
the course very well, which is something that we have a distinct advantage of.”
Heading the charge is a trio of battle-tested captains who anchor a deep returning core. Senior
captains Brendan Doane and Nolan Bakst, alongside junior captain Jack Barry, give Reading
top-tier leadership and scoring power at the front of the lineup.
“Our captains are battle-tested and they’ve managed to set the tone for how we operate day in
and day out,” Nelson noted. “Behind them, we have significant depth on the team, which gives
us versatility across all eight spots.”
That roster depth is bolstered by returning senior Sam Field, junior Steve Pizzotti, and
sophomore Parker Williams, alongside an energetic group of newcomers.
Senior additions Ryan Martello, Jack Millerick, and Connor Wicken bring upperclassman
maturity, while sophomore Charlie Archambault and impact freshmen Christian Bhuta and Will
Furey round out the lineup.
“Our primary areas to improve right now are the quick development of our new players and our
putting efficiency,” said Nelson. “If we clean up on the greens, it will make a massive difference
in tight matches.”
Navigating the schedule will require peak execution, as competition across the league remains
formidable.
The Rockets face steep challenges against Wakefield, who are fresh off an
undefeated 12-0 season alongside a very deep Belmont squad returning a strong core and an
Arlington team featuring top-level talent.
“Wakefield is one of the strongest teams in the state, and they won the (Middlesex League
Freedom Division) with an undefeated 12-0 record,’’ said Nelson. “(Belmont and Arlington) are
very tough as well as Lexington and Winchester in our division, so we’re definitely going to
have our work cut out for us.”
Through a soft and steady rain at Woburn Country Club, the Reading High golf team delivered
an emphatic statement to open its season, surging past a tough Woburn squad in a rain-soaked
43-29 victory.
Guided by its stellar play from the captains, the Rockets took control of the course early and
never relinquished.
Bakst delivered the marquee round of the day at the No. 2 spot, firing a masterful one-under-par
33 to capture a 6-3 match victory.
Matching his captain’s composure, Doane set the tempo in the No. 1 slot with an even-par 34,
powering his way to a dominant 7-2 win. Jack Barry completed the top-of-the-lineup sweep in
the No. 3 spot, posting a two-over-par at 36 to secure a tight 5-4 victory.
“It was an excellent way to start the season, and we were able to come through with a huge
opening road win against a tough Woburn squad,” said Nelson. “We were led by our captains,
Brendan Doane, Nolan Bakst, and Jack Barry, who played phenomenal matches despite the
damp conditions on the course.”
Beyond the core leadership at the top, the Rockets delivered remarkable roster depth through
challenging conditions.
First-year senior Jack Millerick made an immediate splash in the No. 5 match, shining in his
varsity debut with a 6-3 win that increased Reading’s edge.
At the bottom of the lineup, Sam Field locked down another victory at No. 8, earning a solid 5.5-
3.5 win.
The Rockets’ youngest competitors proved equally ready for varsity pressure as the
freshmen duo of Will Furey and Christian Bhuta both delivered solid performances in their high
school debuts under adverse weather. Furey claimed a 5.5-3.5 victory at No. 6, while Bhuta
battled to a valuable 4.5-4.5 tie at the No. 7 position.
The Rockets were aiming to build on their momentum when they hosted Wilmington Thursday
afternoon at Meadowbrook Golf Club in a Middlesex League crossover match.