The past year brought nothing but success to the sports teams of Hanover High School. It was a strong follow up to 2016, in which HHS won two state championships: football’s first since 1976 and boys hockey.

HHS kicked off the year with three Patriot league titles in boys basketball, girls basketball, and boys ice hockey.

Boys basketball went on to win the MIAA Division III State Championship for the first time in school history. Led by Patriot League MVP Matt Delahunt, the team finished the regular season with an overall record of 17-3.

Girls basketball finished with a regular season record  of 18-2. Patriot League MVP Meaghan Raab led the team to the South Sectional finals for the second year in a row. The team graduated three college-bound players, Megan Dixon, Meaghan Raab, and Hayley Wardwell, two of whom went on to play Division I basketball.

Boys hockey still proved itself to be a tough contender despite graduating many talented seniors from the previous state championship team. Captains Mike McGlame, Connor Morris, and Ryan Phillips led the Indians to the South Division III quarterfinals. The team ended with an overall record of 16-2-3.   

Wrestling also had a successful season with several athletes reaching the milestone of 100 personal wins. Led by captains Damien Galotti, Hunter Gillis, Coleman Lambert, and Danny Ryan, the team finished with a record of 24-4.  Damien and Hunter finished with a total of 107 wins, while Danny  set the school record with 109.

Following the winter season, spring athletes were hungry for more success.

Boys lacrosse finished with a regular season record of 12-4, claiming the Patriot League Championship title. The team went on to win the MIAA Division III South Sectional Championship, led by captains Mike McGlame, Tim Mullane, Abdullah Nassif, and Mike Nimeskern.

Girls softball also took home the Patriot League Championship title, led by Patriot League MVP Lindsey North. The team finished with an impressive record of 17-3.

Rugby had been a club sport at HHS for 2 years prior to becoming a varsity team in 2017. Captains Aidan Curtis, Coleman Lambert, and Jeff Wheeler led the team to a 2-3-1 season and ended with the inaugural MIAA Division II State Championship.

This past fall brought a Patriot League-Fisher Division Championship for Cheerleading. The team was led by captains Cammie Porzio and Jaclyn Mignosa.

For me, witnessing Hanover High School win four state championships in two years is indescribable. Coming into high school, I would have never guessed that I would have the opportunity to see some of its most successful teams in school history. With games at the TD Garden, Gillette Stadium, and beyond, it was so amazing to see a small town like Hanover come together to support a team competing for a state title.

Seeing my friends, peers, and classmates hoist up the state championship trophies is something I will never forget for as long as I live and it gives me chills to think about. I am so lucky to have been part of it all.

To 2017, thank you for making it an unforgettable year for Hanover High School Athletics. To 2018, I hope you bring more success and more championship titles.