Wildcats thrive in spring sports season

By Mike McGrath

The spring of 2026 will be remembered as one of the most accomplished seasons in Weston High School athletics history.

Weston may be a small community, but once again, our student-athletes proved that the Wildcats can compete with anyone. This spring alone, Weston teams captured three state championships, six Dual County League Foley Division Championships, one state runner-up finish, made three Final Four appearances, and saw 10 of our 11 spring programs qualify for the state tournament or postseason competition. By any standard, it was an exceptional season and one that few schools in Massachusetts could match.

The success began with Boys Outdoor Track, which repeated as state champions. For the second straight year, this team put together a dominant campaign from start to finish. With a roster featuring both experienced leaders and many new, younger athletes, the Wildcats went undefeated in the Dual County League, pulled away from the field at the DCL Championship Meet, and then delivered a commanding performance at the Division 5 State Championship Meet at Bridgewater State, winning by more than 50 points. It was as complete a season as a team could hope to have.

Girls Outdoor Track enjoyed a similarly outstanding season and came incredibly close to bringing home a state championship of its own. After going undefeated during the DCL regular season, the Wildcats finished as state runner-up, falling just 2.5 points behind champion North Reading. Led by Boston College-bound standout Solana Varela, the DCL Athlete of the Year, the team produced a tremendous spring and appears well-positioned for continued success with many key contributors returning. Solana added to her remarkable senior year by winning the hurdles at the Meet of Champions and then following that with a New England Championship, earning her the well-deserved title of “Queen of the Hurdles” in Massachusetts high school track.

Boys Lacrosse also delivered a historic season, finishing the regular season with an impressive 15-1 record. The Wildcats earned signature wins over Concord-Carlisle, captured state tournament victories over Swampscott and Oakmont, and advanced to the Elite Eight. Along the way, Coach Jim Wilcon earned his 200th career victory, a significant milestone in an already outstanding coaching career. Entering the tournament as the No. 7 seed in a loaded division, Weston showed it belonged among the state’s best. In the Elite Eight against perennial power Norwell, the Wildcats battled back after a tight first half and tied the game at four early in the second. Norwell eventually regained momentum and held on for a 7-5 win, but Weston’s season was one the players, coaches, program and community can be extremely proud of.

Girls Lacrosse also put together a very strong season, finishing as DCL Foley Division Champions and earning the No. 11 seed heading into the state tournament. Weston hosted Hudson High School in the opening round and dominated from start to finish, rolling to an impressive 18-7 victory. From there, the Wildcats advanced to a Round of 16 matchup against No. 6 seed St. Mary’s of Lynn. Playing in unseasonably cold conditions for May, Weston battled hard throughout a tight first half despite missing a few key players. Trailing by four at halftime, the Wildcats came out with great energy in the second half and cut the St. Mary’s lead to two. St. Mary’s eventually responded with a few key goals to pull away, bringing Weston’s season to a close. It was a fun and successful season for the Wildcats, with plenty of momentum and excitement for the future of the program.

Baseball gave Weston fans another thrilling postseason run. The Wildcats entered the State Tournament as the No. 15 seed and opened with a hard-fought 3-2 home victory over Auburn. They then traveled to North Reading to face the defending State Champions and No. 2 seed in a rematch of last year’s Round of 16. Ryan Hinckley wasted no time setting the tone, blasting a two-run home run in the top of the first inning. From there, Weston never looked back, earning a stunning 14-4 victory.

The Elite Eight provided another unforgettable moment, as Weston Baseball played at Norwell just two hours before Boys Lacrosse took the field for its own Elite Eight matchup at the same site. The Weston crowd was tremendous, and the energy helped carry the Wildcats to another tournament victory and a berth in the Final Four against Middleborough. Playing at Campanelli Stadium, home of the Brockton Rox, was a special experience for a group of teammates who have grown up playing together. Weston held a 1-0 lead into the sixth inning before Middleborough strung together a few hits, a walk, and an error to take a 2-1 lead. The Wildcats continued to battle, but their memorable run came to an end in the Final Four. It was an incredible season and an incredible ride.

Boys and Girls Tennis once again showed why Weston remains one of the premier tennis programs in Massachusetts. Girls Tennis, seeded No. 12, put together an outstanding tournament run to the Final Four before falling to eventual champion Martha’s Vineyard. After two strong early-round wins, the Wildcats traveled to Ursuline Academy for the Elite Eight and earned a dramatic 3-2 victory. The deciding point came from third singles player Grace Feingold, who delivered a gritty win after nearly three hours of play. Weston then advanced to the Final Four, where its season ended against top-seeded Martha’s Vineyard. It was another excellent year for a program that consistently competes at the highest level.

Boys Tennis continued its remarkable tradition of excellence. The top-seeded Wildcats powered through the tournament and earned a Final Four rematch with league rival Bedford, last year’s state champion. After falling to Bedford 4-1 in last year’s final, Weston responded in impressive fashion this season, earning a 4-1 victory and advancing to the State Championship match. The Wildcats then faced rival Wayland in the state final at MIT. Weston and Wayland have developed a familiar postseason rivalry across several sports, and tennis has been one of the most frequent stages for that matchup. On a hot, sunny afternoon, the Wildcats pulled out a 3-2 win over the Warriors to claim the State Championship. For seniors Peter Chen, Nate Ko, and Winston Starrett, it marked their fourth consecutive state championship appearance, with the group winning three titles in those four trips.

Boys and Girls Crew also combined for a tremendous program-wide state championship, with Weston’s overall point total finishing ahead of the field. Following additional success at Regionals in New Jersey, several Weston boats earned the opportunity to compete at Nationals in Florida. It was another outstanding season for a crew program that continues to perform at an elite level.

Weston’s co-op programs also enjoyed strong springs. Boys Volleyball continued to grow and compete throughout the season, finishing just outside the postseason picture. Softball made a major breakthrough by qualifying for the state tournament for the first time since 2009, a tremendous accomplishment and an important step forward for the program.

In addition to the success on the fields, courts, tracks, and water, Wildcat Pride Night once again served as a special celebration of Weston’s senior student-athletes. The evening recognized the dedication, commitment, and impact of the Class of 2026. Taking home the top honor, the Theodore Chandler Award, presented to Weston’s top male and female athletes, were Solana Varela and Ryan Hinckley, two outstanding student-athletes who have represented Weston with excellence.

The spring of 2026 was filled with championships, historic tournament runs, milestone victories, unforgettable individual performances, and tremendous school pride. Congratulations to all of our student-athletes, coaches, families, and supporters who helped make this one of the most successful seasons in Weston High School history.

This spring, Weston also earned four DCL Foley Players of the Year, three DCL Coaches of the Year, 14 All-Conference selections, and numerous DCL All-Star honors as well as state individual champions, more than any other school in the league.

Go ‘Cats!

Mike McGrath is Weston Public Schools’ athletic director.