Saugus Athletics Director Matthew Serino reflects on fall success, looks ahead to winter

By Dom Nicastro

In his first season as Saugus Middle-High School Athletics Director, Matthew Serino has already seen promising progress across the school’s sports programs. From competitive fall campaigns to the anticipation of a strong winter season, Serino highlighted the commitment and growth of athletes, coaches and the broader Saugus community in an interview with The Saugus Advocate.

Fall recap: building momentum across programs

While the Saugus Sachems football team faced challenges this fall, Serino commended the consistency and effort demonstrated by Head Coach Steve Cummings and his staff. “Football is a long season. You start in mid-August and go all the way to Thanksgiving,” Serino said. “What I’ve loved seeing is the consistency and the kids showing up every day, working their butts off.” With a young roster, the team gained invaluable experience this season that sets the stage for future success.

Serino also praised the leadership of the assistant coaches who played key roles in motivating the athletes and keeping the team competitive. “The growing pains they’ve faced will only benefit them next season,” he added.

The clear standout program this fall was girls’ soccer led by first-year Head Coach April Martinez. The team excelled, earning a No. 9 seed in the Division 3 state tournament and advancing to the Sweet 16. Serino noted the legacy of strong leadership within the program, crediting former coaches Ted Martinez (coach’s father) and Chris Coviello for building a foundation of success. “April came in and fine-tuned what Chris worked so hard to put in place. She added her own twist, and the girls bought in quickly,” said Serino.

At one point, the Sachems were ranked as high as No. 5 in the state, competing against top-tier teams like Danvers. “They tied Danvers, one of the top teams in the state, and were actually leading 2-0 at one point,” Serino said. “This team has become the picture-perfect definition of what you want a program to be.”

Serino emphasized the team’s camaraderie and leadership, saying, “This group of girls does all the little things right. They lead by example, and their success is a reflection of that.”

Winter preview: Excitement builds across programs

As winter sports gear up, Serino is optimistic about participation numbers and program growth. “We already have over 100 athletes signed up [as of Thanksgiving week], and I expect that number to double as tryouts begin,” he said.

Boys and girls basketball, wrestling, cheerleading and indoor track remain strong staples of the Saugus winter sports lineup, with gymnastics joining as a new offering through a co-op with Winthrop.

The basketball programs, led by alumni Joe Bertrand (boys) and Joe Lowe (girls), are cornerstones of the athletic department. “The camaraderie between the two Joes is incredible,” said Serino. “They support each other, break down film together, and it shows in how the boys’ and girls’ teams work together as a family.”

For girls’ basketball, Taylor Bogdanski, another Saugus alum, joins as the JV coach, further enriching the program’s strong ties to the community.

“Having alumni like Taylor, Joe and Norma Waggett come back to coach adds a special sense of pride and connection to the school,” Serino said.

The wrestling program, a cooperative program with Peabody led by Wayne Moda, continues to shine, with Serino noting its growing numbers and past success. “Wayne does a fantastic job getting the most out of his athletes,” Serino said. “The wrestling community speaks so highly of him, and it’s exciting to see what’s ahead for that group.”

Looking ahead: pride and progress

Throughout the interview, Serino reflected on the unique sense of community that defines Saugus athletics. “Saugus has always had this rich pride in its athletics and school community,” he said. “Seeing alumni come back as coaches, sharing their experiences and building on the legacy they were part of – it’s what makes this job so rewarding.”

As winter sports get underway with tryouts this week, Serino expressed excitement for the new season and a sense of gratitude for the support from the Saugus community. “There’s nothing better than seeing kids grow up playing together, achieving success with their friends and creating memories they’ll carry with them for life,” he said. “That’s what Saugus athletics is all about.”