January 2026

A Letter from the Athletic Director

2026 is off and running, and it has been a fantastic start to the winter season at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Our winter teams have been working incredibly hard, and in this newsletter, we’re excited to share updates on each program along with many of their successes. It’s been a fun and competitive winter so far, and our student-athletes continue to represent the Saints with pride.

This month, we also said goodbye to Carson Cross, who served as our baseball coach for four seasons. We cannot thank Coach Cross enough for what he meant to STA athletics and the positive impact he had on our players and community. We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors. With that transition, we are excited to announce that we have hired a new baseball coach, Eric Wells, featured in this newsletter, and we are excited and confident that he will take the baton and run with it.

Speaking of batons, we have also welcomed a new track coach John Rolleri to the Saints family, and we look forward to great things from that program as well.

You’ll also find updates on our alumni competing in college athletics, along with a special boys’ hockey story highlighting an idea from alumnus Ben Johnson, who helped bring back a fun and meaningful event.

The spirit around our school has been incredible. Students, faculty, staff, and our community continue to show up and support our teams. When you have dedicated student-athletes and coaches working hard every day, it’s easy to cheer them on.

Playoffs are coming next month.

Let’s go, Saints!

David Morissette – Director of Athletics

Boys' Hockey "Garrison City Cup" Champions

"2010 alum Ben Johnson with the assist getting this event back"

The St. Thomas Aquinas boys’ hockey team is off to another impressive start this season, carrying a 6–2 record as they continue to the defend of their championship. While the Saints are a young group still finding their rhythm, early results show promise and depth throughout the lineup.

This fall, 2010 St. Thomas Aquinas alum Ben Johnson visited campus and posed an important question. Why was the WTSN Cup no longer part of boys’ hockey? The annual MLK Day rivalry game against Dover High School had long been a staple of both programs and one of the highlights of the season. Thanks to Johnson’s initiative and the support of both coaching staffs, St. Thomas Aquinas and Dover High School revived the tradition under a new name, “The Garrison City Cup.”

The renewed rivalry delivered once again in front of a packed house, with St. Thomas earning a 4–0 victory this year. Credit goes to Ben Johnson and the coaches from both programs for bringing back a meaningful, first-class event. One of New Hampshire’s great high school hockey rivalries.

St. Thomas Aquinas "Pointers"

Recently, Theology Professor Craig Cooley uncovered an article from May 16, 1962, from the Portsmouth Herald. In this article, it talks about the Saints starting out in athletics. At one time, St. Thomas Aquinas was called the Pointers (I assume Dover Point Road).

It was a very interesting article and we wanted to share. Thanks, Mr. Cooley.

St. Thomas Aquinas High School Announces John Rolleri as Outdoor Track & Field Head Coach

St. Thomas Aquinas High School is proud to announce the appointment of John Rolleri as the new Head Coach of the Outdoor Track & Field program.

Coach Rolleri, a second-year science teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas, brings energy, dedication, and a student-centered approach to the program. His focus extends beyond competition, emphasizing growth, participation, and team culture.

“My goal for the STA track program this year is to grow both the size and the strength of our team,” said Rolleri. “I want to increase participation, so we have athletes represented in every event, while also building a team culture that values commitment, accountability, and support. As our team atmosphere grows stronger, I believe the competitive intensity and performance of our athletes will rise with it.”

Director of Athletics David Morissette expressed confidence in Rolleri’s leadership and vision.

“John is a passionate, hard-working young man,” said Morissette. “He dedicates his time to making students and athletes better. He is a perfect fit for what we need to continue building the outdoor track program, and we are excited for him.”

Joining Coach Rolleri on staff is fellow science teacher and current Cross-Country Coach Brittany Castillo, who will serve as Assistant Coach. Castillo brings valuable experience and leadership to the program. “Coach Castillo is a veteran coach and a perfect match to assist John,” Morissette added. “We are happy to have her on board and excited for the experience she brings to help develop our student-athletes.”

St. Thomas Aquinas High School looks forward to a successful outdoor track and field season under the leadership of Coach Rolleri.

St. Thomas Aquinas High School Names Eric Wells Head Baseball Coach

St. Thomas Aquinas High School is proud to announce the hiring of Eric Wells as the new Head Coach of the varsity baseball program. Wells brings extensive experience in player development, program leadership, and high school coaching, and is poised to continue the strong tradition of Saints baseball.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to take over the St. Thomas baseball program,” said Wells. “The standard of student-athletes at the school is one that I look forward to coaching and mentoring daily. Our goals are going to be helping our athletes reach their desired dreams by getting better every day and winning some baseball games along the way!”

Wells joins St. Thomas Aquinas and currently serves as the Program Director of the New England Mariners, formerly known as the Seacoast United Pirates, where he has been a key leader since 2013. Promoted to Director in 2025 after serving as Assistant Director, Wells oversees more than 300 athletes and manages all aspects of operations, player development, staff leadership, and strategic growth. He has successfully led the expansion of the Mariners program into new regions, launched developmental teams, and coordinated community outreach initiatives, including scholarships and youth programs.

In addition to his travel baseball leadership, Wells has been the Head Baseball Coach at Marshwood High School since 2020, after serving as an assistant coach in 2018 and 2019. At Marshwood, he oversaw all facets of the program, emphasizing discipline, accountability, leadership, and academic success while fostering a competitive and positive team culture.

Director of Athletics David Morissette expressed strong enthusiasm for the hire.

“We are very excited that Eric Wells is joining our community,” said Morissette. “We feel he is a perfect fit to continue the great tradition of our baseball program while developing and disciplining the student-athletes within our mission. I can’t wait to see him get going.”

A former college baseball player with four years of experience, Wells is widely regarded as a forward-thinking leader with a growth mindset and a passion for mentoring student-athletes both on and off the field. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from SUNY Oneonta.

St. Thomas Aquinas High School welcomes Coach Wells and looks forward to an exciting new chapter for Saints Baseball under his leadership.

Winter Sports Season Updates

Girls' Basketball 10-0

The girls basketball team has made a statement, racing out to a perfect 10–0 start. But the toughest stretch of the season still lies ahead. With six games remaining in the regular season—and four against top-five opponents—the challenge is clear. Can they finish strong and make another deep playoff run? Maybe even back-to-back championships?

Boys' Basketball 10-1

The boys basketball team has put together a strong season, suffering just one loss—a hard-fought 54–50 battle against undefeated Belmont. With five games remaining in the regular season, including four on the road, the challenge ramps up. Can they close out the season strong and make another deep playoff run?

Girls' Ice Hockey 7-1-1

The girls hockey team has put together an impressive season so far, currently sitting in third place with a 7–1–1 record. With nine games remaining, they’ll look to maintain their intensity and finish high in the standings to set themselves up for a strong playoff run.

Boys' Ice Hockey 8-2

The boys hockey team sits atop the standings with an impressive 8–2 record. With eight games remaining—four against top-six opponents—the road ahead is anything but easy. Their regular season wraps up with a marquee matchup against Division I Nashua North–Nashua South. Can they hold onto the top spot and battle their way to another championship?

Skiing

The ski team has been blazing the slopes against some strong competition all season. With two meets remaining before the Division III State Championships, the focus is on finishing strong. How far can our skiers go this year?

Indoor Track

The indoor track team has delivered an impressive season, highlighted by multiple personal bests and two new school records. With two regular-season meets remaining, the momentum is only building. Can they keep pushing the limits and finish the season with even more records falling?

Swimming

The swim team has put together a strong season and shows no signs of slowing down. With two regular-season meets remaining before states, the focus is on finishing strong and bringing home some hardware.