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A Letter from the Athletic Director
As we head toward the end of October and the fall season, there’s so much to celebrate here at St. Thomas Aquinas High School.
We recently wrapped up two very successful seasons for Golf and Cross Country. Both programs demonstrated tremendous growth, sportsmanship, and teamwork throughout the year. The Cross Country teams finished strong at the State Championships, with several top individual performances, while our Golf team continued its tradition of excellence on the course.
Field Hockey continues its exciting postseason run after finishing 4th in the regular season. The Saints earned a thrilling 3-2 overtime win over Mascoma in the quarterfinals and now advance to face #1 Berlin in the semifinals, best of luck, Saints!
This week, we’ll also see the release of playoff brackets for Volleyball, Boys Soccer, and Girls Soccer. The Boys earned the #1 seed, the Girls secured the #4 seed, and Volleyball wrapped up the regular season at a solid 8-8 record. Meanwhile, Football enters its final regular-season game sitting at 5-3, capping off a strong campaign.
In this edition, we’re also proud to feature a spotlight on the Paquette family, a wonderful example of Saint spirit and community, along with an inside look at NHIAA classifications and how they impact our athletic programs.
As proud as we are of our teams’ success, what stands out most is how our student-athletes represent St. Thomas Aquinas on and off the field. Their commitment to community, sportsmanship, and the mission of St Thomas Aquinas High School continues to make us all proud.
Let’s Go, Saints Nation!
David Morissette – Director of Athletics
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The Paquette Family - Faith, Family, and Football
at St. Thomas Aquinas
| Left to Right: Devon, Dave, EJ, Cameron | |
The Paquette Family represents the heart of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, like many others before them. For EJ and Dave Paquette, and their sons Cameron (’21) and Devon (’23), STA isn’t just a school, it’s a home. Their story is one of faith, family, and a shared love for athletics that continues to inspire the Saints Community.
Faith and Foundation
For Dave, the journey began long before his boys wore the navy and white. A graduate of Trinity High School, he fondly recalls his own Catholic education as “some of the best days of my life.” That experience made the decision to send his sons to STA an easy one. “My wife and I saw a similar environment at St. Thomas, a place that would challenge them, support them, and help them grow,” he said. “The small classrooms, the sense of community, and the shared faith, it was everything we hoped for.”
Once a Coach, Always a Coach
Coaching has long been a part of Dave’s life. Inspired by his own father, Roger, who coached high school and youth sports, Dave knew the positive impact a good coach can have. “Sports mirror life,” he explained. “You face challenges, you fall short, you get back up. Helping kids find confidence and perseverance is incredibly rewarding.”
When former STA coach Ed McDonough invited him to join the football program in 2021, Dave jumped at the opportunity—never imagining it would one day lead to coaching with his sons. “Being able to coach with both my sons this year has been awesome,” he said. “It’s something I never thought would happen. I just wish my dad were here to see it. He would be so proud.”
Full Circle for Cameron and Devon
Cameron, Class of 2021, was a standout athlete in football, basketball, and track before attending Clemson University to study chemical engineering. He recalls STA athletics as highly competitive, but deeply connected. “Our coaches always pushed us to be our best,” Cameron said. “Coming back to coach means a lot to me. When I played, former players would return to help, and now I get to carry on that tradition, especially alongside my dad and brother.”
Devon, Class of 2023, now studying Sports Management at UNH, shares his brother’s enthusiasm. “STA felt like family,” he said. “We played multiple sports together, and those friendships became lifelong. Coaching with my dad and brother has been such a gift, it’s a whole new perspective, and I’m grateful for it.”
A Mother’s Pride
Watching from the sidelines, EJ couldn’t be prouder. “STA gave our boys a home where they could grow in faith, academics, and athletics,” she said. “I thought I’d never see them on the field again, but now I get to watch them coaching together. I know Dave’s father, Roger, is watching from above, so proud of what they’ve become.”
The Paquette family’s journey is a beautiful reminder that St. Thomas Aquinas is more than a school, it’s a family that lasts a lifetime. Through faith, hard work, and love for one another, the Paquettes continue to live out what it truly means to be Saints.
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NHIAA – ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
CLASSIFICATION CYCLE 2026-2028
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Every two years, the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA) reviews and reclassifies schools for each sport based on enrollment numbers. Once enrollment figures are submitted, each sports committee places schools into the appropriate division for the next two-year cycle.
Historically, St. Thomas Aquinas High School has been placed in Division III for most sports, based on our enrollment. Some programs, however, have naturally fallen into other divisions due to the number of teams in a particular sport, for example:
- Football – Division IV
- Girls Ice Hockey – Division I (only one division statewide)
- Swimming & Indoor Track – Division II (two divisions total)
Over the years, St. Thomas Aquinas has also petitioned up in several sports — a testament to the strength and growth of our athletic programs. Teams such as Baseball, Boys Lacrosse, Volleyball, Boys Ice Hockey, and Coed Golf have proudly competed at higher levels.
Looking ahead to the 2026–2028 NHIAA classification cycle, St. Thomas Aquinas will petition up to Division II in the following sports:
🏈 Football
⚽ Girls Soccer
🏌️ Coed Golf
🏑 Field Hockey
🏀 Boys Basketball
🏀 Girls Basketball
⚾ Baseball
🥍 Boys Lacrosse
🥍 Girls Lacrosse
In addition, Boys Ice Hockey will take an even bigger leap, petitioning up to Division I!
These moves reflect the continued success, depth, and growth of our athletic programs — including the expansion and development of our JV teams.
“I am so proud of what we are all doing here at St. Thomas,” said Athletic Director David Morissette. “We look forward to the continued growth of our Athletics and to challenging ourselves to be the best we can be with these moves. As always, we want to continue to develop and discipline within our mission.”
| St. Thomas Cross Country Shines at State Championships | |
The St. Thomas Cross Country team wrapped up an outstanding season this past week at the D3 State Championships, held at Derryfield Park in Manchester, NH. The Boys’ team placed 6th overall out of 34 teams, while the Girls’ team earned an impressive 10th place finish out of 33 teams.
This meet marked the conclusion of a remarkable team season, one highlighted by multiple invitational victories and consistent top three finishes throughout the fall.
Individually, Seniors Dominic LaRose and Oliver Schartner delivered exceptional performances, both finishing in the top 20 at States. Their efforts earned them qualification for the Meet of Champions, an elite honor that brings together the best 184 runners from across New Hampshire.
On and off the course, this group has truly embodied the values and spirit of St. Thomas. A huge congratulations to Coach Brittany Castillo and Assistant Coach Julie Salvatore for their leadership and dedication in guiding this talented team through another successful season.
| | STRONG COED GOLF SEASON COMES TO AN END | | |
What a year for the St. Thomas Coed Golf Team! The Saints wrapped up an amazing season with an impressive 23–6 record and earned the #3 seed in the NHIAA Division II Tournament. The team battled their way to the finals at Mt. Washington Country Club, and at the halfway mark, they were in the lead! In a thrilling finish, the Saints placed third overall, just behind Portsmouth High School and Souhegan High School. It was a close match from start to finish — and it did not disappoint!
On the individual side, Kendall Wishart ’27 qualified for the Girls State Individual Tournament, while Cooper Coate ’27, Ryan Allard ’27, Finn Perry ’28, and Grant Baker ’28 all qualified for the Boys State Individual Tournament. Taking it a step further, Kendall and Cooper represented St. Thomas at the New England Championships at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, what an incredible achievement!
A huge congratulations to all the players, coaches, and families who made this season so special. Coach Dennis Coffey, what a job well done! And what a coaching duo with Coach Dan Limauro, the leadership, energy, and dedication showed every step of the way.
This team looks poised for another big run next year - Go Saints!
| | Fall Collegiate Athlete Alum | | |
Kensley Harris '25
Newberry College
Field Hockey
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Karoline Salvatore '25
Providence College
Cheer
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Madeline Karsonovich '24
Virginia Military Institute
Women's Soccer
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Taig Healy '22
NC State
Men's Soccer
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Sophie Nadeau '22
Colby-Sawyer College
Women's Soccer
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Cameron Wishart '25
Norwich University
Women's Cross Country
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Trent Salyards '24
Denison University
Football
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Owen Simas '24
Emerson College
Men's Soccer
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Emma St. Cyr '23
Curry College
Volleyball
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Fall Sports Season Updates
Field Hockey 11-3 #4
The field hockey team wrapped up their regular season with an impressive 11-3 record, securing the 4th seed in the NHIAA Division 3 Tournament. Earning a first-round bye, the Saints hosted Mascoma Valley High School on Saturday, October 25th at 2 p.m. and came away with a 3-2 overtime win! The victory sends them to the semi-finals for the first time in over 20 years! They’ll now take on top-seeded Berlin—an opponent they haven’t faced this season—on Wednesday, October 29th at 7 p.m. at Bill Ball Stadium, Exeter High School. Their only losses this season came on grass fields. With turf beneath their feet, could this be the year the Saints go all the way? (see the tournament roster below)
Girls Soccer 13-2-1 #4
The Girls Soccer team capped off an outstanding regular season with a 13-2-1 record, earning the #4 seed in the state tournament. On Tuesday, October 28, they hosted #13 Conant and emerged victorious in a dramatic shootout after 90 minutes of regulation and two 10-minute overtime periods ended in a 0-0 tie. With the win, the Saints advance to the quarterfinals, where they’ll take on #5 Hopkinton on Friday, October 31, at STA. To reach the championship, they may need to get past top-seeded Stevens, whom they lost to in the regular season. Can they pull off the upset and punch their ticket to the title game for the fifth consecutive year? And could this be the season they complete the three-peat?
Boys Soccer 13-1-1 #1
The Boys Soccer team capped off a strong regular season by earning the #1 seed in the tournament. They’ll open postseason play on Wednesday, October 29, when they host #16 Mascoma Valley in the first round. With a win, the Saints will advance to the quarterfinals on Saturday, November 1, where they’ll host the winner of the #8 Gilford vs. #9 Prospect Mountain matchup. The team hasn’t reached the championship game since 2008, and their only title in program history came back in 1994. Can the Saints finish this incredible season on top and bring home their first championship in over 30 years?
Volleyball 8-8 #12
The Volleyball team wrapped up their regular season with an 8-8 record, earning the #12 seed in the tournament. They’ll hit the road to face #5 Hanover on Thursday, October 30, at 6 p.m. in the opening round. A win would send them to the quarterfinals on Saturday, November 1, where they’d take on the winner of the #4 Milford vs. #13 Campbell matchup at the home of the higher seed. Can the Saints rise to the occasion, pull off a few upsets, and finish their season with a thrilling playoff run?
Football 5-3
The Football team heads into the final week of the regular season with a 5-3 record. They’ll wrap things up on Saturday, November 1, when they travel to face Plymouth, the top team in the East. The Saints are right on the edge of playoff contention, but regardless of the outcome, it’s been a successful first season for Head Coach Bray. With the progress they’ve shown this year, the Saints are building strong momentum and look poised for an exciting 2026 season!
Golf 23-6 | #3 - Season Finished
The Saints capped off an incredible season with a stellar 23–6 record, earning the #3 seed in the NHIAA Division II Tournament. The Saints secured an impressive third-place overall at the Team Championship Match, finishing just behind Portsmouth High School and Souhegan High School.
Individually, Kendall Wishart ’27 qualified for the Girls State Individual Tournament, while Cooper Coate ’27, Ryan Allard ’27, Finn Perry ’28, and Grant Baker ’28 all earned spots in the Boys State Individual Tournament. Following the State's Individual Tournaments, Kendall and Cooper went on to represent St. Thomas at the New England Championships held at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.
Cross Country Boys 6th, Girls 10th - Season Finished
The St. Thomas Cross Country team wrapped up an outstanding season this past week at the D3 State Championships, held at Derryfield Park in Manchester, NH. The Boys’ team placed 6th overall out of 34 teams, while the Girls’ team earned an impressive 10th place finish out of 33 teams.
Individually, Seniors Dominic LaRose and Oliver Schartner delivered exceptional performances, both finishing in the top 20 at State. Their efforts earned them qualification for the Meet of Champions, an elite honor that brings together the best 184 runners from across New Hampshire.
| | NHIAA Tournament Brackets | | |
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