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A Letter from the Athletic Director
As the winter season brought cold temperatures and plenty of snow, our teams at St. Thomas Aquinas High School have been on fire. The ski, swimming, and indoor track teams recently wrapped up their seasons in impressive fashion, highlighted by multiple state championships and outstanding Meet of Champions performances that you will read about throughout this newsletter. The dedication, discipline, and teamwork displayed by our student-athletes truly reflect the strength of our Saints community.
Meanwhile, both boys and girls basketball teams are competing in the quarterfinals of the NHIAA state tournament as we write this, and our boys and girls hockey teams sit near the top of the standings with just a few games remaining, continuing their tradition of strong seasons. It is an exciting time to be part of Saints Nation, and we are proud of how our athletes represent our school both on and off the field of play.
This season also coincides with the excitement surrounding the 2026 Winter Olympics, and we are fortunate to share a special story about two former Olympians on our coaching staff whose experiences inspire our athletes to pursue excellence.
As we enter into Lenten season, we are reminded of the importance of faith, reflection, and service. Lent calls us to prayer, fasting, and giving. Traditions that encourage personal growth, compassion for others, and a deeper connection to our Catholic mission. Whether through acts of kindness, community service, or quiet reflection, this is a meaningful time for our school community to grow spiritually.
Best of luck to everyone in Saints Nation – God Bless!!
David Morissette – Director of Athletics
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SKI TEAM WRAPS UP IMPRESSIVE SEASON – THREE SKIERS ADVANCE TO MOC | |
The Ski Team at St. Thomas Aquinas High School put together an impressive season, highlighted by strong performances at the Division II state championships.
The girls competed at Mount Sunapee, while the boys raced at Pats Peak. Coaches Mark Stailey and Eric Flaim, along with team chaplain Father Andrew, led the program helping the athletes perform at their best throughout the winter.
The boys team earned an outstanding 3rd-place finish in the state, while the girls finished 6th overall against strong competition. Several athletes delivered top-10 performances and qualified for the Meet of Champions.
Colby Flaim led the way with a 2nd-place finish in both the giant slalom and slalom events. Bea Burlage placed 6th overall in the giant slalom, and Peter Latsilnik earned 4th place in giant slalom.
Overall, the season was a huge success, and we couldn't be any prouder. Coaches and Athletes, well done!
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INDOOR TRACK FINISHES STRONG AND CROWNS
A STATE CHAMPION!
| Senior Aaron Hughes finishes his 600m run, winning the State Championship and breaking the STA school record! | |
The indoor track teams at St. Thomas Aquinas High School delivered an outstanding winter season, highlighted by strong team finishes and impressive performances at the Division II state championships. Coaches Kevin Brandon and Julie Salvatore did an excellent job guiding the athletes. The boys team earned an impressive 4th-place finish in the state meet, while the girls finished 16th overall.
Leading the boys was senior Aaron Hughes, who captured the State Championship in the 600 meters and qualified for the Meet of Champions. The boys' 4x400 relay team of Dominic LaRose '26, Breyden Sanchez '26, Oliver Schartner '26, and Aaron Hughes '26 placed second, setting a new school record and qualifying for the Meet of Champions. Schartner added a third-place finish in the 1000 meters, and LaRose placed fourth in the 600 meters.
Both 4x800 relay teams also reached the podium with third-place finishes. The boys team consisted of Dominic LaRose '26, Aaron Hughes '26, Conall Jumper '28, and Oliver Schartner '26, while the girls team featured Victoria Quintanilla '26, Leah Ryan '26, Claire Harris '27, and Maia Scanlon '26.
Overall, what a tremendous season and sense of pride for the Saints program.
Job well done!!
| Victoria Quintanilla '26 races in the girls 4x800m Relay. | | |
SWIM TEAM WRAPS UP SEASON WITH TWO INDIVIDUAL
STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
| | Dylan Nichols '28 - State Champion in the boys 200 Freestyle! | |
The swim team at St. Thomas Aquinas High School put together a memorable and successful season, highlighted by strong team finishes and standout individual performances at the Division II state championships at the University of New Hampshire. Under the guidance of coaches Rhi Jeffrey and Paul Mueller, the Saints continued to build a culture of hard work, commitment, and competitive excellence in and out of the pool.
The boys team earned an impressive 6th-place finish in the state, while the girls finished 10th overall.
Several swimmers delivered terrific individual results. Morgan Batchelder '26 led the girls with a state championship in the 100 butterfly and a runner-up finish in the 50 freestyle. On the boys side, Dylan Nichols '28 captured the state title in the 200 freestyle and also placed second in the 50 freestyle, capping off incredible seasons for both of them.
Peter Latsilnik '26 added to the success with a third-place finish in the 100 freestyle, while the boys 200 freestyle relay team secured a strong fourth-place finish against tough competition.
Overall, the season was defined not only by podium finishes, but by coaches and athletes representing St. Thomas Aquinas in and out of the pool with class. Great job by all.
| Morgan Batchelder '26 - State Champion in the girls 100 Butterfly! | | | St. Thomas Aquinas Connection to the Olympics
Everyone has had Olympic fever lately and rightfully so. The Olympics represent the very best of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. But what many people may not realize is that right here at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, we are fortunate to have two former Olympians on our coaching staff. Head Swimming Coach Rhi Jeffrey and Associate Head Ski Coach Eric Flaim.
Coach Flaim is a four-time member of the U.S. Olympic Team, competing in 1988 in Calgary, 1992 in Albertville, 1994 in Lillehammer, and 1998 in Nagano. His Olympic journey began with a dream at just 10 years old. After watching Eric Heiden win five gold medals at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, he knew that was what he wanted to pursue.
Throughout his career, Coach Flaim earned two Olympic silver medals, one in the 1500-meter long track speed skating race in 1988, where he set a world record, and another in the 5000-meter relay in short track speed skating in 1994. He was also nominated to carry the United States flag at the Opening Ceremonies in 1998, an honor chosen by fellow teammates to represent the ideals of sportsmanship, leadership, and character.
His advice is simple but powerful, “write down your goals, share them with people you trust, create a plan, understand that success takes years, and never stop believing in yourself.”
Coach Jeffrey’s Olympic journey is equally impressive. She competed in the 2004 Olympics in Athens when she was just 17 years old in the summer after graduating high school. She first qualified for Olympic Trials at only 12 years old and competed at 13, and from that moment on she knew her dream was possible.
She earned an Olympic gold medal as part of the 4x200 freestyle relay team. Among her favorite memories are winning New England Senior Championships as a team, starting her own swim club, Atlantis Aquatics, traveling to new places through swimming, and the friendships she built along the way.
Her message to athletes is something everyone can learn from, “consistency beats perfection. You don’t have to be perfect everyday, you just have to show up and give everything you have.”
We are incredibly fortunate to have coaches here who have competed on the world’s biggest stage, but more importantly, who bring those lessons of discipline, resilience, and belief into our school community every single day.
| STA swim coach, Rhi Jeffrey (right), stands with teammates. | STA ski coach, Eric Flaim, wins silver in mens speed skating at the 1988 Olympics. | | |
Winter Sports Season Updates
updated as of 2/19/26
Girls' Basketball 14-2 Regular Season - #2 Seed in NHIAA DIII Tournament
The girls basketball team secured the #2 seed in the NHIAA Division III Tournament after an impressive 14–2 regular season. Their only losses came late in the year to the Prospect Mountain Timberwolves — a team they defeated earlier in overtime — and the Raymond Rams.
With a first-round bye, the Saints will open postseason play at home against #7 Monadnock Huskies, a team they did not face during the regular season. A win would send them to the semifinals to take on the winner of #3 Gilford Golden Eagles and #6 Hopkinton Hawks.
The semifinals will be played at Bow High School on Wednesday, February 25 at 5:30 PM. If the Saints continue their run, the championship game will take place at Keene State College on Saturday, February 28 at 1:00 PM.
Can the Saints rise to the occasion and cap off their season with another state championship?
Boys' Basketball 13-3 Regular Season - #6 Seed in NHIAA DIII Tournament
The boys basketball team earned the #6 seed in the NHIAA Division III Tournament after posting an impressive 13–3 regular season record. They opened tournament play at home against #11 Newfound Bears, securing a 62–57 victory to advance to the quarterfinals.
Next up, the Saints will travel to face #3 Hopkinton Hawks on Friday, February 20. Having already defeated the Hawks once this season, they’ll look to repeat that performance and punch their ticket to the semifinals.
The semifinal round will be held at Bedford High School on Tuesday, February 24 at 5:30 PM. If the Saints continue their postseason push, the championship game will take place at Keene State College on Saturday, February 28 at 4:00 PM — potentially setting up a rematch with #1 Belmont Red Raiders, who handed them a loss during the regular season.
Can the Saints rise to the challenge, outplay the competition, and bring home a championship?
Girls' Ice Hockey 10-4-2
The girls hockey team is putting together another strong season, holding a 10–4–2 record with just two regular season games remaining. Currently sitting in the #5 seed, they’re positioning themselves well for the postseason and aiming to carry that momentum into a deep playoff run.
Boys' Ice Hockey 12-4
The boys hockey team sits at the top of the standings with an impressive 12–4 record and just two regular season games remaining. With the top six teams in Division II separated by only a few points, the race is wide open and every game matters.
Can the Saints close out the regular season strong and make a run at back-to-back state championships?
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