Off We Go: NAHS Winter Sports Season Preview

The winter athletic teams have a tough act to follow as last year's squads racked up six Cape Ann League titles and a State Championship to boot.

"It could have been the most successful season in the school's history last year," said Athletic Director Jon Longley, in his fourth year at NAHS.

"We've kind of dominated the winter the last couple years," he added.

Here is a look at what to watch for from this winter's edition of Scarlet Knights athletics.

Wrestling

The most successful program in North Andover High School's history is its wrestling program led by head coach David Castricone.

Castricone has more victories than any wrestling coach in New England and is the second winningest coach in the entire nation.

Last year, he led the Scarlet Knights to their third Division 2 State Championship of the past the 10 years.

North Andover also achieved this feat in 2005 and 2006.

Athlete to Watch: Junior Jason Ricketts advanced the furthest out of anyone on his squad in last year's individual tournament.

Boys Basketball

The Crozier Crazies will pack the Crozier Gym for each home game, as the varsity squad has the largest following among students.

These Knights will be defending last year's Cape Ann League title.

North Andover bowed out in the quarterfinals of the Division 2 North Tournament last year.

Head coach Michael McVeigh leads the way with more than 450 career wins.

NAHS is the only school in Massachusetts to qualify for every single boys basketball state tournament since its inception more than 40 years ago.

Athlete to Watch: Junior Captain Zach Karalis is a 6'1'' shooting guard primed for a breakout year.

Girls Basketball

After going 14-6 last year, head coach Susan Breen and the Scarlet Knights are also defending a Cape Ann League title.

Last year, they reached the quarterfinals of the Division 2 North Tournament for the second consecutive season.

Athlete to Watch: Guard Morgan Lumb led the team in scoring last year as a freshman and will grow into a leadership role as a sophomore.

Girls Indoor Track

Led by head coach Rich DelleChiaie, last year's edition dominated the Cape Ann League going 10-0 and winning the league title.

Though they have lost some veteran runners to graduation, participation is high among students and the program does not expect to miss a beat.

Athlete to Watch: Brianna Barron is a senior and one of three captains of this year's squad.

Boys Indoor Track

Head coach Josh Herzog leads the two-time defending Cape Ann League champions into the 2010-11 season.

In his third year coaching the squad, Herzog has yet to conclude a season in North Andover without bringing home a trophy.

Athlete to Watch: Senior Captain Tim Coppa ran a 4:48 mile in last year's Division 2 State Championships.

Boys Hockey

"We're really trying to grow boys hockey program into a very competitive Division 2 program," said Longley of the hockey team.

N.A.H.S. has enlisted the services of head coach Peter Marione, who also teaches business at the school.

The Knights plays their home games at , home of the .

Athlete to Watch: Captain Mike Cusack will play a key role in helping the Scarlet Knights compete for a Cape Ann League title.

Co-ed Swimming

These Knights have made a splash in recent memory as they embark on the 2010-11 season as two-time defending Cape Ann League champions.

Throughout the regular season, boys and girls compete against each other in the same races until the state tournament.

Athlete to Watch: Captain Meg Weir is a member of the 400-meter freestyle relay team.

Gymnastics

The Scarlet Knights gymnastic squad are also two time defending Cape Ann League champions and qualified for last year's All-States competition.

Led by head coach Jennifer Mangano, expectations are high for this edition of the North Andover gymnastics team due to recent success.

Athlete to Watch: Captain Kristen DiTroia is a strong performer on the balance beam.