The 2025-2026 Rockets boys swim team is about to start rebuilding after graduating eight seniors last year
Reading, MA — Setting the pace for the Rockets this year is Aidan Herlihy, Senior Co-Captain and 2X Middlesex League All-Star. Herlihy is a standout in distance events and the butterfly. He will be seeking his 4th appearance at States. The senior captain already swam needed-cut times from a recent club swim meet, which would have qualified him for two Sectional events and one State finals event. Senior Co-Captain Thomas Cockrell complements Herlihy’s leadership, sharpening his breaststroke and freestyle sprints while anchoring relays with trademark versatility. Fellow senior Michael Jenney will be a constant source of support in the 100 and 200-yard freestyle events.
Last week’s unofficial time-trial meet bore 35 personal-best performances for the overall team. Junior Alex Coffill—who sliced 30 seconds off his 500 free at last year’s League Championships—returns alongside two strong Junior classmates. Juniors Finn Johnson-Houlihan, a cross-country convert who has already had an impressive 50 Freestyle time trial, and Kai Richardson, who swam the backstroke leg on both Sectional and State relays earlier this year. Sophomore Dragomr Mateev has committed to racing in every event on the calendar this winter, a goal the coaching staff will closely track.
The rookie class is deep, with freshman Teddy McCarthy and a motivated group of 8th graders—AJ Cunniff, Bowen Day, Ian Koo, Will McCarthy, and Matteo Mirabella—who have pushed varsity regulars from the moment they stepped on deck. Club-trained Koo, in particular, has earned a spot in the top practice lane.
On the deck, second-year Head Coach Mike Houlihan is looking forward to building his young team this year. Houlihan said, “This is a rebuilding year on paper, but on the pool deck, it feels like a launching point to Coach Sacco and me. These athletes are committed, they’re coachable, and they’re eager to make their own mark.” Fifth-year Assistant Ryan Sacco remains a strong, steady presence, guiding the program.
The Rockets’ home opener is Saturday, December 13, when the joint Arlington-Watertown team visits the Reading Burbank YMCA for a 1:30 p.m. dual meet action.
