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Coach Rich Citrano knows his Mustangs could be on the verge of something big.
It’s just a matter of putting it all together out on the links. And although their first two non-league matches haven’t gone their way, the Medford High golf team has shown plenty of potential at doing just that.
Playing their second match, the Mustangs lost to Middlesex League power Stoneham, 52-18, on Tuesday.
Despite playing under some ominously dark clouds, the weather was perfect for scoring. Medford's top golfer, PJ Salera, put on a clinic. The junior posted a clean card, including five pars, two birdies and an eagle, shooting a nifty, four-under par 31.
“PJ's round was the lowest score a Medford golfer posted in more than 25 years,” said Citrano, entering his fourth season at the helm.
Medford remains motivated as they set their sights on league play on Tuesday, Sept. 8, against Lynn Classical.
A state tourney staple the past two seasons, the Mustangs made it as far as the North Sectionals last fall. They’ll look to raise the stakes even higher in 2026.
“These players are competing for the GBL title,” said Citrano. “That is the team’s primary goal. Our secondary goal is repeat at the GBL Shootout and to improve our finish in the D2 State [Tournament].”
The Mustangs will have their work cut out for them. Medford graduated seven seniors over the summer, including two-time league MVP Emmet Chasteen.
Medford still managed to reload its roster with 15 players showing up for tryouts, giving Citrano reason for optimism.
Leading the way for the Mustangs are senior co-captains James Camuso and Gavin Bailey.
However, Camuso was already dealt a crushing blow after undergoing season-ending ACL surgery.
“Although he’s out for the season with his injury, he brings team chemistry,” said Citrano. “Gavin is the more serious, take-care-of-business in a quiet way [golfer]. They balance each other.”
Bailey is in his third year on varsity and has steadily improved each season. His veteran presence on the court will be a vital component to the team’s ultimate success.
Playing in the top spot this season, Salera is also expected to carry the workload for the Mustangs.
“PJ improved his skills during the off-season and will compete for the league MVP,” said Citrano. “PJ is a junior and is right now playing better than anyone else on the team.”
Sophomore Owen Chasteen has also looked really good during the tryouts and should help fill the sizeable void in the Mustang lineup.
Despite the lineup juggling, the coach remains cautiously optimistic as his team power its way through the iron of the Greater Boston League.
“We should compete with Somerville and Lynn English for the GBL title,” said Citrano. “We are very young with only one senior. This could be a season where we have lots of growing pains.”
Medford High golf schedule
Date Opponent Score
8/31 Vs. Woburn 50-22 L
9/1 Vs. Stoneham 52-18 L
9/8 Vs. Lynn Classical
10/5 Vs. Stoneham
