Local Sporting Goods Store Closing After Half Century

Family-run Holovak & Coughlin in neighboring Arlington is closing its doors Sunday, May 19.

After a half century serving area teams and athletes, Arlington's Holovak & Coughlin will close its doors Sunday, May 19. The family-run business at 14 Mill St., which opened in 1964, was recently sold to Dallas-based BSN Sports, the largest distributor of team sports apparel and equipment in the United States, according to its website. It does appear the Coughlin family will have some sort of relationship with the new venture. The family left this message (attached) for their customers. “The Coughlin family thanks you for your loyalty and patronage. It has been our privilege to serve Arlington and the surrounding communities for just over 49 years.” What’s your reaction to the news? Where will you go for sporting goods now? Let us know by…

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Medford Little League Open Meeting Sunday

Taking place at the South Medford Firehouse.

Share Your Spring Sports Updates, Photos & Videos

Patch wants to see your favorite Medford teams in action!

Whether it’s on the baseball diamond, at the soccer field or during a flag football game at a local park, spring sports are underway around Medford and we want to help share all the great moments and highlights with the community! Patch is looking for athletes, coaches, parents, booster club members and fans who are eager to show their team spirit on Medford. News about any team – from youth t-ball to middle and high school sports, recreational teams, adult leagues and more – it’s all welcome. Here's how you can share news about your sports team this spring: 1. Start a blog about your sports team: Share stats, recaps, photos and/or videos from the game in your own sports blog. Discuss the team, coaches and players with other fans in the …

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Red Sox Honor Krystle Campbell

Bombing victim's mother throws at the first pitch at Fenway Park Tuesday evening.

The Boston Red Sox honored the memory of Krystle Campbell before their game against the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park Tuesday evening, according to a post on the Red Sox' official website. Family members of Campbell, the Medford native and Arlington resident killed in the Boston Marathon bombings April 15, were on hand along with the Medford High School girls softball team and Mayor Michael McGlynn. Campbell's mother, Patricia, threw a ceremonial first pitch before the game. Maureen Mullen of CSNNE.com reported on Twitter the pitch was caught by Red Sox outfielder Jonny Gomes. A moment of silence for Campbell was held before the game, according to RedSox.com. They also reported the MHS girls softball team has gone undefeated since they …

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Ex-Bruin Bates to Coach Medford High Boys Hockey

School turns to its all-time leading scorer to turn around its fortunes.

The Medford High School boys hockey program has turned to a prolific alum as its new coach. Boston.com reported Shawn Bates, who played in the National Hockey League for the Boston Bruins and New York Islanders, has been hired as the new head coach of the Mustangs. According to the website, Bates graduated from Medford in 1993 and is the school's all-time leading scorer with 103 goals and 139 assists. Bates played college hockey at Boston University, winning the national title in 1995. Bates was drafted in the fourth round of the 1993 NHL Draft by the Bruins and made his debut in the 1997-1998 season, according to his Hockey-Reference.com page. After four seasons in black and gold, Bates signed with the Islanders, where he played through …

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Mustang Rowers Win 2013 Championships

Both the girls and boys teams took home Greater Boston League titles.

The Medford High School boys and girls rowing teams were victorious in their quests to win their respective 2013 Greater Boston League Championships last Sunday, according a post on the school website. The Mustangs competed against Malden, Cambridge Rindge and Latin and Somerville for the titles. According to the post, the wins are historic because it's the first time a Cambridge team has been defeated for a GBL title on the girls' side and just the second non-Cambridge winner ever on the boys' side. "This is a big win for a team started just seven years ago with twelve rowers and one coach," according to the school website. "This season the team has almost 60 rowers and three coaches." The Mustangs will host their first-ever regatta, the …

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Medford Youth Girls Softball Fundraiser Today

MYGS and Margaritas Mexican Restaurant at Station Landing are partnering up for a Noche Mexicana Fundraiser.

Medford Little League Opening Day Saturday

The Little League Parade will begin at City Hall at 10:30 a.m., opening ceremonies will begin at Noon at Drane Field.

Medford High Softball Honors Campbell, Marathon Victims

Players wearing black arm bands, hold moment of silence before Wednesday morning game against Somerville.

The Medford High School girls softball team will wear black arm bands and dedicate the rest of their season to the memory of 2001 MHS graduate Krystle Campbell, who was killed in Monday's bombings at the Boston Marathon. The Lady Mustangs held a moment of silence just before their Wednesday morning game against Somerville at Tufts Park, with players on each side locking arms along the baselines. MHS coach Jack Dempsey said he did not know or coach Campbell when she was a student, but from what he's heard, "she was an incredible kid," calling her loss "horrific." In addition, Dempsey said Dave McGillivray, the race director for the Boston Marathon, is a close friend of his and also an MHS graduate. "I can't imagine what he's going through …

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Tragedy Mars First Boston Marathon

Patch editor gives a first-hand report from the Boston Marathon.

Monday, April 15 was my first time running the Boston Marathon. It was supposed to be a fun day focused on overcoming a strenuous 26.2-mile race, but once I reached the end, I was greeted with panic, caution and tears rather than high fives and celebrations. Monday was a perfect day for a runner and spectator, it was sunny and warm with a cool breeze. It would be hard to find an excuse why anyone with the day off from work wouldn’t be in town to either watch the race, the Sox game or to grab a bite at a restaurant. I was running this marathon as a bandit. I had no official number and was nervous security or someone from the Boston Athletic Association would kick me out. Once I reached the start line, it was smooth sailing. I was full of …

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