![Wayland Historical Society Executive Director Scarlett Hoey explains the history of the Cochituate Gatehouse.
"The exterior is still a nice monument to remember buildings [involved in] water history," Hoey said. "We all drink lots of water, and it's such an important resource that we kind of take for granted nowadays."](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_2024-1200x800.jpg)
The varsity boys volleyball team celebrated senior night on Monday, May 18, at home against Acton-Boxborough. After losing the first set 25-14, Wayland responded with three straight set wins to take the match 3-1.
Wayland struggled early, falling behind quickly in the first set before losing 25-14. Acton-Boxborough took advantage of Wayland’s errors and built momentum through aggressive serving and strong net play.
The energy shifted in the second set. Wayland responded with stronger serving and more consistent passing. Wayland won the second set 26-24, and from there, the Warriors took control, winning the next three sets to secure the match.
“I feel like you kind of saw it, you kind of rolled in already celebrating a little bit because it was senior night, and we kind of dropped that first set, then we blew them out,” senior captain Finn Bell said.
Following the match, the team honored its three graduating seniors: Max Walsh, Finn Bell and Dylan Engelhardt. During the ceremony, each senior received a painting featuring their jersey number along with signatures from teammates.
For head coach Phillip George, this ceremony was a way to celebrate the seniors and what they’ve achieved. George said this year’s senior class stood out not only because of its talent, but because of the personality each player brought to the team.
“They have a great personality balance as well,” George said. “Dylan is always making dumb jokes and bringing goofy energy, Finn brings the kind of seriousness and focus that’s so important, and Max is always singing.”
Over the past four years, the seniors have helped lead Wayland through some of the most successful seasons in program history. Bell, a four-year varsity player and the first three-time captain in program history, leaves as one of the most decorated players the program has ever had.
He earned Dual County League (DCL) All-Star honors as a freshman before later being named Team MVP, DCL MVP, Globe and Herald All Scholastic and First Team All State, while also being named Boston Globe Player of the Year. Bell also holds the school record for kills with 1,374, which currently ranks second in Massachusetts history, along with the program record for aces. Bell is currently only 48 kills from breaking this record and becoming the record holder with the most kills in Massachusetts volleyball history.
“Quite simply, Finn is the best player in our program history, and arguably [has] the best career in Massachusetts boys volleyball,” George said.
At the same time, George emphasized that the senior class’ impact extended beyond awards and statistics. Walsh finished his varsity career with 170 kills and 88 blocks while providing energy and enthusiasm throughout the season, while Engelhardt became known for helping build the team’s chemistry and keeping the atmosphere off the court.
Both Bell and Engelhardt said some of their favorite memories came during the team’s state semifinal comeback victory over Agawam two years ago.
“We came back with a reverse sweep,” Engelhardt said. “It was absolutely electric, and I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a moment with that pure high.”
Engelhardt said some of the team’s most memorable moments came from off the court as well.
“Even better than winning the games is always the bus ride back,” Bell said. “Music blasting, spending time with the guys, it’s always fun.”
Bell also reflected on how the team culture changed during his four years in the program, saying the group became increasingly close knit over time.
“When I came in as a freshman, it was kind of a weird situation,” Bell said. “Now we’re a really tight knit group of guys, and that chemistry has been the biggest change for me personally.”
Although the seniors reflected positively on their high school careers, they said the team still has unfinished business this season after losing in the past two state finals.
“My experience here at Wayland has been nothing but great,” Bell said. “Hopefully we’re going to end it out with finally winning a state championship.”
