By KEN HAMWEY,

Staff Sports Writer

Jack Nally, who’s been hired as Millis High’s new baseball coach, knows he’s facing a Herculean task but he’s ready to revive and rebuild the Mohawks’ program.

Millis hasn’t had a winning program since 2013 and its records from 2022-2024 indicate it needs help. The Mohawks were winless during the 2022 campaign (0-18) but still managed to get a playoff invitation, beating Nashoba Valley Tech before losing to Bourne. The 2023 squad was 6-16 and last year Millis finished 4-17.

A native of Franklin, Nally is only 23, but his youth could be a prime asset in leading the Mohawks to greener pastures. His athletic background as a player is phenomenal and although his coaching experience is limited, he excelled in his first year as an assistant for Franklin’s successful football team last year.

Nally played football and baseball at Franklin High and at Wesleyan University where he majored in economics and graduated with a 3.5 GPA. As a wide receiver at Franklin, the 5-foot-10 Nally had 127 receptions in 26 games. That career number was a school record for three years.

“I’m pleased and excited for the opportunity to coach baseball at Millis High,’’ Nally said. “There’ll be challenges but I look forward to great moments that our players will create.’’

Nally’s athletic philosophy is that “true competitors play to win but on a day-to-day basis it’s more about reaching one’s potential and enjoying an athletic journey.’’ He also believes that life lessons can be learned in sports. “Players learn to overcome adversity, to be resilient, to lead and to accept responsibility,’’ he offered.

Opening day for Millis’ baseball team is a home game against Norton on March 31. Win or lose, it’s the start of a coaching career that should involve lots of success.