51° and Patchy rain nearby
Image
Photo courtesy of Xaverian Brothers High School. Gerry Lambert, Westwood resident and Xaverian golf coach, guided the Hawks to their second consecutive Division 1 state championship, following his Coach of the Year recognition.
11-09-2026 10:14am
Westwood Resident Coaches Xaverian Hawks to Second Consecutive MIAA Division 1 Fall Golf Championship
Darlene Cancell
Editor
Gerry Lambert, a Westwood resident and head coach of the varsity golf team at Xaverian Brothers High School, has added another feather to his cap. Recently named the 2025-2026 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Coach of the Year, Coach Lambert guided the Xaverian Hawks to their second consecutive Division 1 state championship in golf - the program’s seventh overall - on October 26 at Wellesley Country Club.
The Hawks captured the team championship title with a score of 298, finishing ahead of runner-up St. John's Preparatory School by 11 strokes.
The Hawks also celebrated Chris Morrow, who successfully defended his individual Division 1 state golf championship title after a three-way playoff. Morrow and fellow Hawk Michael McCormack each shot an even-par 71, fueling an already strong lineup, said Xaverian in its announcement of the team and individual wins.
"The team is blessed with amazing talent, obviously. But what makes them special players is how mentally tough they all are,” said Coach Lambert.
“To play a five-hour round where every shot carries such weight, and to have them so consistently rise to the challenge, speaks to their singular ability to maintain their poise and focus. It is truly humbling to witness,” he said.
Xaverian finished the fall 2026 season with a 14-2 record.
Earlier this season, Coach Lambert was named the 2025-2026 MIAA Coach of the Year. The award honors “teacher coaches” who model good sportsmanship, encourage student-athletes to be well-rounded and help them develop self-confidence, ambition, a sound work ethic, and other skills or values for success later in life.
During Xaverian varsity golf team’s 2025 season, Coach Lambert guided the Hawks to a perfect 16-0 record. The team captured the Catholic Conference championship, the Division 1 South Sectional championship (its fifth in six years), and the MIAA Division 1 state championship. The Hawks also finished second at the Cape Cod National Championships, capping off a season that Xaverian called one of the most successful in the program’s history.
“Gerry has built a tremendous golf program through his leadership and genuine commitment to his team,” said Ted Currie, Xaverian’s athletic director. He also expressed the school's pride in Coach Lambert and said the recognition was well-deserved.
