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Inter-Ac Worth Noting: Lasting Legacies, New Records and Championship Performances

By Angela DelVecchio - contributors: Ed Morrone & John Knebels, 06/04/20, 4:45PM EDT

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PHILADELPHIA - This high school sports year has been unlike any other. The coronavirus COVID-19, which has spread across the U.S., put a halt on all professional, collegiate and high school sports.

While the full winter sports’ season was cut short, there was still plenty that took place in the Inter-Academic League.

Here is our Inter-Ac League Worth Noting standouts on the 2019-20 winter sports’ season. Season accomplishments are listed by school in alphabetical order:

*To submit an accomplishment on behalf of a student athlete that is not mentioned, please email phillysportsdigest@gmail.com. * 

ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME:  

Three-sport senior athlete Riley Gillan received the Inter-Ac Athletic Directors’ Award, which is presented to a multi-sport athlete who exemplified leadership and strong character both on and off the playing fields. She will be continuing her collegiate athletic career in lacrosse at the University of Delaware.

Junior Mia Abruzzo, a University of Georgia commit, set the 200 individual medley (IM) pool record (2:04.47) in the Inter-Ac Invitationals and won the 100 fly (56.83). Abruzzo, an Olympic Trial qualifier, won the 50 free (24.46) and 100 fly (56.76) and contributed to first-place finishes in the 200 medley relay and 400 free.

 “My teammates and I were so proud of the things we had accomplished this season," said Abruzzo. "We had amazing success this year and achieved things that the swim team had never done before. I am so proud to represent Notre Dame and would not have been able to swim the way I did without my teammates, coaches, and the school's support." 

All-Team selection sophomore Ashley Kolessar placed second at Easterns in the 100 breast with a time of 1:03.62 and broke the Delaware County record. Kolessar currently holds school records in the 100 free, 100 breast, 200 medley relay and 400 free relay.


ND junior Mia Abruzzo -photo- courtesy Abruzzo family


ND 2019-20 Swim Team -photo- courtesy Mia Abruzzo

AGNES IRWIN SCHOOL:

The Agnes Irwin squash team once again clinched second place at the HEAD U.S. High School Team Squash Championships on Sunday, Feb. 23.

More than 1,600 athletes across 195 teams, including six divisions on the girls’ side, gathered in the Hartford, Conn. area for this national competition.

AIS earned its championship spot through three consecutive wins over Westover School, Deerfield Academy, and the Baldwin School. In a rematch of last year's national championship final, Greenwich Academy took home the top spot in the tournament with a 5-2 victory over the Owls. AIS retained the No. 2 ranking in the country, as senior Olivia Walsh went undefeated in her individual matches.

I have never been prouder of my team - they truly inspired me," said Walsh. "Nationals was maybe the best weekend. All of our work paid off. I truly had never seen everyone push to their limits that hard. It is what motivated me throughout the second half of our season.  My teammates were throwing themselves all over the court, doing anything to win the match for the team. Even though we did not accomplish our goal of winning high school nationals, I’ve never felt more proud of my team. In addition to the team’s success, it was also meaningful to finish my high school squash career undefeated for my second year."

Squash head coach Alex Stait was named the United States Olympic Committee National Coach of the Year by US Squash.


Senior Olivia Walsh -photo-Walsh family

“We had a great season, and it was a great climax with our senior class who have been the mainstay of the team for many years," said Stait. "In the Inter-Ac, we won all of our matches but lost to Baldwin 7-2. Baldwin had an excellent team and were much the better team on the day. In the five weeks between that match and our nationals match with them, the girls did two sessions a day before and after school and really committed more than they ever have to giving it all they could at nationals. The win versus Baldwin (4-3) was an amazing match from both teams and could have gone either way. We won three matches that went to the wire, and it was an incredible match. In the final, we again played a great match but came up a little short against the powerhouse Greenwich team."

Senior No. 1 player Katherine Glaser (Princeton) and senior No. 2 player Olivia Walsh (University of Virginia) were both voted All Americans. Walsh was unbeaten all season and was unbeaten in the national championships two years in a row. Senior No. 3 player Rachel Mashek will be continuing her collegiate career at Brown University. Senior No. 5 player Cate Costin will be going to George Washington University.

“Starting as a seventh grader on the high school team, I was the youngest to ever play Agnes Irwin High School squash," said Glaser. "Being a senior, this year was a really special opportunity for me to lead my team with the same kindness, inclusion, and encouragement that the girls above me had always shown to me.

"I am so grateful for the lessons and bonds that this last year of hard work gave us. I learned how to be the best squash player I could be, but also how to push with my teammates.

"Because I missed a whole season my freshman year after a traumatic ACL tear and surgery, I felt like I was doing catch-up for two years. This year was really great to just get out there and have fun playing the game, feeling like I had overcome that hurdle. I realized after my injury and return just how much I love squash in every aspect. The discipline and training and, most of all, the people are so special. I cannot wait to combine the lessons of teamwork that I learned during my time at Agnes Irwin, and in the broader junior squash community and the passion I have for squash, at Princeton this fall." 


AIS 2019-2020 Squash Team -photo- AIS Athletics


AIS senior Katherine Glaser -photo-AIS Athletics

Senior Natalie Pansini, a three-sport athlete who plays soccer, squash and lacrosse, was an Inter-Ac Athletic Directors' Award recipient. She will attend Princeton University this fall to continue her collegiate career playing lacrosse.

Freshmen Lauren DeRose and Maggie Kondrath were recently selected for the 2020 U.S. Field Hockey U-16 Women’s National Team, making the list of only 35 athletes nationwide who were chosen for this prestigious team.

BALDWIN SCHOOL:

Baldwin varsity squash defeated Springside Chestnut Hill Academy on Jan. 22, 9-0, and clinched its eighth consecutive Inter-Ac League championship and 11th overall.

“This year was all about team spirit," said squash head coach Madeline Perry. "We made some changes to the practice times and structure and made sure that practices were more about quality, but also not too much for the players. As a result, players came with an enthusiastic attitude, which created a great spirit at practice and matches. They really prepared well for matches and I was very proud of their focus. 

"I think the players always follow by example and the captains this year were amazing," added Perry. "They led by example in everything they did, and the players followed. Their enthusiasm generated a really great atmosphere throughout the squad, and it really supported everything that I did, too. The team had a great year but also really enjoyed the journey, which is what sport is all about."

No. 1 senior player and co-captain, Meghna Sreedhar, a four-time first-team All-League selection, was named Inter-Ac Most Valuable Player in girls' squash.

"I have been a member of Baldwin squash since I first came to the school in sixth grade, and I have had the opportunity to watch the team grow so much since then," said Sreedhar, who will be continuing her collegiate career this fall at Yale. "The team dynamic was always changing, but what always remained constant was our commitment to sportsmanship and respect. I'm extremely honored to have earned the award and to have been recognized for my character on and off the court." 


Baldwin senior Meghna Sreedhar

Sreedhar and junior Grace Lavin '21 were named a 2019-20 US Squash All-American.

"The ability for our team to come together this past season was very noticeable and definitely attributed to our success in winning another Inter-Ac title," said Sreedhar.

"Not only was our team spirit high, but our Baldwin community made efforts to show support and cheer us on during matches. We stressed the importance of solidarity by working towards the same team goal, which helped us focus our training and ultimately clinch the Inter-Ac title."  


2019-20 Baldwin Squash Team - photo Baldwin Athletics

Sophomore Anya Mostek, a first-team All-Inter-Ac, won gold in the 100-yard backstroke and a silver medal in the 100-yard freestyle at the Inter-Ac League swimming championships.

At Easterns, Mostek finished second in the 100 backstroke with a time of 55.35. Mostek also placed fourth in the 200 individual medley (IM) with a time of 2:03.83. 

She set a new school record in the 200 IM and broke her previous school record in the 100 backstroke.

“I have to attribute most of my success to my club coach, Anthony Addlesberger, and my Baldwin coach, Dave Hart," said Mostek. "They have helped me improve my technique and strategy for each of my races this season. I also need to thank my teammates for pushing me to work as hard as I can during practices. Consistent attendance, flexibility, and a sense of humor are extremely important as well.

"Next season, my goal is to keep improving. It is especially important to keep an open mindset due to the recent closing of many pools due to COVID-19. Going into this season, I will appreciate every opportunity I have in the pool."


Baldwin sophomore Anya Mostek

Junior Megan Cooper, a first-team All-Inter-Ac, captured the Inter-Ac diving title with a score of 257.

Cooper, who had broken the school’s record twice before, finished in second place overall out of 23 competitors in diving with a score of 381 points. She broke her previous school record for 11 dives at the Easterns Swimming and Diving Championships on February 15.

Three-sport senior athlete Alexandra Loomis, who plays soccer, basketball and softball, received the Inter-Ac Athletic Directors’ Award and will be attending Penn State University in the fall.

Junior Anajah Brown, a first-team All-Inter-Ac, was named Class 4A second team by the PA Sportswriters Association. 

Brown scored her 1,000th career point on Feb. 1 against Penn Charter. Brown averaged 24.3 points and 17 rebounds and became the fourth player in school history to reach that milestone and only the second player to reach that mark as a junior.


Baldwin junior Anajah Brown celebrates 1000th career milestone. photo-courtesy Brown Family

EPISCOPAL ACADEMY:

Sophomore Bryce Cooper won the 400-meter indoor race at the Meet of Champions in February with a time of 50.16, qualifying for the state competition, where he finished sixth.

Junior Peter Lim broke EA's 47-year old pole vault record. On Jan. 25 at the Ocean Breeze track and field competition, Peter vaulted to 14-feet surpassing the (13-feet, 6-inches) record set by Mark Lefevre, Class of 1972.

On the boys’ basketball side, senior captain Alex Capitano, a two-time All Inter-Ac selection, scored his 1,000th career point. He averaged 19 ppg and ended his high school career with 1,502 points.  Capitano will continue his collegiate career playing for Colgate University. 

Senior wrestler Paul McLaughlin tallied his 100th career win during the Interboro Duals Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 1.

In boys’ squash, senior Tom Hogan was named the league’s Most Valuable Player. Hogan is a three-time All-League selection.

Senior Caroline Burt and senior football standout Maurcus McDaniel received the Inter-Ac Athletic Directors’ Award. Burt will be continuing her collegiate athletic career in lacrosse at Yale University. McDaniel will be continuing his football career at the University of Pennsylvania.


EA senior co-captain Alex Capitano hit 1,000 point milestone. (photo by Zamani Feelings for PSD)

The boys’ and girls' swim teams both captured Inter-Ac titles. Both teams went undefeated in the same year - a first in school history.

Hard work, dedication, and an unbreakable belief in their teammates and coaches," said coach Brian Kline. "The entire team worked each day to achieve not only their individual goals, but team goals as well. These accomplishments helped to build an amazing bond between both teams in and out of the water." 

The Episcopal girls’ swim team finished first at Easterns, and the boys finished fourth. The combined team placed second overall with 1,052 points, just seven points behind Phillips Andover Academy, which took first.


Episcopal Academy's 2019-20 Girls' and Boys' Inter-Ac Champion swim teams -photo- EA Athletics

“On the girl’s side, EA currently has 17 top 50 times in the PA state rankings, including diving," said Kline. "It was certainly an amazing year for the girls’ team, and we look for increased growth and success into the future and wish our seniors nothing but the best in their future endeavors.

"The boys pulled over 40 best times - broke eight EA School Records – one EA Pool record – multiple offsite pool records - three county records in the 200 IM, 200 medley, and 400 free relays - and had an Eastern Prep champion in the 200 IM at Easterns, placing fourth overall. They acted as a team, competed as a team, and won as a team this year.  From the boards to the blocks, this team pulled together every step of the way to make individual and team dreams become reality."  

On the boy’s side, EA currently has 27 Top 50 rankings in the state and appeared in every event including diving.

"This was truly a remarkable showing by both teams, and we are fortunate that the program as a whole was recognized at the top as the second-best combined team at this prestigious event," said Kline. "We spend a great deal of time talking with the athletes about the power of the positive thought process. We try to help them understand that positive thoughts will breed positive actions. In that, we also drive home that believing in yourself, your team, and the process is an important piece in their success. Greatness is earned – never awarded. We will surely miss our seniors as they head off to the college of their choice, and we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors."

Sophomore Kelly Feuzeu-Mekoue finished with the most points (64) on the girls’ side, while senior Cole Whitsett broke three school records in the 50 freestyle (21.21), 100 freestyle (45.38) and 100 fly (48.74). Feuzeu-Mekoue also came in first in both the 50 free and 100 free at the Inter-Ac Invitational meet and helped her team claim the title.

EA senior Sam Wesley finished first in the 200 IM and third in the 100 back at Easterns and was part of the Episcopal Academy 400 free relay team that broke the Delaware County record set by Haverford School in 2018.

He holds numerous pool and school records, including breaking former EA swimmer Ivan Puskovitch’s mark in the 200 IM at Easterns, clocking 1:48.46. He also broke the 100 back stroke school record in 49.70. Wesley will be swimming for the United States Military Academy (Army).

When asked what attributed to his success, Wesley responded without reservation.

“Without a doubt my coaches, teammates, and family," said Wesley. "Being surrounded by them gives me the motivation to focus on working hard while also having fun every single day. The support that EA has given me in the pool and in general is something I will never forget when I continue through life. I am proud to say I can call EA another home when I come back to see everyone again."

"Coming off a season last year where we tied Malvern for the Inter-Ac, myself and all of the returning swimmers were determined to do something special and win it outright," said Wesley. "Even the rising freshmen knew what was at stake and were willing to do whatever it took to make an impact on the success of the team. With Coach Kline and the rest of the swim staff believing in our team every day to win it all, everything began clicking for us on all ends. Our team formed a very special connection, in each practice and at team dinners, and by the time our first meet came, we all knew both our girls’ and boys’ teams could win the Inter-Ac while going undefeated."


EA sophomore Kelly Feuzeu-Mekoue


EA senior Sam Wesley -photo- Wesley family


EA senior twin brothers Ben (l) and Sam Wesley

Junior Jack Christian (Duke commit) and seniors Ben Wesley (Swarthmore), Cole Whitsett (University of Tennessee) and Sam Wesley (Army) broke the 200 medley relay school record with a time of 1:30.53; the 200 free relay in 1:25.69; and the 400 free in a school record 3:01.75.

“An incredible work ethic and dedication to school, team and sport helps all of these athletes forge ahead," said Kline. "The records that Sam, Cole, Jack and Ben broke take years of preparation and serious dedication to physical and mental training." 

"In the 400 free relay at Easterns, our relay - composed of Cole Whitsett, Jack Christian, my brother Ben, and I - was determined to give it our all, especially with three of us being seniors, and a junior (Jack) knowing it would be his last swim with us," said Wesley. "The chemistry of the four of us goes back to my sophomore year, when we swam the 200 medley relay together. Years of establishing better relationships and maturing as swimmers and young men inspired all of us to be the best we could when we were up on the blocks representing EA. The day before, we had broken the Delaware County record in the 200 medley relay, so there was no doubt we were not only gunning for that 400 free relay record set by rival  Haverford School, but also making runs to out-swim Phillips Academy (Andover). We gave everything we had, and I am proud of all of us for our swims, and the coaches and our teammates for cheering us on from start to finish."


The record-breaking relay team (l to r) of seniors Ben Wesley, Cole Whitsett, Sam Wesley and junior Jack Christian - photo- EA Athletics

When asked for “words of wisdom” for his teammates going forward, Wesley offered this advice.

"During my freshman year, I learned that swimming has plenty of low points, and even things outside your life will be chaotic and will make you want to quit," said Wesley. "Despite this, you have to embrace these challenges and understand that getting through it, whether it be doing all of the sets on the whiteboard or swimming fast when it says 'swim fast', it will all come full circle in the end.

"I have three additional things I want to impart as 'wisdom': One, listen to your coaches. They are your tools and resources in your success and for making an impact on this incredible program. Second, make sure you get the chance to be a friend for everyone on the team, and finally, come to work hard with a positive attitude. I am still in awe how much Coach Kline, Coach Hyson, and Coach Lear have fun at every single practice. They always want to make sure you are enjoying practice, especially when it gets tough. So, in return, give them your best effort each day while also appreciating the fun and positive atmosphere that they create during practice." 

GERMANTOWN ACADEMY:

Germantown Academy girls’ basketball team won its sixth consecutive Inter-Ac championship, garnering another undefeated league season.

“This year's team battled lots of injuries, which positioned nine different players at various times to enter the starting line-up," said head coach Sheri Retif.  "At the end of practice each day, I knew there were players up and down the roster who wanted to step in and step up. 

"Even when we were down three starters and four post players for the semifinals, we entered the game with confidence that the players in uniform could get the job done. Things like our desire to 'finish every game with our will to win' and 'hate to lose' attitude as well as our 'trust and confidence in one another' - this is the character that epitomized this team up until the very last second of the season. While we fell short on the scoreboard to AFS, we overflowed on court with team character."

Retif’s team was led by an abundance of talent: Senior Jaye Haynes was named 3A First Team All-State by the PA Sportswriter’s Association. The three-time All-State selection will be heading to La Salle University in the fall. Haynes averaged 16.7 points per game and was named the Inter-Ac’s MVP, ending her career with 1,440 points.  

Teammate senior Maddie Vizza was named 3A All-State Third Team and surpassed 1,000 points. The Northeastern commit averaged 13 ppg.  

Teammates Elle Stauffer (Harvard) and Caitlyn Priore (Gettysburg) are just a few of the standouts who will be playing basketball at the collegiate level next year.

“Jaye Haynes, Maddie Vizza and Elle Stauffer knew how to share the spotlight and demonstrate a team-first attitude," said Retif. "They could walk the walk of true leadership. Their skill sets complemented one another and inspired all. Jaye had amazing pulse-under-pressure; she thrived on big stages. Vizza's court brilliance allowed her to adjust to any situation, and her passion garnered respect from her peers. The loss of Elle Stauffer was a huge blow to the team, but Elle taught her teammates how to lead from the bench, a lesson most players will never master.  Another one of our team's 'We Wills' states, 'We will think us and not me, every time we put on a GA uniform'. . .  and that is how our leaders led this entire season."


No. 22 Jaye Haynes was the 2019-20 Inter-Ac’s MVP, compiling 1,440 career points - PSD Photo by Zamani Feelings


GA senior Maddie Vizza was named to the 3A All-State Third Team - PS Photo by Zamani Feelings

In boys’ basketball, junior Jordan Longino was named Pennsylvania’s Class 4A boys’ Basketball Player of the Year by the PA Sportswriters Association.

Longino averaged 22.8 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 54 percent from the floor, 41.5 percent from three-point range, and 80.6 percent from the foul lineLongino has moved into sixth on the Patriots all-time scoring list (1,562), and he’s three points away from moving into the top five.

He became the second player in Inter-Ac history to surpass 1,500 points in his first three seasons, joining all-time leading scorer Deuce Turner (Malvern Prep).

GA three-sport senior athletes Maddie Burns, who will be attending University of Michigan to play lacrosse, and Matt Sandifer, a Johns Hopkins University College commit for cross country and track and field, were recipients of the Inter-Academic League’s Athletic Directors’ Award. 


GA basketball standout Jordan Longino (photo by Geanine Jamison for PSD)

The Patriots’ ice hockey team won its third consecutive Independence Hockey League championship with a 5-2 win over Episcopal Academy. GA won 10 straight games after dropping its first three contests to open the season.

In boys swimming, sophomore Henry Morrissey won the 500 freestyle at Easterns with a time of 4:24.12

Emma Atkinson won the 200 freestyle (1:45.77 NAT) and 100 backstroke (53.05 NAT) at the Eastern Interscholastic Swimming & Diving Championships. Atkinson set the 100 freestyle pool and meet record and a school record in the 400 free relay with a lead off time of 49.7. She also set a new meet, pool and school record in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:47.71 The senior standout also achieved her fifth Olympic Trials qualifying time in the 400-meter freestyle by clocking in at 4:15.81.


GA senior Emma Atkinson -photo- Germantown Academy Athletics

In girls’ indoor track, the Patriots won their second consecutive PAISAA Championship. Sophomores Juli Gonzalez, freshman Fiona McKenna, sophomore Sydney Cameron, and junior Perry Irons won the 4x400 relay, setting a new indoor school record time of 4:23. Irons took first in the 400 meter and second in the 200 meter run. Gonzalez finished first in the 800 meter run. Senior Liliana Cohen and junior Quartnei Brown finished first and second in the pole vault. Freshman Olivia Jappe finished first in the 1600 meter run, and also took second in the 800. McKenna finished second in the 55 meter hurdles and also jumped 5-0 in the high jump to finish first. Senior Meaghan Toscano, junior Sarah Fineman, and senior Myah Taylor finished first, second, and fourth in shot put.

Junior Robert DiDonato made history when he became the first GA student-athlete to qualify for the Foot Locker Nationals by finishing 10th overall in the Boys Championship 5,000 meter run. 

He also won the boys' invitation mile at the 25th annual New Balance Games with a finish of 4:15.78.

Senior Issy Goldstein finished her stellar GA cross country career at the Northeast Regional Meet, where she earned a 12th-place finish, the highest ever finish by a member of the GA girls' cross country team in that race. 

Goldstein plans to attend Harvard in the fall.

 

GA junior Robert DiDonato - (photo by Patty Morgan for PSD)

HAVERFORD SCHOOL:

Sophomore Kevin Thomas finished first in the 60-meter hurdles at the Pennsylvania Track & Field Coaches Association State Championships at Penn State University. Thomas became the first indoor track state title winner in Haverford School history. He currently ranks No. 1 in Pennsylvania and No. 4 in the United States in the 60-meter hurdles. In the spring, he runs track for Haverford School, and in the fall, he plays football for the Fords.

“This past winter track season was probably my best season ever," said Thomas. "My team and I accomplished a lot and we went down as one of the best track and field teams in Haverford School history. I was able to win the state championship in the 60-meter hurdles while breaking the school record and running the fourth fastest time in the country and tying the sophomore class national record. I reached all of my goals this season. Ending the season as a state champion, I know that all of my hard work paid off."
 


Haverford sophomore Kevin Thomas -( photo by Patty Morgan for PSD)

Haverford squash team won their 50th Inter-Ac title. The 2019-20 Varsity team was undefeated in league play (6-0, 4-0 in the Inter-Ac). The team also won their sixth consecutive and ninth overall Mid Atlantic Region (MASA) title, and placed third at Nationals. The team had eight All Inter-Ac selections - four first-team and four second-team.

“Our key victory of the season was defeating Episcopal Academy (7-2) in front of a home crowd to essentially clinch those league titles," said coach Sam Walters. "At the national tournament in Hartford, Conn., the Fords lost to EA in the semifinals, 4-3, in a seven-man format, and then topped Kent School to finish in third. It was quite an end to the year. 

"Squash is a popular sport at Haverford. Most boys start playing in their lower or middle school years. By the time, these boys matriculate to the high school, they are seasoned players. Our consistent success is really a product of a large number of passionate, dedicated players that train and compete in tournaments year-round. While some schools have a couple, maybe six or seven of these dedicated players, we had more than 20 this year. This affords us the opportunity to run a successful Varsity B team in the MASA league, as well." 


Haverford School 2019-20 Inter-Ac Champions (photo- Jim Roese)

"These boys train hard with lofty goals," said Walters. "They put in so many hours outside of the season, playing on court, fitness training and preparing mentally for the biggest matches. The biggest match of the year was certainly the home match against Episcopal. They were fired up and focused and the community came to support them. It was standing room only for parents and friends. The atmosphere was electric. I believe this was our most cohesive team in a number of years, and I look forward to continued growth in this area."  

Senior captain Christian Shah, a first-team All-League selection, was undefeated (6-0) at the number-one position.

“We had a great season full of many great wins and accolades, and we felt we lived up to the storied history of Haverford Squash," said Shah. "It was such a special season for me and the other seniors on the roster, and it was such an honor to serve as a captain for our final season. We felt that alongside having such strong results, we were most proud of the way our team came together. Every year, we have a great group of guys and a lot of talent, so we expect results, but this year felt like it had the most emphasis on team in my experience. Thanks to everyone, especially our Coach Sam Walters, and all the team parents that made this season so special. We couldn’t have done it without them."

Fords junior Brian Brennan, a three-time all Inter-Ac selection, was named the league’s Most Valuable swimmer.

Three-sport athlete senior Bobby Blewett received the Inter-Ac Athletic Directors' Award. He will be attending Wagner University. He played water polo, lacrosse and was the Fords' swimming captain.

 


Haverford senior Christian Shah (photo- Jim Roese photography)

MALVERN PREP:

The Malvern wrestling team won its sixth consecutive Inter-Ac title in 2019-20 behind victories by senior Dalton Harkins (152), senior Dayton DelViscio (120 pounds), junior Cole Deery (285) and sophomore Nick Feldman (195).

The team went undefeated at the PA Independent Schools Duals Wrestling Tournament and was ranked fourth in the nation.

“Our team put in a lot of hard work starting in the summer," said Harkins. "Everyone is extremely dedicated to the team and willing to do what it takes to not only make ourselves better, but also every teammate. We also know when it is time to have fun, and when it is time to flip the switch and take things seriously. The success of the season was an all-around team effort with the support of our great coaches and families."

Harkins finished 57-2 in his final season en route to being named the Daily Local News’  Wrestler of the Year. Harkins placed first at nationals for the first time in his career as a senior and will continue his wrestling career at the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.

“At the end of last season, I was not satisfied with my results," said Harkins. "That being said, I used that feeling to motivate me to work even harder in the off-season, participating in every wrestling tournament and attending every extra practice and/or workout offered. Going into my last high school season, I did not want to have any regrets of missing something that could have made me better. Now I can look back and see that all of those tournaments, practices, and workouts have paid off by greatly contributing to the results of this season, which really means so much to me.

"The legacy that I leave behind for my teammates is very special to me because all leaders of the classes ahead of me have helped shape who I am. I specifically learned so much from them as they embody leadership skills, and I look up to their hard work ethics. The team is in good hands with Nate and the other coaches. They really develop their wrestlers to be the best people on and off the mat, and I cannot wait to see what the future hold for each of them."


Malvern Prep 2019-20 Wrestling Team -photo- Malvern Prep Athletics


Malvern Prep senior wrestler Dalton Harkins -photo courtesy Harkins Familly

Sophomore Nick Feldman finished first In the Beast of the East Tournament in the 195-pound weight class.

Junior heavyweight Cole Deery captured the Escape The Rock tournament title Jan. 19, earning his 100th career win.

Freshman Tommy Link claimed the 106-pound weight class title.

Head wrestling coach Nathan Lautar, a 1998 Malvern graduate, was named the National High School Wrestling Coach of the Year by Willie Saylor of Rofkin MatScouts.

“I would attribute this year team success to a team full of brothers that work hard for each other and look to get better every time they step in the wrestling room or on the mat," said Lautar. "I think the culture of this team led to the success. They are all great kids and push each other on and off the mat. They know what the definition of hard work is, and they look to achieve greatness. They were never outworked. They put the time in preseason and during season before and after practice. I think a common theme was they smile and have fun with the sport. Wrestling is a grueling sport, and this group especially went out every tournament and every match and outperformed their expectations."

It was a season for the ages for senior Deuce Turner and the Friar's basketball team. First, Turner eclipsed the 2,000-point career milestone, rarefied air at the high school level. Then, in January, he became the Inter-Ac League’s all-time leading scorer, passing Episcopal’s John Phillips’ 2,068 career points in a record that had stood for 21 years. Finally, for an encore, Turner, a Bucknell recruit, guided the Friars to their first league championship since 2012 and all the way to the PAISAA title game before falling to top-seeded Westtown. Turner’s 2,452 career points are second in city history. Turner was named Player of the Year by the Pennsylvania Sportswriters Class 5A All-State team.

“Deuce has always been a great player," said coach John Harmatuk. "A four-year starter, this was the season he put it all together, especially from a leadership standpoint.”  

The Friars captured their first Inter-Ac title in eight years.

“This was a culmination of the last four seasons," said Harmatuk. "We have come so far as a program these last six years (26-4 in league play the past three seasons). We have great players who have worked really hard. Success is always because of the players."


Deuce Turner became the Inter-Ac League All-Time Leading Scorer (2,452), surpassing Episcopal Academy’s John Phillips’ record of 2,068 career points that stood for 21 years - PSD Photo by Zamani Feelings

Junior Rahdir Hicks, who averaged 11.7 ppg, reached a milestone of 1,000 points on Jan. 27th in a league game against Penn Charter.

The Friars’ squash team won the Division Six National Championship at the HEAD U.S. High School Team Squash Championships, which took place in late February at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn.

Sophomore Nick Harris captured the Inter-Ac Diving title. Harris broke the Penn Charter pool record for diving Jan. 9 with a score of 338.55, eclipsing the old record by six points.  He holds the Malvern Prep pool record with a score of 340.02.

Three-sport senior athlete Keith Carra received the Inter-Ac Athletic Directors' Award. He played basketball and was lacrosse captain. Carra will be attending Villanova University, where he will continue his collegiate career in lacrosse.

SPRINGSIDE CHESTNUT HILL ACADEMY: 

Senior Marco Goldberg has been named one of five national merit scholars in Philadelphia. Goldberg has been accepted into the Penn State Eberly College of Science Class of 2024 and the Sydney Kimmel School of Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Class of 2027. Goldberg is the first med school acceptance for the Class of 2020.

Goldberg finished SCH with a 100-39 career record in wrestling, thus joining SCH’s century club. He is a three-time National Prep qualifer.

 


Springside Chestnut Hill Academy senior wrestler Marco Goldberg (-photo courtesy Goldberg family)

“Winning number 100 was a bittersweet moment for me," said Goldberg. "It was an incredible feeling because it was the culmination of all of the hard work and sacrifice I had put in for the past five years. But it was also my final match ever due to a head injury. Regardless, I am still extremely proud of all that I was able to accomplish. I made many memories and incredible friends over the course of my wrestling career who have made me a better person, and I am very grateful for them. 

"One of my favorite memories from wrestling was when I was in eighth grade. Michael Spirito was a junior and he would take me to the school parking lot late at night and we would take turns pushing his car in neutral while the other steered."

In addition to his teammates, Goldberg expressed his appreciation for his parents' support.

"Even though my mother can barely watch a full match without covering her eyes out of fear, she still came to every one of my matches and tournaments," said Goldberg. "Likewise, my father maneuvered his busy schedule as an OBGYN to make sure that he never missed a match either. I will always be extremely grateful for their support. I'm also grateful for my brothers."

Three-star athlete Ke'Shawn Williams finished his SCH basketball career with 1,122 points and averaged 12.8 ppg. He will be attending Wake Forest in the fall to continue his athletic career in football.

"It felt great to reach 1,000 points," said Williams. "It’s a milestone that many players don’t get to reach, so I’m just happy to be one of them. My focus was on football at the time, so majority of my hard work was put into football. I debated coming back and playing basketball my senior year, but with the encouragement of Coach Ed Adversa, Coach Jules, Coach Sandy, Coach Q, Coach Kehoe, and coach Mike, it made me want to go and play and finish my career on a good note."

While playing football during the fall, Williams was named All-Southeastern Pa and captured Inter-Ac records in career yardage, receptions, and touchdowns.


Springside Chestnut Hill senior standout Ke'Shawn Williams -photo by Zamani Feelings for PSD)

Senior basketball standout David Robinson reached a career 1,000 point milestone. Robinson finished his SCH career with 1,261 points and averaged 11.9 ppg. Robinson will be continuing his basketball career at Holy Family University.

After scoring my 1,000th point, it felt as if a weight was being lifted off my shoulders," said Robinson. "I have worked so hard on being the best basketball and human being I can be, and scoring that 1,000th point just showed me that my hard work does pay off."

Robinson attributes his hard work and dedication to his family.

“For me, hard work was instilled into me by my family," said Robinson. "My mother and father worked and still work countless hours at their jobs, and my sister, who is my true role model, set me on the path to becoming who I am today. At a young age, I watched my sister work hard to become a 1,000-point scorer, a Division I athlete, and an African American who graduated with her master’s degree. Seeing her accomplish these things put the fire in me to be the best person on and off the court."

(Robinson's sister Shakia reached her 1000th milestone point playing basketball for North Penn High School.)


Springside Chestnut Hill Academy senior basketball standout Dave Robinson -(photo by Zamani Feelings for PSD).

Senior multi-sport athletes Abbie Rorke, who was captain of her squash and lacrosse teams, will be attending the University of Pennsylvania to play squash, and Jared Sprague-Lott, who was captain of his basketball and baseball team, were the recipients of the Inter-Academic League’s Athletic Directors’ Award. Sprague-Lott has committed to play baseball for the University of Richmond.

WILLIAM PENN CHARTER:

The Penn Charter girls’ basketball team won the most single-season games in program history this past season, posting a record of 25-4 and advancing all the way to the PAISAA title game before falling to Abington Friends.

Senior Kait Carter (Chestnut Hill College), a three-time team captain, three-time All Inter-Ac, and seventh all-time leading scorer in PC girl’s basketball history averaging 10.6 ppg with 1,171 career points, and senior Carmen Williams, a two-time, first-team All Inter-Ac, each eclipsed the 1,000-point career milestone on Jan. 4th in the same quarter in a home game vs. SCH Academy. Williams averaged 10.6 ppg and finished her career with 1,223 points and became the school's sixth all-time leading scorer.

Both were nominated to the McDonald’s All-American game.

“This year's team was so special in that it was a complete team effort," said head coach Joe Maquire. "We averaged over 62 points per game, with four girls averaging between 11 and 13, but we also only gave up 41 points per game.  On the offensive end, no one cared who scored the points. We shared the ball with each other and were happy to see our teammates succeed. On the defensive end, everyone bought into stopping our opponents and worked together giving maximum effort knowing their teammates always had their back."


Seniors Kait Carter and Carmen Williams Hit 1000 career milestone. Pictured L to R: PC Head Coach Joe Maquire, Kaitlyn Carter, Carmen Williams & PC Athletic Director John Thiel (photo by Zamani Feelings)


Penn Charter 2019-20 basketball team celebrate Carter's and Williams' 1000 points (photo by Zamani Feelings),

Maguire lauded "four seniors who were great leaders for our team."

"Kait Carter was a 1,000-point career scorer and sacrificed her scoring average this year, but saw her assists, rebounds, and steals go up for the better of the team," said Maguire. "Carmen Williams, also a 1,000-point career scorer, moved to the point guard position this year because it was what was best for the team. Hayley Hunt and India Barnes did whatever was asked of them on the offensive and defensive end. Kelsey Bess and Aleah Snead led us in scoring, gave maximum effort, and listened to the older players, trying to learn from their experiences.  Kaitlyn Hnatkowsky, Bella Toomey, and Maddie Shoup were key players off the bench - along with India Barnes - who were always prepared for what their role was going to be for each game.  We also had great teammates on the bench - Ava Coyle, Kait Haughey, Laila Hamiter, Jamie Kubach, Molly McMahon, Janae Stewart, and Amani Rivers, who was injured - who supported their teammates during games and pushed them in practice to get them ready for our challenging schedule. Every person on our roster played a valuable role for our team's success, and without them all buying in, we would not have been as successful as we were."

In girls swimming, senior Sally Foley took home the Women’s Swimmer of the Meet Award at Easterns, winning the 100 breaststroke (1:00.81, a new pool record), the 200 IM (1:58.11, new team, meet and pool record) and swam in all three gold medal relay teams. It was the first time a PC swimmer received the Swimmer of the Meet honor. Foley was also named the Inter-Ac’s Most Valuable Swimmer on the girls’ side when league honors were announced in February.

“I was honored to receive this award, especially as a way to end my senior season," said Foley "The Inter-Ac is filled with amazing swimmers that I’ve grown close with over the past three years. It was an honor to be selected as the MVP out of a group of amazing swimmers, and I was proud to represent my team and school in doing so."

Foley joined Sam Boyes, Camille Weiss, and Gabby Lopez-Ona to win the 400 freestyle relay and set a pool record with their time of 3:25.40. Weiss, Lopez-Ona, Aisling Brady, and Lane Murray won the 200 freestyle relay with a team record time of 1:35.73, and Boyes, Brady, Foley, and Murray won the 200 medley relay in 1:44.36.

“This year, the team’s dedication and hard work was at an all-time high," said Foley. "Our goal for the season was to three-peat as Inter-Ac and Eastern champions, and we knew that after the seniors graduated last year, it would be very difficult. While we weren’t able to do that, I was really happy to see my teammates meet their individual goals and have their hard work pay off.

"In the fall, I got a concussion playing water polo, which had me out of the water and unable to train for two weeks. When I was cleared, I was motivated to work my hardest and stay focused during my return in order to make-up for the time I missed. The culture of our team's training environment allowed us to push each other at practice each and every day. At Easterns, especially on the first day, we were all feeding off of each other and riding that energy."


Penn Charter senior Sally Foley (photo by Zamani Feelings)


Penn Charter 2010-20 Girls' Swim and Dive Team (photo- PC Athletics)

Foley was also this year’s Inter-Academic League’s Athletic Directors’ Award recipient. She will be attending Duke University to continue her swimming career.

In individual competition, Lopez-Ona won the 100 yard butterfly with a time of 54.90 and in the Inter-Ac Invitational, the girls took home the gold in the medley relay, the 200 freestyle and the 400 freestyle.

In girls’ indoor track and field, the 4x800 team of sophomore Julia Dolce, freshman Dani Shipon, junior Emma Zwall (second team All-State) and senior Sarah Shipon won their event at the Pennsylvania Public School Invitational in NYC with a 9:19.28 finish, the second fastest time in the state this year. Dani Shipon won the 800 meters with a time of 2:22.61.

Three-sport senior athlete Akeel Blake received the Inter-Ac Athletic Directors' Award. He played football and was captain of both indoor and outdoor track and field. Blake will continue his collegiate career in track and field at Wilmington College.


Penn Charter senior Akeel Blake (photo- Patty Morgan for PSD).

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