FWCD Falcon Athletics - Spring 2016

Falcon Athletics For t Wor th Country Day Athletic Wrap-up Spring 2016 Inside this Issue

FWCD Dedicates Tennis Center The Fort Worth Country Day community gathered May 9 for a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting for the new FWCD Tennis Center. More than 100 members of the Falcon family were on hand to commemorate the event and honor the donors and volunteers who brought the facility to life. The courts officially opened for play on Tuesday, March 22.

The 10 new courts, four of which are lighted, have shaded bench seating between each set of courts. Seven courts are named in honor of Fort Worth Country Day benefactors. A special presentation was made in honor of longtime FWCD coach, Will Stansbery H'08. FWCD alumni and friends came together to create the Stansbery Championship Court to recognize Stansbery's almost 30-year career in education and athletics at the School.

The court names are listed below with their respective donors: • Luskey Ace Court: Named in memory of Former Trustee Henry Luskey; Given by Jeanie Luskey, Steven Luskey ’92 and Valrie Luskey Eberstein ’96 • Todora Ace Court: Given by the Michael and Helen Todora Family, Robert ’17, Harrison ’20, Vivian ’23 and John ’29 • Park Championship Court: Given by Judy and Major Park; Martha and Rob Park, Katie ’16, Megan ’18 and Robert ’18 • Stansbery Court: Given by alumni and friends of Coach Will Stansbery H’08, FWCD Coach 1970-99 • Manning Court: Given by the Krista and Ralph Manning Family, Mary Kate ’25 and Millison ’25 • Beadles Court: Given by Allison and John Beadles ’88 • Petsche Court: Given by the Bonnie and Alan Petsche Family, Kate ’11, Alec ’13, Eric ’16 and Julia ’20

Baseball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Boys’ and Girls’ Track. . . . 2 Softball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Boys’ Tennis . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Boys’ Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Girls’Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Lacrosse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Girls’ Tennis. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Stansbery Award WInners.5 NCAA Signees. . . . . . . . . . . 5 Year-End Awards. . . . . . . . . 6 Postseason Awards. . . . . . 7 Falcon Club Purchases. . . 8 Preseason Information . . . 8

2016 Summer Weight Room Schedule May 23-August 5 Mondays-Fridays *Closed July 4 8-9 a.m.

Open Workout 9-11 a.m.

Football 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Girls Only 12:30-2 p.m.

Girls Only 2-4 p.m.

Open Workout 4-6 p.m.

Football 6-7 p.m.

Open Workout 1

A Spring to Remember Baseball

Patrick Hoffacker ’16 The 2016 Falcon baseball team was filled with talented players, and the season consisted of harnessing that talent into a successful team. The season began with a successful preseason, including impressive wins against Southwest Christian, Brewer and Arlington Heights.

There were also some close losses against Paschal and St. Thomas.

Despite a tough season-opening John Wittman ’16 conference game against Trinity Valley, the Falcons bounced back with several key wins, including St. Mark’s, the eventual SPC champions, and were able to make it into SPC as the third seed in the North Zone.

Some wins were closer than they should have been, but the

Falcons were able to overcome tight situations and leave with the wins.

Despite a few exceptions, the team’s games were all fairly close, and the Falcons carried themselves as a successful baseball program on and off the field.

After beating John Cooper in the first round of SPC, the team had a tough loss against Episcopal. Despite not ending the season the way that we wanted, the team is still happy with the impressive season and wish luck to the future of the FWCD baseball team.

The team graduated nine very talented seniors this year, but we are sure that the talent will only carry on into the continuing successful baseball program, led

by Coach Brady Benoit. We are proud to be his first team, and, as we leave, we are excited for the future of the FWCD baseball team.

Boys’ and Girls’ Track

By Ryleigh Rains ’17

This season went very well. We broke a lot of School records and personal records! Everyone did especially well competing against other teams and also against themselves.

The 4x200 girls relay went to Texas Relays in Austin and shattered the record previously set in 1997. The team consisted of Adele Elkind ’16, Olivia Woodson ’17, CJ Landrum ’18 and Molly Cassady ’18. The girls also broke the 4x100 record at SPC; the team was made up of Elkind, Woodson, Landrum and Kaitlyn Johnson ’19. These five girls, along with Emma Rooker ’18, ran on the sprint relays and were a formidable force. I myself had a great year and broke a 25-year-old high jump School record.

Brian Evans ’17

The boys showed tremendous improvement in the field events. Joseph Breedlove ’17, Kellan Onuscheck ’16, Brad Chilcoat ’17, Brandon Evans ’16 and Brian Evans ’17, among, others helped for a strong SPC finish.

Although we had a lot of fun this year and competed well, we are sad to see the season come to a close. We are especially sad to see our favorite coach in the world go. Thank you for everything you've taught us Coach Mark Brady, and thank you for everything you've done for us! You will be missed!

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Lydia Barron ’19

conference season we could have possibly had. We run-ruled every team in the North Zone, which seeded us first in the SPC bracket. Although we did not accomplish what we wanted to in the SPC tournament, our overall season was one to remember. The improvement mentally and skillfully from last year to this year was huge. We never let up in our conference games and consistently played at our highest capable level. It also started to become odd if we didn't see a homerun every other game or so.

Softball

Adele Elkind ’16 The 2016 varsity softball team was a special and close-knit group. We were a team of nine players, just enough to fill a field. I think we can all agree that our main priority was not getting hurt.

We were also very young, made up of mostly sophomores, with two juniors and two seniors. Having just these nine, we all easily became really close on and off the field. When one was absent at a practice or game, it was extremely evident, and when we were all there, it was the same, nothing went unnoticed.

We had lots of new traditions this year like walk-up songs, which helped us get loud in the dugout and brought a little laugh at the beginning of the season when the underclassmen didn't get to pick their songs. We also made new cheers and a new fashion statement with our glitter eye black. These things made for a very memorable season aside from the accomplishments we had.

Our overall season was very successful.

We finally got to play in the Brewer tournament at the beginning of the season against some very talented 5A and 6A public schools. We opened our

Edie Huling ’17 very first game of the season against the 2014 and 2015 reigning state champions and won! This gave us lots of confidence going into the rest of the season and the rest of the tournament.

We went 4-2 in the tournament and only lost three more games the remainder of the season.

Our next games were in Fredericksburg, Texas. We travel here every year and play in the Fredericksburg tournament.

We opened against Fredericksburg in a non-tournament game and won 1914. The following day, the tournament started, and we went undefeated and came back with a first-place trophy.

Then came the most successful

Despite our final tournament, the season was unforgettable, and the varsity softball team has a lot of positive things that it will take to next year's team and be even more successful. When someone wasn't having a good game, there was always a teammate making sure she picked her head up. It was a special nine, and I have never been a part of a team that had each other’s backs more than this one. Thanks to the 2016 varsity softball team for an unforgettable and extremely accomplished season, bye and thank you, Olivia Darrow ’16 and Adele Elkind ’16!

Boys’ Tennis Ben Nober ’17

This year, FWCD boys’ varsity tennis took on a new image under the leadership of Coach Tony Le. As the season rolled around, the boys elected Nicholas Aufiero ’17, Kit Puls ’17 and myself as captains. The season began with a few weeks of driving up to McLeland Tennis Center each day for practice, as we awaited the highly anticipated new courts at school.

Following spring break, the team was happy to settle into the new courts, where we were able to play the remainder of our matches. The new courts feature more space, which allows matches to progress faster and gives fans a better view. After many practices led by Coach Le and Coach David Hoppe, the boys were able to increase consistency and play all-around better tennis. This led to a victory for our varsity team at the Episcopal School of Dallas. Near the end of the season, the boys were given the long-awaited new jersey, two brand-new collared shirts and a new bag for each player. After a successful season, we closed out the year with a party at the Dobson’s house celebrating another year of FWCD tennis.

Kit Puls ’17 3

athlete within a team setting. The program has much to look forward to success and growth-wise, and the future of FWCD lacrosse is hopeful.

Boys’ Golf Reilly Clark ’17

It was a great season for the boys’ golf team. We had a great team that consisted of lots of good young players.

The varsity was made up of three juniors and two sophomores, which means we are not losing any varsity players due to graduation.

We started the season off with a second-place finish for both the varsity and junior varsity at our first tournament at Sherrill Park Golf Course, and we ended the season with an eighth-place finish at SPC. The top two individual finishes from our team were Jared Imber ’17 (79, 81) and Robert Park ’18 (82, 84). Overall, we had a lot of fun this season and look forward to getting back on the course next spring.

Robert Park ’18

Girls’ Tennis

Sarah Jane McDonald ’17

John Fredian ’16

Lacrosse

Henry Ryan ’16 The FWCD varsity lacrosse season started with a challenge. Going into our first game, we had a team composed of half underclassmen. The challenge was daunting at first; however, it turned out that the underclassmen provided for the team a vigor and excitement that could not have been found elsewhere.

We fought each game with a chip on our shoulder, knowing that we had to prove something to ourselves.

Although we didn’t win many games, we remained persistent. The one game that we did win, against Paschal, was one for the books. The team came together and the camaraderie that was displayed was memorable. Each player developed into a strong individual

This year, I had the pleasure of serving as captain of the girls’ tennis team along with Chloe Pyron ’17. As a team were able to play on new courts that completely surpassed our expectations.

On the first day we practiced on the courts, it was like we were kids on Halloween. We had new balls, new courts and new, awesome attitudes to set the precedent for an amazing season. Every time we hosted a team, we were so proud to show off our new home.

On behalf of the team, I want to extend thanks to everyone who came out and supported us this year. While we had some awesome wins, we also had some tough losses, and your support was invaluable. Thanks to our amazing coaches, Coach Missi Kovachev ’89, Coach Tony Le, Coach David Hoppe and Coach Cindy Seay who helped make this season one of much growth and camaraderie. Here’s a quote from champion Victoria Azarenka that helped inspire us this season: “If you still have one more point to play, no matter what the score is, you still have a chance to make a difference in your favor.”

Girls’ Golf Alex Gibbs ’18

Girls’ golf had a great 2016 season! A majority of us had never even swung a golf club before. Coach Heather Young was patient in teaching us how to play and learn the rules, too. We saw significant improvement this season.

Our first tournament had an average score of 135.2, but four tournaments and lots of practice later, we had an average of 121.6. We finished ahead of where we started, and this could not have been done without the help of our amazing coach.

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Hannah Bailey ’18, Alex Gibbs ’18, Nadeen Malik ’18, Helen Holloway ’18, Zoe DeRobertis ’18

Stansbery Award Winners The following Upper School students are 2015-16 Stansbery Award winners (three-season athletes):

Seniors

Natalie Clifton, Adele Elkind, John Fredian, J.D. Robinson

Juniors

NCAA Signees

Nicholas Aufiero, Colton Baird, Ross Biggs, Joseph Breedlove, Brad Chilcoat, Jackson Christian, Max Gordon, Karena Kett, Tayvon Lauderdale, Juliebeth LeBus, Meredith Mallick, Jack Mock, Kate Nolan, Spencer Pergande, Ryan Prince, Sydney Stripling, Joshua Tipton, Robert Todora

Marshall Dike ’16 has committed to Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, to play baseball.

Jack Sankary ’16 was recognized in April for his commitment to Sewanee: The University of the South to play football.

Sophomores

DJ Williams’16 has signed to play soccer at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Maggie Brants, Sam Carlile, Molly Cassady, Kathleen Clum, Ethan Davenport, Samuel DeRobertis, Alex Gibbs, Grace Goldman, Helen Holloway, Christina Kelly, CJ Landrum, Mack MacLean, Brenden McCormack, Sarah Morton, Megan Park, Jack Stephens, Allen Taylor, Nate Wallace

We wish them all the best of luck and look forward to following their collegiate careers.

Freshmen

Congratulations to the National Field Hockey AllAcademic Squad (top row) Kate Nolan ’17, Carly Franks ’17, Caroline Cameron ’16, Katie Anderson ’16, Kristin Dickerson ’16, Mary Catherine Bishop ’16, Alex Doswell ’16, (front row) Sarah Sawyer ’17, Savannah Norman ’16, Anne Phillips ’17, Kennedy Phillips ’17, Chloe Pyron ’17, Molly Englander ’16. Not pictured: Margot Berry ’16, Meredith Mallick ’17

Natalie Clifton ’16 was awarded Academic All-State by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches.

Joe Atkinson, Hannah Barron, Lydia Barron, Charles Berry, Anna Brittan Brumley, Bass Bumstead, Elena Casement, Drew Chilcoat, Payton Childress, Isabella Coslik, Sam Elkind, Rachel Ellman, Kaitlyn Johnson, Sadie Johnson, Carlotta Murrin, Caroline O'Connor, Peter Philpott, Kirsten Pruitt, Mattye Richardson, Virginia Sanders, Katelyn Stokes, Sofia Strain, Grace Wagner, Grant Zoota

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Year-End Awards Outstanding Freshman Athletes –

Kaitlyn Johnson, Drew Chilcoat This award is given annually to the outstanding freshman athletes who, in the opinion of the coaches, displayed athletic talents that significantly contributed the most to the entire FWCD athletic program.

Outstanding Sophomore Athletes –

Cedrina Landrum, Nate Wallace This award is given annually to the outstanding sophomore athletes who, in the opinion of the coaches, displayed athletic talents that significantly contributed the most to the entire FWCD athletic program.

Varsity Award – Adele Elkind This award is presented to the rare athlete who has lettered on 12 varsity teams during his/her athletic career at FWCD. Congratulations are extended to these individuals for their contribution of spirit, energy, leadership, sportsmanship and for the legacy that he/she leaves to other FWCD athletes.

Class of ’72 Award – John Fredian This award is given annually to the senior boy athlete(s) who, in the opinion of the coaches, has demonstrated consistent improvement in his athletic performance while at FWCD. 6

Class of ’70 Award – Adele Elkind This award is given annually to the outstanding senior girl athlete(s) who, in the opinion of the coaches, displayed athletic talents that significantly contributed the most to the entire FWCD athletic program.

Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Award –

Savannah Norman,

William Newton This award is given annually to the senior boy(s) and the senior girl(s), who, in the opinion of the Head of School, Upper School division head and the athletic director, has in athletic endeavor displayed the qualities of character, sportsmanship, enthusiasm and team spirit, and who in so doing has contributed to the general excellence of FWCD.

Bill Curtis ’67 Award – Brad Chilcoat This award is given annually to the outstanding junior boy athlete(s) who, in the opinion of the coaches, displayed athletic talents that significantly contributed the most to the entire FWCD athletic program.

Richard Steed ’83 Award –

Olivia Woodson This award is given annually to the outstanding junior girl athlete(s) who, in the opinion of the coaches, displayed athletic talents that significantly contributed the most to the entire FWCD athletic program.

William A. Landreth Jr. ’67 Award –

John Wittman This award is given annually to the outstanding senior boy athlete(s) who, in the opinion of the coaches, displayed athletic talents that significantly contributed the most to the entire FWCD athletic program.

Dr. Lawrence P. Kleuser ’72 Memorial Trophy –

Adele Elkind, Brandon Evans This award is given annually to the senior boy(s) and the senior girl(s), who, in the opinion of the Head of School, Upper School division head and the athletic director, has in athletic endeavor displayed the qualities of character, sportsmanship, enthusiasm and team spirit, and who in so doing has contributed to the general excellence of FWCD. Don Welch Memorial Trophy – Natalie Clifton This award is given annually to the senior girl athlete(s) who, in the opinion of the coaches, has demonstrated consistent improvement in her athletic performance while at FWCD.

Rosacker Award (Outstanding Middle School Athletes)

Kenzie Carter,

Christopher Wilkens Old Sport Award –

Michelle and Scott Marlow The Charles B. Varnell Athletic Trainer Award –

Casey Hammett ’15,

Danny Stokes ’15 This award is presented to the student athletic trainer who has made a significant contribution to the entire Athletic Department. Congratulations to these individuals for their sacrifice of time and energy for the benefit of Fort Worth Country Day athletes and coaches and for the legacy they leave to other Fort Worth Country Day athletic trainers.

SPC All-Zone: (back row) Joseph Breedlove ’17, John Fredian ’16, Brad Chilcoat ’17, Kellan Onuscheck ’16, Colton Baird ’17, James Ferguson ’16, Brandon Evans ’16, Olivia Woodson ’17, Molly Cassady ’18, Ryleigh Rains ’17, Emma Rooker ’18, (front row) Brian Evans ’17, Ben Nober ’17, CJ Landrum ’18, Kaitlyn Johnson ’19, Ainsley Dobson ’18, Samantha Burke ’18, Edie Huling ’17, Kathleen Clum ’18, Emily Johnston ’17. Not pictured: Logan Tinley ’17, Jacob Rains ’16

Spring 2016 Postseason Awards Baseball

Most Valuable: Jacob Rains ’16 Most Improved: John Wittman ’16 Coaches Award: William Sheats ’16 SPC All-Conference: James Ferguson ’16, William Sheats ’16 SPC Honorable Mention: Marshall Dike ’16, John Wittman ’16 All-Zone: James Ferguson ’16, Jacob Rains ’16

Boys’ Golf

Most Valuable: Jared Imber ’17 Most Improved: Phillip Herd ’17 Coaches Award: Jordan Upchurch ’16

Girls’ Golf

Most Valuable: Helen Holloway ’18 Most Improved: Hannah Bailey ’18

Lacrosse

Most Valuable: Spencer Pergande ’17 Heart & Hustle: John Fredian ’16 Coaches Award: Henry Ryan ’16 SPC All-Conference: Spencer Pergande ’17, Henry Ryan ’16 All-Zone: John Fredian ’16, Logan Tinley ’17 SPC Honorable Mention: Jack Stephens ’18, Nate Wallace ’18

Softball

Most Valuable: Adele Elkind ’16 Heart & Hustle: Samantha Burke ’18 Coaches Award: Alexis Onuscheck ’18 SPC All-Conference: Adele Elkind ’16, Cedrina Landrum ’18 SPC Honorable Mention: Kathleen Clum ’18, Olivia Darrow ’16 All-Zone: Samantha Burke ’18, Kathleen Clum ’18, Edie Huling ’17, Emily Johnston ’17

Boys’ Tennis

Most Valuable: Nicholas Aufiero ’17 Heart & Hustle: Leo D’Agostino ’17 SPC All-Conference: Kit Puls ’17 All Zone: Ben Nober ’17

Girls’ Tennis

Most Valuable: Chloe Pyron ’17 Heart & Hustle: Megan Park ’18 Coaches Award: Sarah Clark ’19 SPC All-Conference: Christina Kelly ’18 All-Zone: Ainsley Dobson ’18

Boys’ Track

Most Valuable Running: Brandon Evans ’16 Most Valuable Field: Joseph Breedlove ’17 Most Improved Running: Colton Baird ’17

Most Improved Field: Kellan Onuscheck ’16 SPC Honorable Mention: Ben Belton ’18, Colton Baird ’17, Joseph Breedlove ’17, Brad Chilcoat ’17, Brandon Evans ’16, Brian Evans ’17, Kellan Onuscheck ’16 All-Zone: Colton Baird ’17, Joseph Breedlove ’17, Brad Chilcoat ’17, Brandon Evans ’16, Brian Evans ’17, Kellan Onuscheck ’16 Clapsaddle Award: Campbell Robinson ’19

Girls’ Track

Most Valuable Running: Olivia Woodson ’17 Most Valuable Field: Ryleigh Rains ’17 Most Improved Running: Kate Nolan ’17 Most Improved Field: Lydia Barron ’19 SPC All-Conference: Molly Cassady ’18, Adele Elkind ’16, Kaitlyn Johnson ’19, Cedrina Landrum ’18, Emma Rooker ’18, Olivia Woodson ’17 SPC Honorable Mention: Ryleigh Rains ’17 All-Zone: Molly Cassady ’18, Kaitlyn Johnson ’19, Cedrina Landrum ’18, Ryleigh Rains ’17, Emma Rooker ’18, Olivia Woodson ’17 Clapsaddle Award: Sydney Stripling ’17 7

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID FORT WORTH, TX PERMIT NO. 676

2015-16 Falcon Club Major Purchases • Noah Volleyball Setter • Falcon Nest Paint and New Logo • Game Ready Rehab Machine •

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(Training Room) Technomad Speaker Repairs (Both Gyms) Hurdles Audio System for the Stadium Baseball Field Tarps Cheerleading Mats Soccer Stadium Bench Shelters FlashTiming Meet Manager (Track and Field Timer) Golf Cart (For New Tennis Center) Alert Electric Stimulator (Training Room) Generator (For Field Misting Fans) Visitor Bleacher Rental (For Stadium) Ice Chests (Team Use) Kubota Repairs (Trainer Cart)

4200 Country Day Lane Fort Worth, Texas 76109-4299 Address SERVICE REQUESTED

Preseason Information Fall 2016 (Please see team pages at fwcd.org for more detailed information)

New Hires

Boys’ Volleyball Program Director: Missi Kovachev ’89 (missi.kovachev@fwcd.com) Start Date: Monday, August 8 Cheerleading Program Director: Anne-Lise Woods ’85 (anne-lise.woods@fwcd.com) Start Date: Friday, August 5 Cross Country Program Director: Marcelo Hernandez (marcelo.hernandez@fwcd.com) Start Date: Monday, August 8

Sha’Dare McNeal joins the athletics staff as a PE teacher and girls’ volleyball program director.

Field Hockey Program Director: Paige Chisholm ’87 (paige.chisholm@fwcd.com) Start Date: Monday, August 8 Football Program Director: Frank Gendusa (frank.gendusa@fwcd.com) Start Date: Monday, August 1 Girls’ Volleyball Program Director: Sha’Dare McNeal (shadare.mcneal@fwcd.com) Start Date: Monday, August 8 ***All Middle School teams other than football will start the second day of school

Jared Connaughton will serve as a PE teacher and program director for track and field.