FWCD Falcon Athletics - Spring 2017

FALCON ATHLETICS For t Wor th Country Day Athletic Wrap-up Spring 2017

Strong Spring for Falcon Teams Baseball

By Isaac Narrett ’17 FWCD baseball had a great season in 2017. Predicted to be plagued by inexperience and youth, the Falcons defied the odds and finished respectably in third place at the SPC Tournament in Dallas, ending the weekend by sending All Saints’ Episcopal School to TAPPS with a loss.

The Falcons worked hard throughout the year, grinding in the offseason to prepare for the tireless season under the helm of Coaches Brady Benoit, Cedric Landrum, Jimmy Brockway and Don Morland. The team finished the season with a 21-11 record, while maintaining a 7-1 record in Brayden Bescher ’18 counter games. Propelled by the senior leadership and the excellent pitching of Joshua Tipton and Jack McConnell, the Falcons were able to keep opponents at bay, while benefiting on offense from sweetswinging juniors Clark Sheats, Turner Symonds and Brayden Bescher. The FWCD baseball team also profited from the outstanding defense of Ozzie Fleischer ’20 and the insurmountable pitching of Stephen Murrin ’20.

The team found its complete nature with help from speedy center fielder Jackson Norman ’19, power-hitter Drew Chilcoat ’19 and reliable battery Sam Elkind ’19.

While only losing three seniors, the Falcons look to improve on this year’s accomplishments as they eye the 2018 season.

Sam Elkind ’19

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Baseball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Boys’ Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Boys’ and Girls’ Tennis. . . 2 Lacrosse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Softball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Boys’ and Girls’ Track. . . . 4 Girls’ Golf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Field Hockey Players Honored. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Boys’ Soccer Honored. . . . 5 Stansbery Award Winners.5 Postseason Awards. . . . . . 6 Year-End Awards. . . . . . . . . 7 Falcon Club Purchases. . . 8 Preseason Information . . . 8

2017 Summer Weight Room Schedule Through August 4 Monday-Friday (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.

Olympic Lifting – Boys Only 4 – 6 p.m.

Football 6 – 7 p.m.

Open Workout Middle School Workouts for Grades 7-8 Monday, June 19-Thursday, August 3 (Closed July 4) 3:15 – 4 p.m.

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Boys’ Golf

By Ben Alexander ’20 The boys’ golf team had a great season under Head Coach Lindy Miller.

Our team, which comprised 24 wellrounded golfers, was one of the biggest and best Country Day boys’ golf teams in recent years. This strong core of experienced golfers is sure to help us build on our already successful program in the future.

Our varsity squad had many top-five finishes and won team titles at the FWCD Invitational and Leonard Cup. Junior Brendan O’Connell shot a 75 at the FWCD Invitational to win the individual title. To cap off an impressive Coach Lindy Miller, Brendan O’Connell ’18, Phillip Herd ’17, Reilly Clark ’17, Jared season, varsity took fifth place at SPC Imber ’17, Robert Park ’18, Ben Alexander ’20 at Cypresswood Golf Club in Houston, with overall scores of 315 on the first day and 322 on the second day. Senior Our seniors, and particularly co-captains Imber and Reilly Jared Imber finished ninth overall in the tournament to earn Clark, provided valuable leadership that will be missed.

All-SPC honors, and junior Robert Park finished 14th overall Fortunately, we will return several strong players who look to earn Honorable Mention All-SPC. The JV team also greatly forward to the 2018 season. improved throughout the course of the season, and won the JV team title at the FWCD Invitational.

Boys’ and Girls’ Tennis The FWCD tennis teams were able to reap the benefit of the beautiful new courts for the entire season this year. The teams were coached by new Program Director Angel Martinez, who brought a wealth of experience and knowledge that is pointing the team toward new heights.

The team was led by seniors Nicholas Aufiero, Sarah Jane McDonald, Auril Maxwell, Ben Nober, Anna Puff, Alex Sanchez and Cavan Vestal. While these seniors will be greatly missed, there are a ton of underclassmen that are returning and will keep the program growing and improving. These players look forward to setting new goals for the team and reaching new milestones.

Kirsten Pruitt ’19 2

The team hopes to get some time on the courts over the summer to keep their games in shape. Several players will be attending camps and competing in tournaments over the summer in addition to helping with camps for younger-aged players.

Ben Nober ’17

Softball

By Emily Johnston ’17 The 2017 varsity softball team was the tightest knit group I have ever seen.

We were a team of mostly juniors with two seniors (myself and Edie Huling) and two sophomores. Having only 10 players, it was easy for us to become really close on and off the field. When one player was missing everyone felt it.

It was more than just missing a player— it was like missing a part of our family.

Our loud cheering, along with our warmup and walk-up songs, helped to keep our energy levels high before and during games.

Ryan Prince ’17, Will Brumley ’17, Adam Tunnard ’17, Coach Gary Dennington, Max Gordon ’17, Logan Tinley ’17

Lacrosse Under the leadership of new Varsity Lacrosse Coach Gary Dennington, five returning seniors led the team to new levels of teamwork and camaraderie. Together, they learned valuable skills through Dennington’s unique and exciting coaching style.

As a result, time spent in the penalty box was virtually eliminated. Underclassmen and seniors worked together producing some resounding victories, and they fought together through some tough losses.

In addition to strategy sessions, Coach Dennington also introduced the boys to his favorite training techniques, which included pencil rolls, crab walks and sock fights.

Although a little unprecedented, his coaching style truly had an impact as his team played together in ways never seen before. Cohesion, teamwork, strategy and clean playing were the norm for the season.

“Never let them see you sweat” was the team mantra, challenging the boys to always keep a cool head and look for the plays regardless of the score.

Mitch Overton ’20

Each year, the game against R.L. Paschal High School is always highly anticipated, and this year was no disappointment! FWCD beat Paschal 22-7 in an epic game on Paschal’s home turf. Every player on the team had an outstanding season, which ended perfectly with a 13-10 victory over Trinity Valley School.

The leadership of the seniors will be missed: Ryan Prince, Max Gordon, Will Brumley, Logan Tinley and Adam Tunnard, we wish you the very best and hope you come back to watch us in the coming seasons.

Emily Johnston ’17 We opened our season with multiple tournaments, playing very competitive 5A and 6A public schools. We faced some adversity here, ultimately making us more excited to play with one another for the rest of the season. We went undefeated in the North Zone, giving us the No. 1 seed in the SPC Tournament. Even with a few holes left from last year and one injured player, our team was able to step up and put the amount of effort in for one another that got us to this place.

Although our season did not exactly end the way we would have liked it to, we did not keep our heads down. We focused on all of the positive things we had accomplished. I am forever thankful for the amazing support system that this team was. Thank you to our coaches and to the team for this incredible season.

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Boys’ and Girls’ Track

By Jared Connaughton

As a first year Head Coach and Program Director, I knew I faced many obstacles and challenges—from implementing new coaching techniques to convincing returning athletes to trust and buy into a new program and to prioritize intraschool recruiting, particularly among the talented freshman class. I was encouraged to have several athletes participate in a winter conditioning regimen despite having to endure inclement weather conditions and a transition to a new facility.

Once spring rolled around, I was pleased to see the depth and breadth of athletes ranging from throwers to sprinters to hurdlers and middledistance runners—truly symbolic of a healthy and balanced environment that encourages a host of options available to all types of athletes in the track-andfield universe.

We began our season at home at the FWCD Falcon Invitational, which revealed a multitude of stellar performances by upperclassmen, as well as encouraging performances from young, up-and-coming freshmen and sophomores, particularly on the girls’ side. The theme of the 2017 competition schedule was certainly

Texas Relays: Coach Jared Connaughton, Allison Moore ’20, Kenzi Carter ’20, Allie Stewart ’20, Molly Cassady ’18, CJ Landrum ’18, Emma Rooker ’18 “competitive,” which meant we consistently went up against large 5A and 6A public schools, and, without a doubt, as the season progressed, we began developing a real sense of belonging among that type of competition, resulting in more than 20 athletes (roughly half the team) qualifying for the SPC Championships.

Like the 2016 season, the SPC Championship meet schedule was truncated to avoid impending inclement weather, but nevertheless, the athletes

improvised and adapted to the lastminute schedule change and produced the most competitive meet we had all season. In total, FWCD athletes posted 16 personal bests at the SPC meet, a terrific way to cap off an impressive season.

It was a joy and an honor to kick off my coaching career as a Fort Worth Country Day Falcon, and I look forward to continuing to facilitate the revitalization of the Track and Field Program for years to come!

Girls’ Golf

By Grace Wagner ’19 The Fort Worth Country Day varsity girls’ golf team made significant strides on the course this spring. Three new golfers joined the team, and all five of the varsity golfers qualified for the SPC Tournament in Houston. The team’s new coach, Sharon Davis ’04, was pivotal to this season’s success. Davis coached the golfers on techniques for their short and long games.

Coach Davis also highlighted the importance of sportsmanship and honor throughout the season.

Since there were no seniors on the team, the future looks to be even stronger.

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Hannah Bailey ’18, Grace Wagner ’19, Alyssa Cole ’19, Alex Gibbs ’18, Helen Holloway ’18, Nadeen Malik ’18, Anna Moritz ’20, Zoe DeRobertis ’18

Stansbery Award Winners (Three-Sport Athletes)

Seniors

Nicholas Aufiero, Colton Baird, Joseph Breedlove, Brad Chilcoat, Jackson Christian, Brodie Hyde, Jack Mock, Isaac Narrett, Kate Nolan, Spencer Pergande, Ryan Prince, Sydney Stripling, Joshua Tipton

Juniors

Field Hockey Players Honored Sixteen varsity field hockey players were named to the 2016-17 Keith Waldman – Optimal Performance Associates/NFHCA (National Field Hockey Coaches Association) High School National Academic Squad. The following seniors and juniors earned this distinction for their academic and athletic commitments to FWCD’s varsity field hockey team: (back row) Savana Blahitka ’18, Sidney Diamond ’18, Nadeen Malik ’18, Christina Kelly ’18, Carly Franks ’17, Kate Nolan ’17, Margeaux Mallick ’18, (front row) Katia Khammar ’18, Megan Park ’18, Sarah Sawyer ’17, Annie Phillips ’17 and Molly Cassady ’18. Not pictured: Grace Goldman ’18, Helen Holloway ’18, Meredith Mallick ’17 and Chloe Pyron ’17.

Brayden Bescher, Maggie Brants, Molly Cassady, Kathleen Clum, Helen Holloway, Christina Kelly, Brenden McCormack, Sarah Morton, Megan Park, Allen Taylor, Nate Wallace

Sophomores

Turner Anderson, Joe Atkinson, Hannah Barron, Lydia Barron, Charles Berry, Bass Bumstead, Elena Casement, Drew Chilcoat, Sam Elkind, Riley Hammett, Sadie Johnson, Lane Kimmel, Jordan Klein, Peter Philpott, Josey Reed, Virginia Sanders, Katelyn Stokes, Grace Wagner, Grant Zoota

Freshmen

Boys’ Soccer Honored The FWCD varsity boys’ soccer team was honored by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) with the Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Award.

This honor recognizes high school teams that have received zero Red Cards and a minimal number of Yellow Cards over their entire season.

Ben Alexander, Ainsley Bescher, William Burnette, Kenzi Carter, Grace Elizabeth Cauble, Avery Clinkscale, Stephanie Cook, Santiago Del Pozzo, Christopher Edwards, Mia Fleischer, Ainsley Hilliard, Blake Hyde, Campbell Hyde, Caden Jones, Sam Jones, Izzy Juliao, Parker Karpel, Mia Kovachev, Ashlin McCormack, Allison Moore, Anna Moritz, Stephen Murrin, Isabella Ray, Allie Stewart, India Turner, Grayson Uhr, Izzy Vallance, Samuel Woodson

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Spring 2017 Postseason Awards Student-athletes were honored Tuesday, May 16, at the Spring 2017 Postseason Athletic Awards.

Baseball Boys’ Tennis Most Valuable Most Valuable Player: Player: Jack Nicholas Aufiero ’17 McConnell ’17 Heart & Hustle: Jake Most Improved: Carson ’20 Joshua Tipton ’17 Coaches Award: Ben Coaches Award: Nober ’17 Isaac Narrett ’17 SPC All-Conference: SPC AllNicholas Aufiero ’17 Conference: Sam SPC Honorable Elkind ’19, Jack Mention: Ben Nober McConnell ’17, ’17 Joshua Tipton ’17 All-Zone: Nicholas SPC Honorable Aufiero ’17 Mention: Brayden

Bescher ’18 Girls’ Tennis All Zone: Ozzie Most Valuable Player: Fleischer ’20, Christina Kelly ’18 Jackson Norman Heart & Hustle: Auril ’19, Turner Maxwell ’17 All Conference: (back row) Ben Belton ’18, Joseph Breedlove ’17, Joshua Symonds ’18 Coaches Award: Mia Tipton ’17, Jack McConnell ’17, Sam Elkind ’19, Nicholas Aufiero ’17 (front

Kovachev ’20 row) Ryleigh Rains ’17, Christina Kelly ’18, CJ Landrum ’18, Samantha Burke Boys’ Golf SPC All-Conference: ’18 Most Valuable Christina Kelly ’18 Player: Jared Imber ’17 SPC Honorable Mention: Auril Maxwell ’17 Most Improved: Jack McGehee ’19 All-Zone: Anna Puff ’17 Coaches Award: Burke McCoy ’18

SPC All-Conference: Jared Imber ’17 Boys’ Track SPC Honorable Mention: Robert Park ’18 Most Valuable Player, Running: Colton Baird ’17

Most Valuable Player, Field: Joseph Breedlove ’17 Girls’ Golf Most Improved, Running: Whit Dennis ’20 Most Valuable Player: Grace Wagner ’19 Most Improved, Field: Ben Belton ’18 Most Improved: Alex Gibbs ’18 SPC All-Conference: Ben Belton ’18, Joseph Breedlove ’17 Coaches Award: Zoe DeRobertis ’18 SPC Honorable Mention: Whit Dennis ’20

Clapsaddle Award: Lane Kimmel ’19 Lacrosse

Most Valuable Player: Ryan Prince ’17 Girls’ Track Heart & Hustle: Max Gordon ’17 Most Valuable Player, Running: Payton Childress ’19 Coaches Award: Will Brumley ’17 Most Valuable Player, Field: Ryleigh Rains ’17

Most Improved, Running: Allison Moore ’20 Softball Most Improved, Field: Hannah Barron ’19 Most Valuable Player: Samantha Burke ’18 SPC All-Conference: Ryleigh Rains ’17 Heart & Hustle: Alexis Onuscheck ’18 SPC Honorable Mention: Reena Alame ’20, Hannah Barron Coaches Award: Edie Huling ’17 ’19, Kenzi Carter ’20, Molly Cassady ’18, Payton Childress SPC All-Conference: Samantha Burke ’18, Cedrina Landrum ’19, Emma Rooker ’18, Olivia Woodson ’17 ’18 Clapsaddle Award: Allie Stewart ’20 SPC Honorable Mention: Edie Huling ’17, Alexis Onuscheck ’18 All-Zone: Samantha Burke ’18, Emily Johnston ’17, Cedrina Landrum ’18, Alexis Onuscheck ’18 6

Year-End Awards Outstanding Freshman Athletes: Kenzi Carter ’20, Stephen Murrin ’20 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: Elena Casement ’19, Drew Chilcoat ’19 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.

Dr. Lawrence P. Kleuser Memorial Trophy: Ryleigh Rains ’17, Joseph Breedlove ’17 This award is given annually to that senior boy and/ or girl who, in the opinion of the Head of School, Head of the Upper School 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 significantly to the general excellence of Fort Worth Country Day.

Dr. Bill Curtis ’67 Award: Brayden Bescher ’18 This award is given annually to the outstanding undergraduate boy athlete(s) whose athletic talents significantly contributed the most to the FWCD athletic program.

Richard Steed ’83 Award: Samantha Burke ’18 This award is given annually to the outstanding undergraduate girl athlete(s) whose athletic talents significantly contributed the most to the FWCD athletic program.

Class of ’72 Award: Jack Mock ’17 This award is given annually to the senior boy who, in the opinion of the coaches, has demonstrated consistent improvement in athletic performance.

Varsity Awards: Nicholas Aufiero ’17, Joseph Breedlove ’17, Brad Chilcoat ’17 This award is presented to the rare senior athlete who has lettered on 12 (or more in this case) varsity teams.

Don Welch Memorial Trophy: Meredith Mallick ’17 This award is given annually to the senior girl who, in the opinion of the coaches, has demonstrated consistent improvement in athletic performance.

William A. Landreth Jr. ’67 Award: Brad Chilcoat ’17 This award is given annually to the outstanding senior boy athlete(s) whose athletic talents significantly contributed the most to the FWCD athletic program.

Class of ’70 Award: Sydney Stripling ’17 This award is given annually to the outstanding senior girl athlete(s) whose athletic talents significantly contributed the most to the FWCD athletic program.

Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Award: Kate Nolan ’17, Nicholas Aufiero ’17, Spencer Pergande ’17 The Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Award is awarded annually to that senior boy and that senior girl who, in the opinion of the coaches, most nearly epitomizes the ideal scholar- athlete by demonstrating academic excellence and outstanding athletic performance while attending FWCD. Rosacker Award (Outstanding Middle School Athletes): Mason Hill ’21, Alex Peeples ’21, Henry Lynn ’21 Old Sport Award: Michael ’88 and Stephanie Dike The Charles B. Varnell Athletic Trainer Award: Jackson Christian ’17 This award is presented to the student athletic trainer who has made a significant contribution to the entire Athletic Department.

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2016-17 Falcon Club Major Purchases • Pledge Payment for the Patton Field House • Scoreboard and Clock for Rosacker Stadium • Field Hockey Scoreboard • Trophy Cases for the Patton Field House • Thorguard Lightning Detection System Maintenance • Video Cameras (3) and Camera Bags • Soccer Goals and Nets • Basketball Goal Reupholstery • Medicine Balls for the Weight Room • Baseball Turf Cover • Designated Hitter (Pitching Training Device) • Pole Vault mat/Pad (Runway) • High Jump Pit • Drags for the Softball Field • Additional Porta Phone Headset • Live Video Screening of SPC Championship Football Game • Hudl (Game Film Software) Membership for Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball, Football • SPC Football Championship Plaques, Hats and T-shirts • SPC Championship Rings for Coaches and Student Financial Aid for Rings • Field 2 Scoreboard (Middle School Baseball, Field Hockey, Soccer)

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

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

Preseason Information Fall 2017 Please see team pages at fwcd.org for more detailed information Boys’ Volleyball Program Director: Missi Kovachev ’89 (missi.kovachev@fwcd.com) Start Date: Monday, August 7 Cheerleading Program Director: Anne-Lise Woods ’85 (anne-lise.woods@fwcd.com) Start Date: Wednesday, August 9 Cross Country Program Director: Marcelo Hernandez (marcelo.hernandez@fwcd.com) Start Date: Monday, August 7

FWCD’s athletic program has been named a Safe Sports School 1st Team for the second year in a row by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA). The award champions safety and recognizes secondary schools that provide safe environments for studentathletes. The award reinforces the importance of providing the best level of care, injury prevention and treatment.

Field Hockey Program Director: Paige Chisholm ’87 (paige.chisholm@fwcd.com) Start Date: Monday, August 7 Football Program Director: Frank Gendusa (frank.gendusa@fwcd.com) Start Date: Monday, August 7 Girls’ Volleyball Program Director: Sha’Dare McNeal (shadare.mcneal@fwcd.com) Start Date:Monday, August 7 ***All Middle School teams other than football will start the second day of school

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