GSB Booster Club Newsletter: Winter 2013

WINTER 2012-13 EDITION

Athletic News The Booster Club was formed in the spring of 2003 to support GSB athletics both financially and by encouraging school spirit.

For more information about the Booster Club, contact David Pasquale, athletic director, at 908-234-1611, ext. 221.

A NOTE FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR This issue of the Booster Club Newsletter contains noteworthy accomplishments by all of our winter season student-athletes and coaches. Within these pages, you will find news about a Somerset County Championship, Skyland Conference titles, national qualifiers, school records and the names of those recognized as “Player-of-the-Year.” We’re all incredibly proud of what GSB students accomplish each season and our athletes seem to get more talented every year.

Equally important, however, is the way our student-athletes conduct themselves as representatives of Gill St. Bernard’s School. In the midst of heated competition, GSB athletes consistently show grace and poise beyond their years.

They compete successfully at the highest levels, and often find themselves in situations that require restraint and composure. Almost without exception, our students and coaches shine in the face of such adversity.

I was reminded again of the character of GSB athletes as our spring teams returned to campus after taking training trips to various warm weather locations over the break. Each trip brought with it at least one unsolicited report of exceptional behavior and respectful comportment. Whether from a flight attendant in Raleigh, N.C., a grounds crew member in Port St. Lucie, Fla., or a hotel manager in Orlando, Fla., our kids were given rave reviews while traveling together. This positive feedback serves as just another reminder of how fortunate we are to have such fine young women and men representing our school.

Enjoy this winter recap, and I look forward to seeing you at a game, match or meet in the warmer months ahead.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION Please note the following abbreviations used throughout this newsletter:

NJISAA – New Jersey Independent School Athletic Association, divided into “Prep A” and “Prep B” NJSIAA – New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, in which GSB competes in the Non Public B Division SCT – Somerset County Tournament

GSB BOOSTER CLUB ATHLETIC NEWS • WINTER 2012-13

New Spring Head Coaches Announced The athletic department welcomed five new head coaches for the spring 2013 season.

Hoping to lead the Knights to their second consecutive Non Public B South Sectional Championship will be new head varsity boys’ tennis coach Sean Welcome. Currently working as a teaching professional at the Mountain Lakes Tennis Club, Welcome brings to the school a wealth of knowledge from his days as an assistant at the nationally ranked College of New Jersey, and member of the Division I men’s tennis team at Rider University. Working closely with Welcome throughout the spring will be Gill’s new junior varsity tennis coach Diane Becker. In addition to her current role as Peapack-Gladstone recreation director, Becker has also worked for more than 40 years as a tennis instructor. Using experience she gained while a first singles player at Gettysburg College, Becker has taught at numerous locations throughout New Jersey including the Brooklake Indoor Tennis Center where she is currently employed, the Mendham Racquet Club and the Roxiticus Country Club.

Two full-time instructors from the prestigious T3 Lacrosse Club, a New Jersey-based player development and education organization focused on the introduction and development of lacrosse skills, will spearhead the girls’ lacrosse program this spring. Jen Marrosu, previously head coach at Immaculata High School and a former standout at King’s College, will lead the Upper School program during its inaugural season of junior varsity competition. Emily Diehl, who captained teams at both Voorhees High School and Ursinus College, will coach the Middle School girls. In addition, Brian Callanan P ’21 will become head coach of the Middle School boys’ lacrosse program. Callanan previously coached in Michigan, where he led Dexter High School to a 52-8 record in just three years. Due to his success, Callanan earned “Coach-of-the-Year” honors in 2010 and 2012. He also holds extensive experience coaching elite youth and travel lacrosse teams.

Gill St. Bernard’s School 2012-13 Athletic Booster Club Executive Committee From top: GSB’s new head varsity boys’ tennis coach Sean Welcome with the school’s new JV boys’ tennis coach Diane Becker; New to Gill St. Bernard’s, Middle School boys’ and girls’ lacrosse coaches Brian Callanan P ’21 and Emily Diehl. New coach missing from picture: Head Junior Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse Coach Jen Marrosu.

The Booster Club Newsletter is written and published by the Gill St. Bernard’s School Communications & Marketing Department.

Allyson B. Daly P ’27 Director of Communications & Marketing Megan Zakrzewski Communications Specialist

President Richard Emmitt P ’02

David Pasquale Marianne Saladino P ’14, ’16

Vice President Amanda Wentworth-Ping P ’13

Concession Manager Marianne Dougher P ’10, ’14

Donna Bednarsky P ’08, ’10, ’14, ’17 Ann Marie Blackman P ’13, ’16 Lisa Dadouris P ’07, ’17 Jill Gateman P ’17, ’20 Maria Leonhard P ’13, ’16 Jemi McCluskey P ’14 Jill Moriarty P ’11, ’14, ’16, ’22 Tina Noll P ’10, ’12, ’16 Karen Orazietti P ’16, ’18, ’21 Linda Osterman P ’13

Ex-Officio Members Headmaster Sid Rowell P ’08, ’14

Director of External Affairs James Diverio P ’11, ’15

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GSB BOOSTER CLUB ATHLETIC NEWS • WINTER 2012-13

Late Season Victories Improve Boys’ Basketball to 19-7

Sina Hits Milestone 2,000th Career Point in Win Over Watchung

Despite falling to national programs such as the Patrick School, DeMatha Catholic High School and Long Island Lutheran at early-season showcase events, the varsity boys’ basketball team soon capitalized on a 10-game winning streak to close 2012-13 with its third straight Skyland Conference/Delaware Division Championship and a final record of 19-7.

In addition to regular-season victories over Skyland Conference rivals Immaculata (70-50), Hunterdon Central (82-66), Hillsborough (77-63) and Watchung Hills (76-54), also included in Gill’s 10-game run was a 63-59 come-from-behind win over the eventual 2013 state champion—Roselle Catholic—at the 10th annual Newark National Invitational on February 1. Leading his team in the invitational at the Prudential Center was MVP Jaren Sina ’13, who made four free throws in the final 6.6 seconds of the game to finish with 22 points, 10 assists, two rebounds and two steals. Austin Colbert ’13 also scored 15 points, 10 of which came during a fourth quarter run.

Winning continued for the boys’ team, which secured a 56-36 triumph over Lakewood High School in the Prime Time Shootout on February 10. While Christopher Jenkins ’13 scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds, Sina added 11 points and 10 assists, and Jonathan Schreer ’13 and Tyus Battle ’16 chipped in eight points apiece.

A defending county champion, Gill St. Bernard’s began the 2013 SCT with a 65-43 quarterfinal victory over the #7 seed, Montgomery High School, on February 12. Shortly after earning a regular-season victory over Ridge High School (73-56), the secondseeded Knights continued tournament play with Bound Brook High School on February 16, clinching a 77-52 win and ticket to the finals behind double-doubles from Sina (25 points/12 assists), Colbert (18 points/ 13 rebounds) and Jenkins (15 points/12 rebounds).

Despite a hard-fought effort, which included 23 points by Sina and 22 from Battle, the boys fell 69-56 to the topseeded Ridge High School in the finals.

Varsity boys’ basketball player Jaren Sina ’13 earned a Gill St. Bernard’s milestone—his 2,000th career point—in a 76-54 win against Watchung Hills Regional High School on February 7, making him the first Somerset County high school basketball player since 1989 to reach this benchmark. Just days before earning his 2,000th career point, Sina shattered the GSB scoring record—1,978 (L. to r.) Jaren Sina ’13 poses points—set by Alex for a photo with his father, and coach, Mergin Sina P ’13, ’14 Mitola ’12 last winter. after receiving a commemorative 2,000-point basketball from Director Sharing news of his 2,000th of Athletics David Pasquale. career point on Twitter after the game, Sina said that while it is an amazing feeling to break the record, “It is even better to have the greatest support from all my teammates, family and most importantly the GSB ‘Blue Crew.’”

Aside from leading the Knights to two Somerset County Championships and one Non Public B South Sectional Championship, this three-season varsity basketball captain was thrice named Somerset County “Player-of-the-Year” by The Star-Ledger, earned numerous all-conference, all-county and allstate honors and received a nomination for the 2013 McDonald’s All American Games with fellow teammate Austin Colbert ’13. “Jaren is a special player and we’re incredibly proud of all that he’s been able to accomplish at Gill St. Bernard’s,” David Pasquale, director of athletics, said.

Shortly after sinking his 2,000th point, Sina and his father, also his coach, joined Pasquale at center court for the formal presentation of a commemorative basketball.

Mergin Sina P ’13, ’14, who has coached his son throughout much of his childhood, shared that he could not be more proud to have witnessed this historic event.

“I may be his coach, but I am also his dad, and from either standpoint this is a huge accomplishment,” he said.

Sina, who began playing basketball at age five and plans to continue his career next year at Northwestern University, believes the sport not only offers an escape from the everyday issues that young adults face, but also provides a fun way to spend time with friends. Certainly wasting no time, Sina has already begun to develop friendships with future teammates from Northwestern.

“I’m excited to go to Chicago, and am always in touch with the players at my new school,” he said.

Continued on next page

Christopher Jenkins ’13.

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GSB BOOSTER CLUB ATHLETIC NEWS • WINTER 2012-13 Boys’ Basketball

“Super 7” Adds New Meaning to Word “Teamwork”

As the #5 seed in this year’s NJSIAA Non Public B South Sectional Tournament, the team began play with a 98-57 thrashing of St. Joseph High School on February 27. In addition to a season-high 29 points from Jenkins, also helping to defend Gill’s 2012 Sectional Championship were Sina (18 points/15 assists) and Scoey Young ’13, the latter of which secured a career-high in both points (13) and rebounds (seven). Despite advancing to the sectional semifinals with an 81-66 victory over Marist High School on March 1, the boys concluded both their season and the tournament with a loss to the Patrick School on March 4.

Other contributing players this winter were Cole Moriarty ’14, John Michael Mea ’15, Ian Demarest ’15, William Saks ’15, Raymark Abogado ’15, Harrison DeMaira ’15, Adam Mitola ’16 and Austin Scott ’16.

The seven-member varsity girls’ basketball team brought new meaning to the old saying “strength in numbers” this winter. Along with securing their seventh straight 20-win (23-5) season and going undefeated in Skyland Conference play, the Knights also captured their second consecutive SCT Championship under new head varsity coach John Slackman.

After dropping their first two games to national level competition, the girls quickly recovered and earned 14 successive regular-season and conference victories. Aside from back-to-back conference wins over Franklin (73-55) and Bridgewater-Raritan (58-46), also included in December was a tournament championship at the Mount St. Dominic Holiday Festival. With 10 of the best teams in New Jersey participating at this season’s tournament, the Knights were crowned champions after defeating Montclair, Mount St. Dominic and St. John Vianney (SJV) between December 27 and 30. While Taylor Rooks ’14 led the way with 31 points and 15 rebounds over SJV in the tournament finals, also posting a double-double in the dramatic 68-61 overtime win was Trevena Bennett ’14 with 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Morgan Rooks ’15 and Jasmine Sina ’14 also chipped in 10 points apiece.

The girls secured yet another close victory (59-54) when they faced the fifthranked Immaculate Heart Academy at the Scholarship Fund for Inner City Children Festival at Kean University on January 4. Following a 61-47 win

continued from page 3

The 2013 Somerset County Tournament Champions. Photo by Wesley Spear ’13.

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GSB BOOSTER CLUB ATHLETIC NEWS • WINTER 2012-13 over Hunterdon Central on January 8, the team headed to Washington, D.C., where it defeated Bishop O’Connell High School of Virginia 66-43 on January 21. Gill’s 14th straight win (66-39) came 10 days later in a rematch with Hunterdon Central. Pacing the balanced offensive attack against Central on January 31 were Taylor Rooks (20 points/11 rebounds), Sina (15 points/eight assists) and Bennett (12 points/11 rebounds).

They were followed by both Alexandra Ferreira ’14 and Samantha Kramer ’16 with seven points apiece, and Morgan Rooks who added five points and five rebounds.

Despite having their 14-game winning streak snapped by national power Christ the King High School (73-62) of New York on February 2, the girls maintained a perfect record in conference wins for the remainder of the season. Among these Skyland Conference triumphs was an 80-35 thrashing of Hillsborough High School on February 5. Joining Taylor Rooks, who earned 21 points throughout the victory, were Kramer (17 points/six assists), Bennett (11 points/10 rebounds) and Sina (13 points/seven assists). Kennedy Whitehead ’16 and Morgan Rooks also combined for 16 points and 15 rebounds.

The top-seeded girls kicked-off post-season play with an 81-41 rout over Montgomery High School in the SCT quarterfinals on February 12. While Taylor Rooks scored a game-high 31 points, also posting double digits were Sina (18 points) and Bennett (16 points). The girls advanced with a 61-39 semifinal win over the #4 seed, Watchung Hills Regional High School,

on February 16. Leading GSB was Taylor Rooks, who netted 26 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Sina also recorded 18 points and eight assists, while Kramer chipped in seven points and dished out three assists. The girls successfully defended their 2012 Championship with a 63-57 win over Franklin in the finals at Bridgewater-Raritan High School on February 23. As the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, Taylor Rooks secured 31 points and 10 rebounds to help the Knights withstand a furious rally from the third-seeded opponent. Also contributing to the win was Sina with 10 points, including several critical free throws down the stretch, and Morgan Rooks and Bennett who combined for 18 points and 15 rebounds.

As last year’s NJSIAA Non Public B South Sectional Champions, the #2 seeded girls began the 2013 Sectional tournament with a 93-26 win over Moorestown Friends School on February 27, a victory that contained a triple-double from Sina (21 points/ 14 assists/10 steals). Down 11 points at halftime, the team rallied, relying on a crucial free throw from Whitehead with four seconds left in the fourth quarter, to next defeat St. Rose of Belmar 63-62 in the quarterfinals on March 1. Meanwhile, leading the Knights to their fourth straight Sectional final behind a 59-55 overtime win over Sacred Heart on March 4 was Taylor Rooks (31 points/13 rebounds). The tournament, as well as season, concluded with a 70-53 loss to Trenton Catholic at Jackson Liberty High School on March 6.

Taylor Rooks ’14 Named Gatorade® New Jersey Girls Basketball “Player-of-the-Year” Since joining the Gill St. Bernard’s basketball program in 2011, Taylor Rooks ’14—a 6-foot-1 guard from Buffalo, N.Y.—has consistently demonstrated that she is truly a student-athlete. While the 17-year-old earned a 1,000-point career milestone, Non Public B State Championship and Somerset County “Player-of-the-Year” title during her inaugural season with the Knights, she continued to make history this March as the school’s first athlete to ever receive the Gatorade® “Player-of-the-Year” award.

To be eligible for Gatorade’s “Player-of-the-Year” award, which has honored elite high school athletes in numerous sports at the state and national level since 1985, students must exemplify outstanding athletic excellence, uphold high expectations of academic achievement and display exemplary character on the playing field, in the classroom and throughout their communities. As the 2012-13 Gatorade® New Jersey Girls Basketball “Player-of-the-Year,” Rooks’ recognition follows in the footsteps of statewide-predecessors such as Michaela Mabrey (2011-12, Manasquan High School), Temi Fagbenle (2010-11, Blair Academy) and Haley Peters (2009-10, Peddie School).

“Taylor is a tremendous basketball player and a great leader. It was an honor and privilege coaching her this past season,” said Head Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach John Slackman, new to the team for the 2012-13 school year.

A standout player responsible for leading this winter’s team to its seventh consecutive 20-win season (23-5) behind an average 27.4 points and 9.6 rebounds, Rooks also earned Most Valuable Player in the SCT finals in February, was named The Star-Ledger’s “Player-of-the-Week” on February 28 and is ranked a No. 30 recruit from the Class of 2014 by Blue Star Basketball. Beyond the Athletic Center, Rooks maintains a 4.17 GPA in the classroom and dedicates her free time to various community service organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Relay for Life. An advocate for childhood cancer research, she also co-founded the Neuroblastoma cancer foundation known as “Melina’s White Light” in 2010.

“We are incredibly proud of Taylor and all that she has accomplished at GSB,” Director of Athletics David Pasquale said. “She is not only a remarkable basketball talent, but also a fantastic student and selfless teammate.”

Taylor Rooks ’14.

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GSB BOOSTER CLUB ATHLETIC NEWS • WINTER 2012-13

JV Team Shows Promise of Bright Future for Boys’ Basketball Program

nine. Similar to GSB, Oratory Prep qualified for the tournament’s championship game following a win over Pingry in the semifinal round.

Amidst numerous victories over Immaculata, Hunterdon Central and Ridge, by far the most dramatic win of the JV boys’ basketball season was when Austin Scott ’16 sank a half-court buzzer shot to defeat Bridgewater-Raritan.

Also notable this winter was the team’s success at the Oratory Prep Holiday Tournament in late December. The tournament began with a 47-41 victory over Newark Academy on December 27. Leading the Knights throughout the contest was Scott with 22 points, as well as Adam Mitola ’16 with

Scott led the team with 21 points in the 54-45 championship victory, while Mitola added 13 points and Harrison DeMaira ’15 chipped in nine. The boys concluded their 2012-13 season with a winning record of 9-7.

Raymark Abogado ’15.

Middle School Hoops

over Big Blue was Fucci, who hit a late free throw to give the boys a one point lead and the win.

The high level of interest in the Middle School basketball The girls’ “A” squad finished with a record eight wins and program once again this winter resulted in the creation of two five losses. Among its victories, the team’s most memorable separate teams—an “A” and “B” squad—for both male and occurred against Newark Academy and Rutgers Prep. Despite female student-athletes to help ensure substantial playing time falling to Newark at the start of the season, the Knights showed for everyone. vast improvement and soon recovered with a strong victory The boys’ “A” team, which achieved a winning record of 9-5, over the Minutemen in late February. Another major highlight was led offensively by Michael Morreale ’17 and his fellow included a 57-37 win over the undefeated Rutgers Prep on classmates Cameron Gateman ’17, Steven Bednarsky ’17 February 14. This milestone game saw baskets made by six and Maxwell Aunger ’17 on defense. While Gateman, different players including Kate Alexy ’17, who not only led the Bednarsky and Aunger were essential in providing the team team with more than 200 points over the course of the season, with the energy it needed to succeed, other key players included but also contributed a number of crucial blocks on defense.

Will Dadouris ’17, William Orazietti ’18, Ryan Fucci ’17, Additional eighth grade starters responsible for pacing the girls Alexander Roch ’18, Jacob Udoff ’17, Charles on the floor were Cameron Campbell, Jenna Donatiello, Papandreou ’17, Felix Andersen ’17 and Troy Pilla ’17.

Genevieve Fischer and Erica Phiansunthon. While Both Along with securing a near 20-point win over Far Hills Donatiello and Fischer earned significant points inside the paint Country Day School this winter, another major highlight and from the wings, Campbell and Phiansunthon used fullincluded a triumph over Pingry on December 19. Trailing by court pressure tactics to force numerous turnovers against skilled six with few minutes to play, several three-point shots from opponents. Together, these upperclassmen also served as role Scott Begane ’18 and Bednarsky evened the score enough for models for other teammates such as Carolyn Brand ’17, Julia Morreale to close the deal with a driving lay-up in the final three Castrucci ’17, Nicole Castrucci ’17, Emma Cullen ’17, seconds. Also contributing valuable minutes in these games and Louise Horn ’17, Sophie Morris ’17, Sadie Loeber ’17 and more were newcomers Daniel Wang ’18 and Christopher “CJ” Charlese Reynolds ’18, who provided energy and speed, Licata ’18, who will be looked upon next year to maintain the pulled down critical rebounds and made key defensive stops high standards set by this winter’s squad. Eighth grader Evan throughout the season. Through the hard work shown by all, it Druskin’s improved performance by mid-season also earned him is obvious that the success and winning record seen by this a spot on the “A” team, allowing his former “B” team members year’s “A” squad was the direct result of an all-team effort.

Armeen Mozaffari, Justin Marcus, Parth Patel, Drew Braue, Focused on “fun and fundamentals,” the Middle School Sean Foster and Connor Beard more time to shine. girls’ “B” team, consisting of many players new to the sport Additional players on Gill’s talented “B” boys’ basketball altogether, quickly developed basic skills. This year’s “B” team team included seventh graders Ryan Turse, Noah Steinbaum, included Claire Chestnutt ’18, Alexandria Delehanty ’18, Matthew Parisi, Pierce Norwood, John “Andy” Gordon, Kennedy Hayes ’18, Nicole Johnson ’18, Nour Marzouk ’18, Yashraj Bajaj and Robert Haversat. While the squad finished Sophie Parker ’18, Josephine Neville ’18, Lauren Reid ’18, 5-3 with crucial wins over Newark Academy, Far Hills and Nicole Ruggiero ’18, Lauren Silverschotz ’18, Amanda Peck, its most exciting victory of the season took place at Weiss ’18 and Sabrina Yekta ’18. The experience these Pingry. Down by 12 in the first half, the Knights contested newcomers obtained this season will make for an easy with a flurry of three-pointers from Roch, and vital points transition to the “A” team next winter. from Norwood and Turse. Also helping to seal the victory 6

GSB BOOSTER CLUB ATHLETIC NEWS • WINTER 2012-13

Varsity Fencing Displays Vast Improvement Despite early-season losses to strong teams from Hackettstown, Ridge and North Hunterdon, the varsity fencing team soon recovered, recording three wins in its final five matches.

Both the girls and boys earned dual wins over Butler High School on January 29.

While Jaclyn Hammond ’13, Devon Kaiser ’15, Jacqueline Luberto ’16 and Iman Jebara ’13 secured a 9-0 sweep at sabre, also leading the girls’ squad in the 18-9 victory were Jasmine Davis ’13, Jada Davis ’16, Katherine “Kasia” McLellan ’13 and Madison Bruno ’15 who went unbeaten in epee competition.

Likewise, foil fencers Stefan Lambert ’15, Ross Pollack ’16 and Sam Zimmer ’16 exhibited a perfect 9-0 effort in their weapon to lead the boys’ team to a 17-10 win.

While Luke Fischer ’16, Mycroft Zimmerman ’16, Kenneth Meyer ’15 and Xauen Zirpolo ’15 earned a combined 5-4 victory at epee, Harrison Loomis ’13 also finished 2-1 at sabre.

Luke Fischer ’16 Excels at Epee In addition to securing a winning record at epee during his first-ever season with the varsity fencing team, newcomer Luke Fischer ’16 also finished second overall in the Freshman Boys’ Epee Division during a statewide fencing competition at Morris Knolls High School on December 29.

Winning continued when the girls secured their second straight victory at Somerville High School on January 31. Leading the team with a 3-0 sweep in their respective weapons were Hammond (sabre), Margaret LaPré ’13 (foil) and McLellan (epee). Also contributing individual wins in the 15-12 victory were Jasmine Davis at epee and Juliet Benjamin ’14 at foil. Despite both teams falling to Newark Academy on February 12, the program concluded its regular season with a dual victory against Montclair Kimberley Academy (MKA) two days later. The girls’ squad triumphed 14-13 behind a stellar performance from epee fencers Jasmine Davis (3-0), Jada Davis (3-0) and McLellan (2-1). Hammond (2-1) also teamed with Kaiser, Zeel Patel ’15 and Jebara for a 5-4 effort at sabre, while LaPré added a critical foil point.

Luke Fischer ’16.

Freshman Colette Bilynsky also made valuable contributions to the team, which will see several key members return next winter. Meanwhile, leading the boys’ squad in a decisive 16-11 win over MKA were Lambert, Pollack, Zimmer and Meyer, who went 7-2 at foil. In addition to epee points from Zirpolo, Fischer and Zimmerman, sabre fencers Samuel Solondz ’15, Loomis and Ryan LaPré ’13 each went 2-1 against the Cougars as well.

Post-season play began February 20 with the NJISAA Prep B Fencing Championships in Princeton, N.J. In boys’ competition, the sabre squad of Solondz, Loomis and LaPré combined for a fourth place finish. In addition, the girls’ team placed third overall in its sabre and epee squad competitions, and saw Hammond secure a silver medal in her individual bout at sabre. Hammond also marked the only Knight this season to represent Gill St. Bernard’s at the NJSIAA Individual State Championships on March 3—an event that she qualified for after a fine showing in sabre at the NJSIAA District Championships on January 26.

Gill St. Bernard’s 2012-13 varsity fencing team with coaches Jared Hammond (l.) and Elyse Gurnowski (r.).

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GSB BOOSTER CLUB ATHLETIC NEWS • WINTER 2012-13

Ice Hockey Program Celebrates First-Ever Varsity Season This winter proved to be an exciting season for ice hockey, which, after six years as a junior varsity sport, officially became a varsity member of the Haas/Charette Division of the Morris County Secondary Schools Ice Hockey League (MCSSIHL). Despite being a newcomer among schools such as Parsippany Hills and Mount Olive in the very competitive Morris County league, Gill St. Bernard’s saw some success and improvement on the ice.

Shortly after earning the first win of its inaugural season with a 5-2 victory over High Point Regional High School on December 5, the team finished third in a six-team round robin tournament held at Codey Arena in West Orange, N.J. Beginning the tournament on December 27, the From left: Alyx Schrecengost ’15; Kiliaen O’Connor ’14.

Knights secured a 2-1 victory over Governor Livingston High School when Alexander Ferruggia ’14 converted a pass from Thomas Troxell ’13 midway through the third period. Down 3-0 against West Orange High School, the team stormed back with four second period goals from Christopher Ward ’14 (one goal/one assist), Harald Parker ’14 (one goal/one assist), Nicholas Blackman ’13 and Kiliaen O’Connor ’14 (two goals/one assist) to earn a 5-5 draw in round two of the tournament.

Ward and Blackman, along with Brian Williamson ’13, each saw goals in the 8-3 loss to Millburn High School during the tournament finale on December 30.

The Knights obtained their first shutout of the season against John F. Kennedy Memorial High School on January 10. Leading the team with two goals and one assist was Alyx Schrecengost ’15. Ward (one assist), Blackman (one assist) and Williamson also contributed one goal apiece, while goaltender Gunnar Valentine ’15 made eight saves to preserve the 5-0 victory. After tying 2-2 with Morris Catholic High School at the start of the season, both teams met once again on February 2, when GSB earned its second shutout of the season and settled the score with a 4-0 victory. While great effort was seen by Ward (three goals/one assist), O’Connor (one goal) Blackman (one assist) and Ferruggia (one assist) on offense, also helping Williamson secure the shutout on goal were defensemen Blackman, Ferruggia, Jack Lowe ’15 and Alexander Bauer ’14.

Gill St. Bernard’s concluded the varsity ice hockey season (4-14-3) with a 6-4 loss to Vernon High School on February 18.

Ward, with two goals and one assist, was also followed by Troxell and O’Connor with one goal apiece. Meanwhile, chipping in with assists for the Knights were Ferruggia, Parker, John William Murphy ’13 and Peter Stone ’13. Also making significant contributions on the ice throughout this groundbreaking season were Brendan Dougher ’14, Casey Saladino ’14 and Ethan Brooks ’15.

Varsity Track and Field Team Sprints to the Top this Season The varsity indoor track and field team had a phenomenal winter complete with numerous gold medals, new school records and unprecedented success at both the state and national level.

The 2012-13 season began with the N.J. Spiked Shoe Holiday Invitational on December 17. Earning two medals apiece in the 800 meter and mile were Brian Steck ’13 (silver) and Dana Klein ’14 (bronze). Ludi Zhu ’16 also placed sixth in the freshmen girls’ 55 meter dash, qualifying her for the Eastern State Championships in late February.

The Knights next earned two gold medals at the Somerset County Championships at Lehigh University on December 27. While Steck conquered the 1600m in 4:33, Emily Quinn ’13 won the girls’ 3200m in 11:17.

After seeing a first place finish (13:03) from GSB’s distance medley relay runners Klein, Sabrina Kogut ’14, Quinn and Alexandria Benoit ’14 at the NJSIAA Non Public B Relays in Toms River, N.J. on January 12, the team traveled to Lehigh University for the Skyland Conference Championships on January 26. Leading the boys to a ninth place team finish was Steck with a gold medal in the 1600 meter (4:28), and Patrik Andersen ’15, who posted a top-20 time in the 3200m (10:32). Also competing for their squad at the championship meet were 8

GSB BOOSTER CLUB ATHLETIC NEWS • WINTER 2012-13 Jacob Kruger ’15 (3200m), Joshua Corbett ’14 (shot put), Shane Burchard ’15 (shot put) and Michael Iannaconi ’16 (1600m). Placing ninth overall at the Skyland Championships, the girls’ squad saw Quinn secure a school record of 10:57 and runner-up finish in the 3200m. Vital points also came from Klein in the 1600m (4th/5:18) and Benoit in the 800m (6th/2:27).

Following a third place finish (12:41) from the girls’ distance medley relay team of Klein, Quinn, Emily Iannaconi ’13 and Benoit at the Poreda Invitational in Lawrenceville, N.J. on January 30, the Knights soon returned to Lawrenceville for the NJISAA Prep B Championships on February 10. Leading both squads to an overall second place finish behind numerous gold medals were Steck (55 meter dash/6.9 seconds; 400m run/52.7 seconds; 3200m/10:14) of the boys’ squad, and Quinn (1600m/5:21) and Benoit (800m/2:29) of the girls’ squad.

Also close behind, and taking second in their respective events were Klein (1600m/5:40) and Emily Iannaconi (800m/2:32), as well as the girls’ 4x400 relay foursome (4:25) of Quinn, Benoit, Klein and Iannaconi. While Zhu (200m), Jordan Taylor ’14 (55m) and Svetozar Brankov ’13 (800m) placed third for the Knights at the Prep B Championships, additional points came from Kruger (4th/1600m), Michael Iannaconi (5th/1600m), Sahara Ensley ’16 (6th/1600m), Michael Tafaro ’15 (4th/shot put), Burchard (5th/ shot put), Zoe Quan-Shau ’16 (5th/shot put) and Alec Johnson ’15 (6th/800m) as well.

Success continued when eight student-athletes qualified for the NJSIAA Indoor Track Meet of Champions (MOC) as a result of stellar performances at the Non Public B Group Championships on February 15. From the girls’ squad, which finished second overall at the Non Public B Group Championships, Quinn not only won gold and set a new meet record in the 3200 meter (11:04), but also finished runner-up in the 1600m (5:08). Posting a second place finish in three separate events—the 800m (2:27), the 1600m (5:08) and the 3200m (11:46)—was the team’s points leader, Klein. The boys’ squad finished fourth overall and was led by Steck with a gold medal in the 800m (2:00) and silver in the 1600m (4:23). Other MOC qualifiers included Benoit (3rd/800m), Armani Comick ’15 (3rd/shot put), Amanda Leonhard ’16 (4th/55m) and Ensley (4th/3200m). The girls’ 4x400 relay team of Quinn, Klein, Benoit and Emily Iannaconi qualified as well, after finishing fifth in a loaded field.

While both Comick and Leonhard found themselves unable to compete due to injuries, Quinn established a new school record of 10:55 and became Gill’s first female MOC medalist when she took sixth in the 3200 meter on February 23. She was followed by Ensley, who finished the girls’ 3200m in 12:18. Representing the Knights in the 1600m at the prestigious meet were Klein (12th/5:06) and Steck (15th/4:26).

In addition, Benoit ran the girls’ 800m in 2:25. Gill St. Bernard’s rounded out the season when five team members qualified for national competition as a result of fine performances at the Eastern State Championships on February 25. Following a new school record of 1:54 From top: Armani Comick ’15; Jordan Taylor ’14.

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GSB BOOSTER CLUB ATHLETIC NEWS • WINTER 2012-13 Varsity Track and Field continued from page 9

from Steck (3rd/800m), and ninth place finish (12:26) from the girls’ distance medley relay team of Quinn, Iannaconi, Klein and Benoit, the Knights traveled to New York for the NSAF New Balance Nationals Indoor Championships in early March. While the girls placed 14th and earned a school record finish in 12:19.54 to conclude their season, Steck completed his race 17th in 1:55.13.

Top row from left: Spiked Shoe Invite medal winners (l. to r.)

Ludi Zhu ’16, Brian Steck ’13 and Dana Klein ’14; NJSIAA Indoor Track Meet of Champions participants (l. to r.) Brian Steck ’13, Emily Quinn ’13, Dana Klein ’14, Alexandria Benoit ’14 and Sahara Ensley ’16; Bottom row: Eastern State Championships qualifiers (l. to r.) Ludi Zhu ’16, Dana Klein ’14, Emily Quinn ’13, Brian Steck ’13, Alexandria Benoit ’14 and Emily Iannaconi ’13.

Varsity Swimming Achieves Unprecedented Success The varsity swim team, whose roster saw a twofold increase in student-athletes since last winter, enjoyed a fantastic season complete with numerous school records and unprecedented success at championship events.

Leading the boys’ squad throughout the 2012-13 season was newcomer Joseph “Julien” Esposito ’15, who kicked-off his varsity swimming career with dual wins in the 200m freestyle (2:20) and 400m freestyle (4:38) at Morristown-Beard on December 10. Esposito continued to shine on December 17, when he set two new school records in the 200y freestyle (1:56) and 500y freestyle (5:01) at a tri-meet with Newark Academy and Golda Och. Likewise establishing a new mark at the meet was Jennifer Montejo ’16, who finished the girls’ 100y butterfly in 1:06.

Together, Esposito and Montejo also paced their individual squads at the Skyland Conference Championships on January 5. Along with Esposito, who earned third in the 500y freestyle (4:58) and seventh in the 200y freestyle (1:54), other male contributors included Pearson Treanor ’13 in the 50y freestyle (27.8 seconds) and 100y backstroke (1:17), Ivor Guest ’15 (50y freestyle/29.1 seconds), Dylan Polachi ’14 (100y breaststroke/1:27), Carter Silvey ’16 (50y freestyle/ 29.8 seconds), John Eckert ’15 (100y freestyle/1:15) and Sam White ’13 (100y freestyle/1:16). Aside from placing 10th in the 100y butterfly (1:05) and 11th in the 100y backstroke (1:06) for the girls’ squad at the conference meet, Montejo also teamed with Caragh Corcoran ’13, Nita Diverio ’15 and Cricket Treanor ’14 in the 200y medley relay (2:25) and with Elisabeth Middleton ’16, Corcoran and Treanor in the girls’ 200y freestyle relay (2:07).

Following back-to-back meets against Perth Amboy and Phillipsburg high schools in mid-January, the team concluded its season with the Somerset County Championships at Montgomery High School on February 2. For the first time in the history of the program, Esposito became the only student-athlete to qualify for the NJSIAA State Championships (see article page 11) after taking third (4:56) in the day’s 500y boys’ freestyle event. In addition to finishing sixth in the 200y freestyle (1:50) as well, Esposito also joined Silvey, Treanor and Polachi for an eighth place finish (1:48) in the boys’ 200y freestyle relay race, which brought the Knights to an overall eighth place team finish—GSB’s highest ranking ever at a county meet. From the girls’ squad, which finished 12th overall, Montejo earned top-15 times in both the 100y butterfly (1:04) and 100y backstroke (1:05).

Meanwhile, Treanor, Middleton and Hannah Geldzahler ’14 each competed in the 100y breaststroke, Emily Western ’15 and Diverio performed well in the 50y freestyle, and Diverio teamed with Sophie Connell ’16, Corcoran and Montejo in the 200y medley relay.

From left: Jennifer Montejo ’16; Carter Silvey ’16.

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GSB BOOSTER CLUB ATHLETIC NEWS • WINTER 2012-13

Alumni Winter Athletic Updates Here’s a look at how former GSB winter athletes fared this past season in college:

(L. to r.) Head Varsity Swimming Coach Mickey Ennis with Joseph “Julien” Esposito ’15 at the 2013 NJSIAA State Championships.

Joseph “Julien” Esposito ’15 Dives Head First into Monumental Career with the Knights Joseph “Julien” Esposito ’15 completed his inaugural varsity swimming season with a fine showing at the NJSIAA State Championships on March 2.

As the first Knight ever to qualify for this prestigious event, Esposito completed the 500 freestyle in 4:56.23, placing 27th in a field of the best swimmers from high schools across the state.

Basketball Alex Mitola ’12 started in every game for Dartmouth College and led his team with 10.7 points per game.

Dominic Hoffman ’12 made 29 appearances on the basketball court for Bucknell University this winter. With help from Hoffman, the Bison were able to earn the #11 seed in the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) tournament and win the Patriot League Conference.

Linnett Graber ’12 was named New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) “Rookie-of-the-Year” for Babson College and made second team All-NEWMAC while leading the Beavers with 63 assists and an average eight points, five rebounds per game.

Samantha Graber ’12 started in 22 games for Hamilton College, averaging 8.5 points and 4.8 rebounds.

Daisha Simmons ’10 was a starter in every game for the University of Alabama this year. She led her team with an average 12.4 points per game, totaled 66 steals and 117 assists on the season, and was named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) “Player-ofthe-Week” on November 19, 2012.

Louis Valdes ’10 is a member of the College of Staten Island University basketball team.

Dominique Vitalis ’12 played every game for Georgetown University.

Niiya Ruth ’10 was a member of the Bloomfield College women’s basketball team.

Ice Hockey Sydney Sherman ’11, a four-year ice hockey player while at Gill, continued as a member of the women’s club ice hockey team at Penn State University in her freshman year. Beginning with her sophomore year, she now plays in the intramural ice hockey league at Penn State.

Nicholas Galli ’10 plays hockey for the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Special Thanks to the 2012-13 Winter GSB Team Parents Linda Osterman P ’13 Coordinator of Upper School Team Parents

Claudia Loomis P ’13 Fencing

Natalie Ferreira P ’12, ’14, Talayia Rooks P ’14, ’15 and Sharanda Bennett P ’14 Girls’ Basketball

Julie Valentine P ’13, ’15 and Lisa Clayton P ’15 Cheerleading

Amy Schreer P ’13, ’15 and Jill Sina P ’13, ’14 Boys’ Basketball Jemi McCluskey P ’14 and Tina Noll P ’10, ’12, ’16 JV Boys’ Basketball Ann Marie Blackman P ’13, ’16 and Geralyn Ward P ’14 Ice Hockey Dorian Corcoran P ’11, ’13, Kim MillsWhite P ’13 and Sarah Treanor P ’13, ’14 Swimming Jennifer Iannaconi P ’13, ’16 Indoor Track and Field

Jill Gateman P ’17, ’20 and Karen Orazietti P ’16, ’18, ’21 Coordinators of Middle School Team Parents Susan Miller P ’17 Girls’ Basketball “A” Tracy Silverschotz P ’18 Girls’ Basketball “B” Gail Roch P ’14, ’18 Boys’ Basketball “A” Ellen Gordon P ’12, ’14, ’18 Boys’ Basketball “B”

Team Parents are sponsored each season by the GSB Athletic Booster Club.

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GSB BOOSTER CLUB ATHLETIC NEWS • WINTER 2012-13

Cheerleading Squad Energizes GSB Community with School Spirit The 2012-13 varsity cheerleading squad truly energized Knights fans at home games this winter. Through a number of floor routines and well-rehearsed sideline cheers, the 17-member squad encouraged both the boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams to succeed, provided crowd-goers with fun and entertainment between halves, and fueled the excitement and energy created by student-athletes on the court. Outside the Athletic Center, squad members also joined the boys’ team at the 10th annual Newark National Invitational on February 1.

According to Brittany Casser, head varsity cheerleading coach, the opportunity to attend a game at the Prudential Center signified a major highlight of the season. “The squad really enjoyed being part of the GSB team that day, and performing at such a major venue,” she said.

Thank you to the following squad members for their continued support throughout the season, and as always, for sharing their GSB pride with all: Haley Miller ’13 Samantha Murray ’13 Bethany Valentine ’13 Emily Buynak ’14 Kimberly Calabrese ’14 Raena Dell’Ermo ’14

Claire Jenkins ’14.

Gabriella Gomes ’14 Elizabeth “Sally” Gordon ’14 Claire Jenkins ’14 Carly Meyers ’14 Charlotte Reid ’14 Dylan Rowell ’14

Grace Clayton ’15 Mary Cors ’15 Alessandra “Allie” Harversat ’15 Jade Macaylo ’15 Alexa Hait ’16

GSB Varsity Athletics Recap (Winter 2012-13) Varsity Girls’ Basketball Head Coach John Slackman (23-5)

Varsity Boys’ Basketball Head Coach Mergin Sina P ’13, ’14 (19-7)

Somerset County Champions Non Public B South Sectional Finals Skyland Conference/Delaware Division Champions

Skyland Conference/Delaware Division Champions Somerset County Finals Non Public B South Sectional Semifinals

Trevena Bennett ’14 1st Team All-Conference 2nd Team All-County 3rd Team All-Area (Courier News) “All Improvement” Team (Courier News)

Tyus Battle ’16 1st Team All-Conference Courier News Area “Rookie-of-the-Year” “All Freshman Team” (Courier News) 1st Team All-County 2nd Team “All Freshman/Sophomore” (The Star-Ledger) 3rd Team All-Area (Courier News)

Samantha Kramer ’16 HM All-Area (Courier News) “All Freshman Team” (Courier News) Morgan Rooks ’15 HM All-Conference Taylor Rooks ’14 New Jersey Gatorade® “Player-of-the-Year” New Jersey “Player-of-the-Year” (The Star-Ledger) Courier News Area “Player-of-the-Year” 1st Team All-State (All Groups) 1st Team All-Area (Courier News) 1st Team All-Conference 1st Team All-County 1st Team “All Junior” (The Star-Ledger) Jasmine Sina ’14 1st Team All-Conference 1st Team All-County 1st Team All-Area (Courier News)

Austin Colbert ’13 “McDonald’s All American” Nominee 2nd Team All-County HM All-Area (Courier News) Ian Demarest ’15 HM All-Conference Christopher Jenkins ’13 3rd Team All-County HM All-Area (Courier News) Jonathan Schreer ’13 2nd Team All-Conference HM All-Area (Courier News)

From top: Morgan Rooks ’15; Ian Demarest ’15.

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GSB BOOSTER CLUB ATHLETIC NEWS • WINTER 2012-13 Jaren Sina ’13 “McDonald’s All American” Nominee Somerset County “Player-of-the-Year” (The Star-Ledger) Courier News Area “Player-of-the-Year” 1st Team All-County 1st Team All-Area (Courier News) 1st Team All-Conference 1st Team All-State (njhoops.com) “All Sharpshooter” Team (Courier News) 1st Team “All Senior” (The Star-Ledger)

Armani Comick ’15 Meet of Champions Qualifier

Varsity Fencing Head Coach Jared Hammond

Dana Klein ’14 2nd Team All-Prep B 3rd Team All-County HM All-Conference Meet of Champions Qualifier Eastern State Qualifier Nationals Qualifier

Jasmine Davis ’13 HM All-Conference Luke Fischer ’16 HM All-Conference Jaclyn Hammond ’13 2nd Team All-Conference NJSIAA State Tournament Qualifier 2nd Team All-Prep B (Prep Girls Sabre Runner-Up) Harrison Loomis ’13 HM All-Prep B Katherine “Kasia” McLellan ’13 HM All-Prep B

Varsity Swimming Head Coach Mickey Ennis Boys: 8th Place at Somerset County Meet Girls: 12th Place at Somerset County Meet Joseph “Julien” Esposito ’15 2nd Team All-County NJSIAA Meet of Champions Qualifier

Sahara Ensley ’16 Meet of Champions Qualifier Emily Iannaconi ’13 2nd Team All-Prep B Meet of Champions Qualifier Eastern State Qualifier Nationals Qualifier

Amanda Leonhard ’16 Meet of Champions Qualifier Emily Quinn ’13 1st Team All-Prep B 1st Team All-County 2nd Team All-Conference 3rd Team All-State (Non Public) Meet of Champions Qualifier Eastern State Qualifier Nationals Qualifier Brian Steck ’13 1st Team All-Prep B 1st Team All-Conference 1st Team All-County 2nd Team All-State (Non Public) Meet of Champions Qualifier Eastern State Qualifier Nationals Qualifier

Varsity Indoor Track and Field Head Coach Dave deWolfe

Varsity Ice Hockey Head Coach Peter Roslund P ’25 (4-14-3)

Girls: Prep B Runners-Up

Non Public B Runners-Up Boys: Prep B Runners-Up

4th Place Non Public B

Christopher Ward ’14 HM All-Conference Conference “Rookie-of-the-Year”

Patrik Andersen ’15 HM All-Conference Alexandria Benoit ’14 1st Team All-Prep B 3rd Team All-County Meet of Champions Qualifier Eastern State Qualifier Nationals Qualifier From top: Senior swimmers and varsity team captains (l. to r.) Caragh Corcoran, Pearson Treanor and Sam White; Sahara Ensley ’16; Christopher Ward ‘14; Jaclyn Hammond ’13; Bottom row left: Sophie Connell ’16.

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