Sports Highlights | Cross-Country
Varsity Cross-Country (Boys & Girls) The boys’ squad, like the girls’, was awash with newcomers, and they refreshed the school’s running culture with their gritty mind-set. They notably generated a palpable esprit de corps, evident in their congenial banter and their willingness to pull one another through the tough workouts. The boys were led by a trio of runners: sophomore Ben James was the team’s No. 1 harrier, and juniors Frank Czuchan and Theo Aiello held the second and third spots. At the Manhattan College High School Invitational on Oct. 10, 2015 at Van Cortlandt Park, James ran the 4,000-meter course (2.5 miles), with its gauntlet of rollercoaster-like hills, in 16:41.9. Aiello was close behind, reaching the finish in 16:53.9. Three freshman boys—Ikki Kaijama, Philip Mollerus, and Alex Alvarez—made their mark as well. At the Manhattan College Invite, Kaijima was the Knights’ top freshman finisher, completing the 1.25-mile course in 7:30.8. This stable of freshman talent will power Loyola’s cross-country success in the years ahead. On Sept. 26, 2015 the boys competed in the Xavier High School 37th Annual Cross-Country Invitational. On this day, a resplendent, sunshiny one, Frank Czuchan was Loyola’s top harrier: he crossed the finish of the 4,000-meter course in 16:52.74, securing a handsome medal for his 22nd place in a field of 73. At the New York City Athletic League (NYCAL) Championships on Oct. 29, 2015 the team ran an On Sept. 26, the boys competed in the Xavier High School 37th Annual Cross-Country Invitational. On this day, a resplendent, sunshiny one, Frank Czuchan was Loyola’s top harrier: he crossed the finish of the 4,000-meter course in 16:52.74, securing a handsome medal for his 22nd place in a field of 73. At the New York City Athletic League (NYCAL) Championships on Oct. 29, 2015 the team ran an emotional, courageous race to claim fourth-place in the league.
Coaches: Mr. Andrew Donacik Mr. Mark Alizzi
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Loyola Magazine | Summer 2016
Sports Highlights | Volleyball
A posse of six freshman girls revivified the program with their pluck and can-do spirit. This cadre was led by Ann Jacob, who received a medal for her 41st-place finish in a field of 91 runners at the prestigious Manhattan College High School Invitational, run on Oct. 10, 2015 at venerable Van Cortlandt Park. Jacob, a fearless runner, took the 1.25-mile course in 8:46.9; she was followed by Katherine Buttigieg, who also claimed a medal for her 67th-place finish and time of 9:40.9. Maria Estrada, Ariel LaForest, Sarah Axiak, and Sofia Daniels completed this clutch of enthusiastic freshman harriers. With an abundance of green runners, the team sought leadership. And it was amply provided: juniors Bryanna Geiger, Francesca Marini Fichera, and Sierra Serinese and senior Hanna Taylor-D’Ambrosio stepped forward assertively to point the way. In addition to the Manhattan College Invitational, the girls toed the line at the Xavier High School 37th Annual Cross-Country Invitational, on Sept. 26, 2015 at Van Cortlandt Park. At the New York City Athletic League (NYCAL) Cross-Country Championships on Oct. 29, 2015 the season zenith, the girls summoned their best performances of the season, earning third place in the league.
Varsity Girls Volleyball The Varsity Volleyball team finished their 2015 regular season with a record of 5-5. The program has continued to develop and strengthen, resulting in the best record the Varsity Lady Knights have had in years. The team hosted their annual Dig Pink Rally Tournament to raise awareness for breast cancer and were named back to back champions. This season’s success led to a third place finish in the NYCAL overall standings. The Lady Knights defeated Trevor Day in the fifth set for an exciting quarterfinal match, but lost to Columbia Prep in the semi-final. This is, by far, the strongest team Loyola has had in years and the girls should be extremely proud of their accomplishments in turning this program around.
Coach: Ms. Kate Gilfillan
Girls Cross-Country Roster: Nina Almazar, Sarah Axiak, Katherine Buttigieg, Sofia Daniels, Maria Estrada, Bryanna Geiger, Ann Jacob, Ariel LaForest, Molly Maresca, Francesca Marini Fichera, Sierra Serinese, Hannah Taylor-D’Ambrosio
Boys Cross-Country Roster: Theo Aiello, Alexander Alvarez, Will Chao, Frank Czuchan, Ben James, Ikki Kaijima, Philip Mollerus, John Pohmer, Bernard Witek
Roster: Ellie Brown Honor Chotkowski Tori May Della Pace Georgia Greenleaf Christina Lorenc Caroline Lynch Cooper Marshall Rhiannon O’Connor Sommer Queally Julia Robinson Sara Timermans
Loyola Magazine | Summer 2016
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