The Arts

Though our One School State Celebrations looked different this year, the Upper School still took time out to cheer on the student-athletes who made it to the state tournament in the fall!

The Marauder volleyball team had a challenging start maneuvering through COVID and new FHSAA regulations but were excited to begin a new era under the direction of Coach Daijah Washington. Junior Kate Krizner led the team with 107 kills and 45 blocks in the season and was named to the 2nd team All-Big Bend. The young squad went 5-8 on the season but had big wins over JPII and NFC and will look to continue to improve under the upcoming talents of Amelia Haggins and

The 2020 Football season certainly provided many challenges but opened the 2020 campaign with an impressive 27-13 victory over Brookwood. In addition, the team had victories over Liberty County (38-7), Lafayette (38-14), and Cottondale (43-24) to end the season 4-5. All 5 losses were to playoff teams and 3 of the 5 were versus teams who made it to the regional final.

The leadership of the team was impressive from the start and included four Team Captains (Joe Butler,

Murrah and Broedy Poppell) who led the program as we strive to build men of character.

It was a return to state prominence for the Maclay Swimming team under the direction of head coach Pavel Sankovich, the two-time Big Bend Coach of the Year. After finishing runner-up at the District Championship, the Marauders had a strong Regional showing, including recording ten personal bests and having six individuals and two relay teams qualify for state. Senior Dimitri Nakis was named All Big-Bend Co-Swimmer of the Year after a 5th place finish in the 200 free style state race and was part of three school records in relays. The girls team was led by Meg Howell who placed 11th in the 200 free style at state and the consistent performance from freshman Kaitlyn Guyer.

It was a great season for both the boys and girls golf teams this season as both teams returned to the state tournament. Girls coach Cindy Stockstill was named All-Big Bend Coach of the Year after an undefeated season that included a district championship. The team’s trio of Amanda Gerrish, Annika Dean, and freshman Ellie Jane Riner led the Marauders to finish as the top girls team in the Big Bend. The boys team coached by Joe Kupiszewski was led by newcomer Lee Poppell who placed 10th at the state tournament. The highlight of their season was a victory of two-time state champion Chiles.

All-Big Bend Boys Coach of the Year Angie Milford once again led a team of young runners who exceeded expectations for the season with both teams finishing in the top five in the state. Senior Jackson Yarbrough took second place at state by a few seconds. Freshman Gracie Koeppel placed 11th and led the girls team.

The Florida Athletic Coaches Association held its 45th Annual Hall of Fame induction on January 9th in Daytona Beach. Five outstanding coaches were inducted into this year’s Hall of Fame including Maclay School’s longtime soccer coach Andy Warner. Warner’s soccer career has spanned over 40 years. He came to Maclay under a one-year commitment in 1990 and 30 years later amassed 465 wins, four state championships, and six runner-up finishes while leading the Marauders. Warner has also made an impact on the community with his soccer expertise. He founded the successful soccer organization Warner Soccer, developing soccer throughout the Southeastern region. He is viewed as a soccer pioneer after becoming a founding member of the World Cup 1994 bid (1988-1994), a consultant for Major League Soccer (1994-1995), Consultant for Disney Sports (19941995) organizing the first International Adult Soccer Tournament (1994), and a founding member of the Eastern Indoor Soccer League, and Co-owner of the Tupelo Hound Dogs. He has also worked as a color commentator for Sunshine Sports and Fox Sports South.