Read about the upcoming baseball season and team

The Merionite Swingin’ in the season

Dawg Pound on the rebound

Ben Wolf ’22 News Editor

After an inauspicious conclusion to the 2021 season, the LM baseball team is eager to begin a new era for the program. A fresh, dynamic coaching staff hopes to lead the way with the emergence of younger players, while the Aces’ veteran upperclassmen look to rewrite the story of their careers thus far. The team’s preparation for this spring started early, as players of all grade levels met for their first practice of the fall program on the first day of school. The Aces have met the autumn season of practices, games, and biweekly indoor winter workouts with an appropriate level of intensity, which, in addition to getting them physically

ready, has fostered a notable change in attitude. Pitcher, outfielder, and co-captain Ilan Tauber ’22 cites “a palpable energy to this season that there wasn’t before” as evidence of this shift. “We’re all really excited to get going and we think we can do really well. The overall excitement motivates us more and brings us together as a team.” The Aces boast a tremendous talent level this year, including four returning All-Main Line team members: Josh McCormick ’22 (Second Team), Jake Krimsky ’22 (Second Team), Matt Rinaldi ’23 (Honorable Mention), and Tauber (Honorable Mention). They are headlined by their formidable pitching staff, composed of four members who might as well be nicknamed Hearts, Spades, Clubs, and Diamonds. Tauber, Krimsky, and Everett Whalen ’23 each sported sterling earned run averages— below 2.40—last season, and will welcome Danny Wellner ’22 back into the fold, a 6’2”, hard-throwing right hander committed to pitch at Vassar College next year. Meanwhile, Alex Frankel ’22, typically an infielder, has emerged as a late-game option on the mound. The Aces’ “aces” will undoubtedly give them a chance to win game in and game out, but their lineup is nothing to scoff at either. McCormick, who thumped two home runs in 2021, and Rinaldi, a fixture atop the batting order and the program’s all-time leader

in times hit-by-pitch, have both signed on to play collegiately at Queens University of Charlotte and Stetson University, respectively. They will be joined by Drew Hollowell ’23, who, although unlikely to pitch this spring due to injury, has a lightning-quick stroke at the plate. This trio, surrounded by a strong supporting cast, has every reason to believe they will build off of their 4.75 runs-per-game average last season. With speed and athleticism permeating throughout the diamond, the coaching staff is confident in their ability to sculpt a lineup that is both defensively sound in the field and strategically aggressive on the basepaths. If all of these factors come together to meet their potential, the well-rounded Aces will prove to be a tough opponent to face. The skill level is undeniable, but this year’s team approaches the season with an unprecedented sense of unity. “I think that our guys are just a lot more focused on the task at hand,” explains Frankel, one of the many seniors to whom the difference from past teams feels clear. First-year Head Coach Colin Quinn adds, “We’ve got a great group of guys who just want to play together, and we have a lot of talent. When you put that together with hard work, the possibilities are limitless.” Do not be mistaken: these Aces work hard, but they certainly know how to have fun. The meshing personalities make the otherwise tiring, often monotonous repetitions of practices a joyful experience that every player looks forward to. Hollowell, for instance, dabbles in TikTok superstardom, as does outfielder and pinchrunner Caleb Epstein ’22. The youthful exuberance and constant chatter of Jack Scholz ’24 are quite antithetical to the much more reserved tendencies of Nate Pearson ’23, who is rumored to have once gone nine consecutive days without uttering a single word as a young child; yet, their friendship is one of many close ties between team members. The upcoming spring break trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a thrilling prospect for team bonding, as COVID-19 prevented the previously annual opportunity in 2020 and 2021.

Many Aces—including Frankel, Rinaldi, Whalen, Scholz, Hollowell, Pearson, outfielder Henry Rendle ’23, and catcher Cole Tickle ’23—are loyal members of the Dawg Pound, having cheered on their fellow student-athletes at dozens of soccer, football, basketball, and hockey games this fall and winter. The Aces hope to receive reciprocal attendance at South Ardmore Park, where a small yet vocal crowd rattled opposing left fielders in 2021. That handful of five or six supporters helped contribute to the team’s excellent .571 winning percentage in home games (as opposed to .222 away from South Ardmore). Fans are strongly encouraged to take the five-minute ride after school to enjoy some beautiful April and May weather and some quality Aces baseball. Talent, effort, and chemistry are all reasons for optimism surrounding LM baseball in 2022. If this season proves a success, each will likely have a case for being the most compelling storyline of the year. The balance between high-performing upperclassmen and LM’s younger players radiating with potential is encouraging for the future of the program, but at the moment, the team has set their eyes on lofty goals in the short term. How lofty? Just ask Rendle to share his expectations for this year: “Win the Central League, win States.”

Photo courtesy of The Enchiridion

Photo by Everett Whalen ’23

Julia Russel ’23 A&E Editor

The Dawg Pound is a student-based cheering section that enchants positive motivation during various sporting events, bringing all the grades together through spiritwear and roaring chants. From football and soccer games in the fall to basketball and hockey games in the winter, students have come together to show support of LM student-athletes every season so far this year. Each game there is recommended attire that is worn amongst the packed section. Some student section themes include the famous baby-blue Dawg Pound shirts, tie dye, maroon & white, and whiteout, among many others. With a wide array of spiritwear, the Dawg Pound delivers positive visual energy as well as verbal encouragement. Recently, a confict with an opposing team led to Dawg Pound members receiving temporary bans or full season penalties. Yaseen German ’23 elaborates, “I was pretty upset when I found out that I have a full season punishment. It felt a little too harsh because it wasn’t just a few games, it was all the games for the rest of the year so it is upsetting for me.” German’s actions have unfortunately cost his participation in the Dawg Pound for the rest of the season. He expressed that even though he still has his senior year to cheer with the Dawg Pound, this year also feels personally crucial for school spirit. All his friends continue to support the basketball team by attending the games and he wishes he could too. As a player on the varsity boys’ basketball team, Sam Brown ’23 ofers a diferent perspective: “The Dawg Pound does beneft the team. The energy given from the crowd is something that motivates us. Aside from any incident, the fans who were banned defnitely contributed to the energy as a whole of the Dawg Pound.” Additionally, there is an Instagram account that highlights exciting moments from each game and shares photos of the lively student section. Although the account is informational—notifying students of game locations, dates, and attire—it is not afliated with the school due to recent controversial activity. As there are a high number of banned students, the Dawg Pound is defnitely less extreme than it had been before. This has not defeated school spirit though: LM athletes continue to look forward to the rowdy cheers and fashy clothing at their games!

In early December, the frst case of the Omicron variant in the United States was identifed. As cases continued to rise, and previous all-time COVID-19 daily case highs were shattered, chaos ensued all across the sports world. Calendar changes became commonplace for athletes at all levels. The NHL decided to pause their season due to the Omicron spike. Outbreaks amongst NBA teams and staf led to postponements or teams playing with as few as eight players available. In the NFL, players also tested positive by the dozen, resulting in practice squad players being thrust into starting roles with only a few days’ notice. Of course, the new Omicron variant afected sports on a more local level as well. At LM, teams were forced to adapt to the new reality in the middle of their winter season.

From November to December, the total number of reported student cases of COVID-19 at LM jumped from seven to 48. That number spiked once again in January when 127 students tested positive in the frst 21 days of the month alone. Obviously, these outbreaks forced changes to many facets of the school’s health policies, and athletic events were no exception. One major adjustment made in response to the Omicron variant was to limit spectators at events, most notably at home boys’ and girls’ basketball games. A maximum capacity of 25 percent was set for most indoor events. The Hope Classic on January 25 was an exception— ffty percent capacity was allowed for the fundraiser. These new restrictions were a big blow to school spirit, especially after fans were able to return to the bleachers and student section this fall season. As Nathan Dresnin ’24 put it, “It just felt a lot more empty and not as exciting.” Almost everyone who attended any of the limited-capacity games noted the same thing: the vibe just wasn’t the same without a full Dawg Pound. However, while the LM fans were sorely lacking in numbers at sporting events this winter, those who were permitted and able to attend made up for it with their true spirit and intense energy, as passionate support for the Aces was felt from the Kobe Bryant Gymnasium through hallways and to rival schools as the winter season progressed.

January 21 was the official second anniversary of the first acknowledged COVID-19 case in the United States. Many people would have hoped that by this point, teams would be able to gather, practice, and play under normal conditions. Unfortunately, Omicron has served as a reminder of the new reality we live in. In just a few short weeks, the novel variant practically undid all of this progress made towards normalcy over the course of the past months, particularly for athletes, as restrictions for both them and their fans were reinstated. Despite the setback, the LM sports community demonstrated great resiliency, as athletes remained dedicated and spectators continued their support, all the while continuing to be vigilant with protocols. Many scientists believe hope is on the horizon, as the number of new Omicron cases will likely drop of sharply. But, until we can all unite to cheer for our favorite teams together again, players and fans alike must do their part to make sure everyone stays safe.

Sports The Merionite Omicr-on the rise

Gideon Wolf ’24

Graphic by Julia Zorc ’24

Life in the fast lane

Nathan Grunfeld ’24

As the winter sports season begins its final lap, it’s important to recognize the major success the swim team has had this year and what’s still to come in the future for LM Swim and Dive.

Alan Chen ’24 is a member of the varsity swim team with a bright future ahead of him. However, this season was different from “normal.” Chen reports how “despite the rise of COVID-19 and Omicron, the team has continued to practice and compete.” Even though swimming is a very high-risk sport because it takes place inside and competitors are not able to wear masks while they compete, the team has managed to make practices safe in a variety of ways despite the threat of COVID-19. The team has been able to stay consistent with their daily swim practices along with their weight training. Chen mentions that “everyone has been putting in a lot of work” in spite of the ongoing threat of the pandemic. Chen, who also runs cross country and track, declares that the practices on the swim team are “higher maintenance than running” and more tiring even with COVID-19. Besides the capacity of spectators at events being restricted to only 25 percent, competitions have stayed relatively normal and competitive. He also notes that throughout the season, the team has had incredible spirit and support for its members in spite of the complications. The only place where the pandemic has truly hurt the team is in the cancellation of their weekly spirit dinners. Regardless, swimming, one of the most risky sports to play while in the middle of a pandemic, has been able to overcome COVID-19 and continue to push forwards.

Chen has had a very successful season this year. He states how he has improved greatly since the beginning of the swim season as well as from last year. This is true for many of his teammates on the boys’ swim team as well. Since they had a much lessestablished season last year, the return to a mostly normal season has been extremely successful, and most swimmers have shown prominent growth. In fact, the team, which won three of its five meets last year, went eight and three this season—a thirteen percent improvement. Meets are scored by giving a certain amount of points to teams depending on which place a player comes in during a race. Since many people compete in each meet, the dominance of LM means that the team as a whole has been swimming well, not just a few standout players. There are a total of 25 swimmers on the boys team, and twelve of them qualified for the Central League Championship meet. Out of those twelve elite swimmers, six of them had times that make them candidates for the highly prestigious Districts meet. Chen says that they “have a very strong group of swimmers” and that their hard work has been paying off.

In addition to individual successes, the team has dominated the relays as well, as all three have qualified for Centrals and have also been considered for Districts. These include the 200 yd medley relay, the 200 yd free relay, and the 400 yd free relay, which have made LM history. A crucial group of seniors including captains Phillip Gao ’22 and Aaron Levine ’22 are some of the most dominant contributors to these races.

The Central League Championship took place on February 10-11 and the Districts meet is in early March. The team looks forward to a strong finish as they close out their season with Districts. This winter season, the swim team has dominated its meets and had teammates qualify for reputable competitions. They’ve overcome COVID-19 in their practices and worked hard to reach victory. The season has been an undeniable success.

Double trouble

Michelle Kelly ’23 and Luke Shepard ’24 Sports Editors

THE GOAL - State Champs. The central goal of any high school sports program is to not only fnd success at the league and district levels, but to walk home with the state title. This illustrious distiction can both be the framework of a season and the identity of the team for years to come. LM’s boys basketball team has received the title on seven occasions in its long history—the second-most of any program in Pennsylvania. Kobe Bryant led the most famous season in 1996, where Bryant capped of his personal success by garnering the title for the school. LM most recently won the state title in 2013, yet the team is looking to spur their way back to the state tournament this year. This year’s victory at Reading embodied the spirit of the team and their fght for the future.

LM battles Reading

“We knew this would put us on the map if we got this win, so it motivated me to get buckets.” - Guard Justin Poles ’23

“Dawg Pound came out and supported. [They] drove like 45 minutes. That shows our tradition and our culture.” - Forward Henry Bard ’22

“One of the better wins in program history. We knocked of the defending state champs, the top team in the state.” - Head Coach Gregg Downer

“[It was] very intense. We played really hard.” - Forward Demetrius Lilley ’22 “This team has an amazing chemistry and a brotherhood which has helped throughout the entire season.” - Assistant Coach Kevin Grugan

All photos courtesy of The Enchiridion

Demetrius Lilley ’22 shows of one of his classic moves, a booming dunk leaving the opposition in awe.

READING, PA - It takes a coordinated army and fnely tuned strategy to conquer a beast. When the mission seems impossible, the mighty rise to the challenge and march to conquer the competition.

The quest for the state trophy was aided on January 16 when the LM team pulled of a stunner against Reading Senior High School. The reigning state champions, the Red Knights, could not fend of the Aces from conquering their castle.

Guard Justin Poles ’23 stepped up to the intense moment and led the team ofensively, notching a career-high nineteen points against a physically and monstrously huge, state title-clinching defense.

The Aces stormed the defense and were able to beat Reading 61-57. While the frst quarter included a barragement of ofense from the Knights, the Aces were able to eventually pierce through the pressure to garner a lead. As the game passed, the Aces displayed more strength and valor than the opposing Knights. Led by forward Demetrius Lilley ’22, the Penn State Basketball commit, with 28 points and 23 rebounds, the Aces’ ofense proved to outlast the Knights’ defense. Guard Jaylen Shippen ’22 powered LM’s dominating play on the defensive end to ensure the victory for the Aces. While the lead at the end of the game was a narrow four points, second half pressure from the Aces held of the state champs from making any sort of a comeback. An in-bounds play that launched the ball backcourt to Guard Sam Wright ’23 was enough to prevent the Knights from any last minute magic on their home court. This rallying win is one of the many reasons for LM’s high ranking in the state. Currently ranked thirteenth in PA, LM basketball continued their dominant plau.

Since the win against Reading, LM has continued their dominant poise in the Central League. The Aces went on a 8-1 streak before dropping their last regular season game to Haverford High School in overtime. The fnal games of the regular season consisted of other impactful wins, such as the victory in the rematch against Conestoga. A nail-biting loss in the frst afair against Conestoga rallied the Aces to beat the Central League rival in the second game by a score of 50-37. The Aces wrapped up the regular season with an 18-3 record, a record that is refective of the talent the team possesses. Their 14-2 record in Central League play garnered them a frst-round bye as they entered the playofs. The Aces now look to the postseason where they hope they continue the success that they have found throughout the regular season.

February 14, 2022

Sports The Merionite Setting the season

Zev Charlson ’22

The boys’ volleyball season is on the horizon, and the team is ready for another opportunity to surpass expectations. Last year’s squad, consisting of ten rookies and one lone senior, won an impressive three games by the end of the season. The team hadn’t won in over four years, so the idea of three in one season seemed unthinkable. As experience among the players grew, skill and confidence followed right behind. Coming into the season, the team holds itself to the highest standards, expecting every player to contribute however they can. Senior Luke Barnett ’22 explains, “Last season was a growing experience for the team, and with in-game action under my (and many of my fellow teammates’) belt, we’re primed for a great year.” Barnett, the team’s star outside hitter, looks to finish his high school career with a strong playoffs run. Although the team is young and full of newer players to the sport, Coach Marie Hamilton looks to piece together this puzzle with an array of powerful pieces. As the sport grows in popularity at LM, more talent finds its way onto the roster. Senior Spencer Rosenbaum may just be the final key to the team’s success. Rosenbaum, as captain of the LM boys’ soccer team and runner for winter track, is an athletic gem that the team looks to capitalize on. Although this is his first year on the team, with his athletic background he believes he can find his role on the court. Rosenbaum puts this season into perspective, “I have been on many teams before, and the difference between the success of these teams is undoubtedly the confidence and energy surrounding them. It is clear that this group feels a playoff run on the horizon and as a new member of the team, I’m excited for that to happen.” For many players, because this will be their final year playing volleyball, it is particularly important to perform well this season. With three players winning All-Central League honors, Bram Schwadron

Photo courtesy of The Enchiridion ’22 (2nd team), Zev Charlson ’22 (Honorable Mention), and Barnett (Honorable Mention), the team’s veteran leadership is a recipe for a promising season. The attitudes among the leaders throughout winter open gyms has added a fun and dynamic environment for the team to practice in. Coach Hamilton shares, “My biggest goal this season is to help my seniors have the best and most rewarding season both on and off

the court and help them dominate our competition.” The winning mindset stems from the coaching staff and radiates throughout the team. The team looks to improve after their impressive three wins in the prior season, with ambitions of playofs and a state run. A key ingredient to the boys’ success is the support of the remarkable LM girls’ volleyball team. Having a successful season in both the Central Athletic League and Districts, several girls look to continue this tradition of success into the spring season with the boys. With the help of All-State players Abiah Lane ’22 and Claire Hamilton ’23, the boys have players to model their own games after. Emily Greenland ’22, setter for the girls’ team and manager for the boys’ team, adds, “The boys’ volleyball team has worked from the ground up over the last few years and has quickly become a powerful team due to the returning seniors. The relationship between the boys and girls team has created two amazing teams, putting the precision of girls’ volleyball and the power of boys’ volleyball together.” The guidance the girls’ volleyball players bring to the team leads to rapid improvement and a chance to emulate the impressive girls’ season. As the season approaches, it is clear that each player has the same agenda: winning. The chemistry from lifelong friendships between players creates an unbreakable team and a powerful sense of dominance. Competing with your best friends is an unforgettable experience that the team will appreciate for the rest of their lives. Boys’ volleyball is due for the perfect storm and knows that the time to win is now!

as of 2/9/22 LM WINTER SPORTS STANDINGS W L

Varsity Boys’ Basketball Varsity Girls’ Basketball 18 3 3 17

Varsity Wresting Varsity Boys’ Ice Hockey Varsity Girls’ Ice Hockey Varsity Boys’ Swimming and Diving Varsity Girls’ Swimming and Diving 2 2 0 8 7 18 14 11 3 4

Photos courtesy of respective athletes

Freshman Gus Wright

What sport(s) do you play? Basketball and Baseball Who is your favorite pro-athlete? Alex Caruso What is the best post-game snack? Chocolate milk What are you looking forward to in your sport? Basketball playo s Which class do you want to skip for a game the most? Biology

Sophomore Zeni Bradway

What sport(s) do you play? Diving, Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee Who is your favorite pro-athlete? Tom Daley What are you looking forward to in your sport? Central League championship meet Which class do you want to skip for a game the most? English What is your favorite winter activity? Sledding!

Junior Omar Niazy

What sport(s) do you play? Swimming Who is your favorite pro-athlete? Michael Phelps What is the best post-game snack? Gushers What are you looking forward to in your sport? I’m trying my best to break 53 seconds in the 100 meter y What is your favorite winter activity? Chillin’ like a villain

Senior Hannah Blodget

What sport(s) do you play? Soccer What is the best post-game snack? Any protein cereal bar What are you looking forward to in your sport? Playing Division I Soccer at Rutgers Which class do you want to skip for a game the most? AP Bio (Coach Ries is the teacher) What is your favorite winter activity? Making hot chocolate and cookies!