Marbleheaders spark Prep soccer’s chemical reaction Rigby, Kramer help steer Eagles to program’s first state title in 16 years

BY CHAD KONECKY SPECIAL TO THE CURRENT

The role and importance of chemistry is oft-debated in the sports world, but you won’t find any doubters on the 2022 St. John’s Prep varsity soccer roster.

In fact, from top to bottom, the recently crowned state champions view chemistry a little like fictional Wall Street icon Gordon Gecko viewed greed. Chemistry is good. Chemistry works. Chemistry clarifies, cuts through and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit.

Just ask either of the two Marblehead residents who were key components of St. John Prep’s extraordinary, unbeaten run to the state title this past fall.

“The team chemistry was off the charts,” said Callum Rigby, an attacking midfielder, 17, who grew up on Selman Street. “I think I’ll remember the camaraderie most, whether it was singing on the bus, locker room chats or team dinners.

I think winning came as a result of the close relationships throughout the team.”

Rigby added that selflessness formed an immovable retaining wall that buttressed those relationships.

“Everyone recognized their role

MHS school record, state cut), and Cecelia Robbins, Sophia Weiner, Bella Takata and Robins (1:48.76, state cut) were the top two teams in the

200-yard freestyle relay. Grady (58.28, state cut), Chemel (1:03.04) and Weiner (1:05.65, state cut) accounted for the second through fourth spots in the 100-yard backstroke, as did Nelson (1:10.40), Podstrelov (1:10.86) and Takata (1:13.35, state cut) in the 100-yard breaststroke.

The foursomes of Doody, Rosen, Grady and Brooks (3:43.03), and Leveroni, Cerrutti, Nelson and Torstenson (3:51.10) owned the top two spots in the 400-yard freestyle relay to complete the Beverly meet in style, while helping to produce another triumph for the team.

The Headers last week went up against Gloucester and Salem, as they look to stay on top with the regular season quickly winding down.

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