lfa spectator
spor ts 14
LFA Alumnus Wins NCAA Basketball Championship
may 7, 2010
Todd Zafirovski Among Duke Players Celebrating Their Victory
Photo Courtesy of Todd Zafirovski LFA Alumnus Todd Zafirovski Cuts down the net after a victory
By Mark Yingling Staff Writer How would you like to tell your friends and family that you attend Duke University, walked on to the basketball team as a freshman, and won the NCAA Championship? Ask LFA alum Todd Zafirovski, Class of 2009, what that feels like because that is exactly what he accomplished. On the night of April th 5 , the entire Lake Forest Academy community could not believe their eyes when Duke won the national championship and there were television images of Todd cutting down the net in Indianapolis. They witnessed Zafirovski smiling and celebrating with the famous Coach Mike Krzyzewski and great players Kyle Singler and Jon Scheyer. However, about a year prior to that unforgettable
and “unbelievable” night, Zafirovski never imagined that he would ever be a national champion, let alone attend Duke University. “I never thought I would have this opportunity. It was a thrill for me to just get in to Duke,” said Zafirovski. When first attending the university, he did not even know whether or not he was going to make the basketball team. It was not until after many days of hard work and dedication that Zafirovski found out he had made the team. At first, he was notified that he would be “red shirted” because Duke’s coaching staff had not anticipated any walk-ons. However, about midway through the season, a Duke player transferred to another school, which allowed Zafirovski to join the regular varsity team. Even though Zafirovski
was extremely excited and thankful about making the Duke Basketball team, it was quite difficult for him to balance school and sports. During the NCAA tournament, it was especially difficult because he was often forced to miss classes for days and sometimes weeks at a time. In spite of the difficulties, Zafirovski loves playing basketball for Duke. “It’s every kid’s dream who plays basketball to be on that stage;” said Zafirovski, “I am fortunate to be on such a great team with such a great coaching staff who put as much effort in to the game as the players do.” Next year he hopes to be able to exhibit more of his talent to the Duke fans and make a big impression, just as he did with his Lake Forest Academy fans, who have given him a lot of support over this last year.
Caxy Girls Softball Getting Accustomed to New Changes By Mariam Hussain Managing Editor The casual observer will notice that this year’s LFA Softball team is very different from those of years past. There is currently no Junior Varsity team; instead all players are included as members of the Varsity Team. Lake Forest Academy’s Hockey coach Darrin Madeley has stepped in to fill the vacancy left when previous softball coach Kaitlynn Luther announced she was leaving to attend law school. Because of a shortage of coaches, Madeley brought all the softball players together on one team. “Mr. Madeley is different from Ms. Luther. We focus more on drills now and ways to improve. He really brings a new approach to the team,” stated senior co-captain Evelyn Gordon. Though the team lost its
primary pitcher from last season there are three returning seniors -- co-captains Gordon and Elizabeth Duckworth, and senior Shannon Chen – who will offer veteran leadership this season. “This year’s team is fairly young,” stated Gordon. “That acts as both a strength and a weakness. We have strong hitting and we all get along. But we need to develop game experience.” According to Coach Madeley, “We are a younger and we are still willing to learn and enjoy playing the game. The girl’s strengths are the character of the team and how the girls are unselfish. They cheer for their teammates if they are not playing and we do not have jealousy. Though our inexperience can act a weakness it can also act as a strength giving the team room for learning and improvement.”
Junior Liz Meraz swings at a pitch during practice.
Photo By Kathleen Kennedy