SPRING
Sports
Jaguar Softball
The SJA Softball teams ended with great seasons and some record-breaking performances. In all, 37 students participated in the fast pitch program. This season the Varsity finished at 10-12 while the JV and Freshman team showed great progress and improvement throughout the season. Congratulations to sophomore varsity player Nikki Carpenter who batted .569 and got 41 hits, setting two new SJA records. She also had a streak of 10 consecutive hits early in the season which ranks 11th in Ohio All-time Fast Pitch records. Great job, Nikki! Another highlight of the season was the 7-1 upset of higher seeded North Ridgeville in the sectional tournament game. Strong, consistent hitting and outstanding pitching from sophomore Melyssa Moenich took the team to a screaming victory. “It was very rewarding to win in a tournament game. We worked really hard all season.” said Melyssa. Although a rainy spring interrupted the potential winning season, the girls felt positive about their efforts. Good luck to graduating seniors Lauren Kluth and Emily Mikes. We will miss you! A great big thank you to coaches Jim Weigand, Jennifer Maslowsky, Jim Kluth, Tony Holz, Jessica Furin ’04 and Vanessa Rodriguez ’03 for all of their time and dedication. The Varsity team dedicated their season to Dana Care, a Nikki Carpenter ’11 fellow teammate and member of the 2009 graduating class, who throws an opponent passed away earlier in the year. In honor of Dana, her softball out at first jersey and number were retired. Her jersey hangs in the Academy and no future Jaguar softball player will wear her number.
Jaguar Rugby What a great season for the Saint Joseph Academy Varsity Rugby team! In their first year as a varsity sport, they finished their season with an impressive 7-1 winning record. Thirty-seven girls, freshmen through seniors, made up this young team in a highly competitive, wellrespected international sport. The Ohio Rugby Union recognized their strength and effort, inviting Saint Joseph Academy to compete in the Midwest Girls Championship in Carmel, IN. The championship brings together the eight elite girls high school teams from Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio to compete for top ranking in the Midwest. This was an exciting opportunity for Jaguars Rugby to compete at this level. The Jaguars finished in 6th place. “It was an honor just to be selected to go and the girls couldn’t have been more excited to represent their school and state,” said Coach Jaime Cleary. Later in the season, the Rugby team traveled to Kent State University and took 3rd place in the Rugby State Championship. With her skill and discipline, Junior Mary Jo Reddy was named to the All-Tournament Team. Mary Jo said, “It’s an honor to be selected for the All-Tournament Team and represent Saint Joseph Academy. I am so proud of what our team has accomplished this year.” Coaches Jaime Cleary, Kathleen Kress J’01 and Sara Leary did a wonderful job leading this new team to a victorious season. Thank you and congratulations! MaryJo Reddy ’10 carries it down the field
Jaguar Track And Field Over 90 girls made up the combined SJA Varsity and JV teams, making the talent pool greater and the competition stronger. The coaching staff worked hard with an extensive schedule to get the younger girls valuable experience competing against other girls’ varsity teams. SJA girls rose to the challenge and competed with positive attitudes and a strong work ethic, resulting in some fantastic performances. The team took 2nd place in both the Lakewood Ranger Relays and the Westlake Relays. Great job, ladies! Another highlight was the Varsity team’s participation in the Shumake Relays in Detroit, MI. There, the relay team of seniors Kristin Karn and Kelly Gallagher, junior Gabby Kreuz and freshman Celine Mangan claimed the winning spot. In addition to an impressive win, the girls met 2004 Olympic champion Dee Dee Trotter. The team finished Kayley Dunn ’12 sprints across the line the season with a 3rd place win at the Lakewood District meet, advancing several athletes to the regionals. There, sophomore India Munday took the District Champion title in shot put. Congratulations, India! Science teacher and head coach Fred Kieser said, “These girls put a tremendous amount of hard work into making this a strong season. If they continue their efforts off season, next year will be filled with even greater accomplishments.” Thank you to Fred Kieser and assistant coaches Social Studies teacher Nathan Baxendale, Jay Turner, Latin teacher Adam Kollin and Ken Marquard for all the time and effort. Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE
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