Irish Sports Recap

SPORTING GREEN

IRISH SPORTS RECAP

Needless to say, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Irish athletics in the spring of 2021. The winter and spring sports seasons were shortened and overlapped, reducing training time and preparation. Due to health restrictions, the WCAL could not operate as usual and had to split into North and South divisions. There were no all-league designations, and only a few select programs were able to advance to sectional playoffs. Nevertheless, there were incredible achievements and successes by our student athletes this year, signaling both the resiliency of our programs but also the character of the young men and women who compete for the Fightin’ Irish.

By Kevin Buckley ’13

BASEBALL

Irish baseball continued its long tradition of excellence, finishing 19-12 and advancing to the first round of the CCS playoffs. The season was highlighted by three victories against St. Ignatius, a 6-0 record versus Riordan and a walkoff homer versus Castro Valley thanks to Lucas Kelly ’22. With top prospect Kelly leading a host of returning players next season, expect more fireworks from the team going forward.

boys BASKETBALL

The boys basketball team endured a rough campaign, going 1-10 in the truncated 2021 season. Their lone victory came against Tamalpais High School on April 30. At the conclusion of the season, coach Sean MacKay resigned, prioritizing spending more time with family and his business career. Thanks for your service, Coach, and good luck going forward!

girls BASKETBALL

The Irish girls team battled to a 2-4 season, withstanding reduced training due to COVID-19 health restrictions and coach LyRyan Russell’s ’97 absence to care for his newborn son. Into the leadership void stepped interim head coach Sean Warren and SHC Hall of Famer Sarah Richen Jordan ’98. Although the results weren’t there, the Irish displayed admirable unity amidst trying conditions.

Lucas Kelly ’22 barrels one up

Reza Po ’24 drives to the hoop

boys LACROSSE

Coach Jerry Nevin’s squad endured a tough 0-9 season, with three of their games ending in ties.

Ray-John Jackson ’22 goes up and under

girls LACROSSE

The girls lacrosse program made history in 2021, finishing 6-5 (finishing first in their division) and then advancing to the CCS playoffs for the first time in school history. Their season ended hosting a divisional game against Willow Glen at Beach Chalet, but these student athletes should be proud of their accomplishments.

Champions Kendric Sanders ’23 displays CCS hardware

boys SOCCER

The Irish program under coach Mike McNeill further cemented itself as a regional power in 2021, going 9-1, winning the WCAL round robin title for the second year in a row before losing in the CCS Final. With a young and talented nucleus of players in place, led by standout Angel Iniguez ’22, this program looks to build off of these two past years and take the next step going forward.

girls SOCCER

Irish girls soccer continued their program’s legacy of success, finishing 1-2-2 and qualifying for the CCS playoffs. Led by Nebraska-commit Maggie Altman ’21, Catryn Beddoes ’21, and Elena Gandolfo ’21, the team continued to battle and cement coach Chris King’s status as one of SHC’s most successful coaches.

boys TENNIS

Irish boys tennis finished 3-5, with three victories versus Riordan. Good luck next year!

boys & girls

TRACK & FIELD

After being seeded No. 4 going into the WCAL Championships, the 4x100 relay of Jack Byrne ’21, Robbie Byrne ’21, Nico Dreier ’22 and Kendric Sanders ’23 came in second to qualify for the CCS Track and Field Championships. Sanders also qualified for the CCS Championships individually in the 100 meter dash. Once there, the 4x100 team took third place and Sanders finished third as well. Great job, Irish Track!

The 4 x 100 meter relay team strikes a pose

SOFTBALL

The Irish had a successful season, finishing 6-8 and advancing to the CCS playoffs for the first time in 30 years. Helping lead Coach Tom Mattetucci’s ’94 squad were Willow Daters ’21 and Vivien Hughston ’21, seniors that showed the grit and determination that SHC is known for.

boys & girls SWIMMING

The Irish swimming program continued to make strides, with the girls squad finishing 2-2 and the boys at 2-4. In addition, five athletes advanced to the CCS meet (Sophia Lee ’21, Coby Chan ’22, Jonah Lee ’23, Liam Merrigan ’21 and Victor Volskiy ’22) with Jonah becoming the first CCS champion in school history in the 100m breaststroke. Along the way, the team broke ten SHC Swim Team records this year, and many of the same student athletes will be back next year. Big shout out to coach Jonathan Riley for continuing to develop this sport at SHC.

boys VOLLEYBALL

The boys volleyball team finished 8-7, first in the WCAL North, before losing in the second round of the CCS playoffs to Harker, 3-0. Despite losing program stalwarts Dominic Bazinet ’21, James Spears ’21, Colby Dobson ’21 and Colby Woo ’21 to The wrestling team celebrates lifelong bonds formed graduation, the Irish have an exciting pipeline of young talent coming up from both the JV and grammar school levels to fill the void. This will be an exciting program to watch in the upcoming future.

WRESTLING

Coach Jack Schindler ’09 and his program were not permitted to have a season this year due to public health restrictions. The team still maintained their unity, however, and celebrated the bonds forged in years prior. GO IRISH!