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Winter Sports wraP-uP By steve palMer photography by robert falcetti
Boys’ Squash 13-3
founDers league ChaMpions u.s. national Quarterfinalist With a 13–3 regular season record, Taft competed successfully with the elite teams in the country in many matches. The Rhinos opened up the season with a stunning 4–3 upset of defending national champion Avon Old Farms. Riding this momentum, the team made it to the quarterfinals of the U.S. High School National Championships for the sixth consecutive year. A berth in the semifinals awaited the winner of Taft vs. Chestnut Hill on the Trinity courts but the boys literally came up just a few points short.
A decisive win over Philly powerhouse Episcopal capped off a great weekend and left Taft with a No. 6 national ranking. Yet another Founders League title came following convincing wins over Hotchkiss, Choate, and Loomis. Led by senior tricaptains Coley Cannon ’15, John Cannon ’15, and Brandon Salvatore ’15, Taft performed at the highest level throughout the New England Championships held at Groton, coming home with 4th place. Notably, John Cannon finished at No. 2, Billy Fleurima ’17 No. 3, Kyle Salvatore ’17 No. 3, and Brandon Salvatore No. 3 in their respective draws. Next year’s team will be led by co-captains Tristan Chaix ’16 and Brandon Salvatore ’16.
girls’ Squash 13–6
founDers league ChaMpions Following the highs of the 2013–14 season was not an easy task but it was a challenge that this group of Rhinos was up for. Captain, Founder’s League All-Star, and recipient of the 1986 Girls Squash Award, Bella Jones ’15 beautifully led the team through a rebuilding season and will move on to play at U.Va. next year. With key wins over squash powerhouses Nobles (4–3), Andover (4–3), and Groton (5–2), Taft earned an impressive 12–3 regular season record. This season was crowned by the Founders League Champion title, a title that the
Taft’s Coley Cannon ’15 in action against top-ranked Brunswick school.
Eli Cooper ’15 makes his way through the maze of gates as he competes in slalom at ski sundown in New Hartford, Connecticut.
Taft Bulletin / Spring 2015
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