Weekly Athletic Update
Rain outs and make-ups seem to be the order of the Spring season to date as coaches, athletes and fans struggle for our contests and the weather to align. With varying degrees of success, we were able to get a handful of scheduled events played. Indoor courts for tennis would be a major bonus at this stage? All four of the combined MS/US tennis matches were canceled due to wet conditions and we are currently making efforts to reschedule.
- One sport not impacted thus far is Crew and our team was able to race in their 2nd event on Sunday at Lake Quinsigamond. On-going thanks to our coaching staff for their preparedness, flexibility and positive approach and to our team members who are showing signs of real progress. The # 1boys’ boat recorded their best time of the year (5:22) and can now use that high water mark to fuel their efforts. We had our Novice crew team race and successfully finish a 1,500-event race as well. Congrats and thanks of course to our tremendous parent support group who are there to support and feed our team, post-race!
- With a small roster and too many contests in a week, our Boys Varsity Lacrosse team fell short in each of the three games played. Hamden Hall – on Monday - Portsmouth Abbey - on Wednesday - and NMH Saturday showed how talented our group is, and at the same time how competitive and consistent you need to be to get into the winner’s circle. The next opportunity presents itself on Wednesday when the team travels to the Wheeler School in RI for a 4:30 pm game.
- Track & Field traveled to Marianapolis Prep on Saturday for a tri-meet with the host Golden Knights and Wilbraham & Monson. On the girls’ side Ella Budzinski had a PR in the 1500 (2nd place) and took a 1st in the 3,000. Leni Fanik had a PR in the discus and finished 2nd in the Shot Put. Emma Oosterman took a 1st in the Javelin and Allana Popham a 3rd in the 1500. Zoe Chen was also a multiple event scorer with a 3rd in the Javelin and a 4th in the 100. The team beat Marianapolis and lost to Wilbraham. Our boys dropped both contests but had some outstanding New England qualifying performances on the day. Tyler Cook ’25 was outstanding, with a 1st in the Discus, 3rd in the Javelin and 2nd in the Shot Put. Johann Innis-Grant continues his run winning the 110 hurdles for the 3rd consecutive meet (bravo) and Jordan Muldrow took a 2nd in the 300 hurdles and a 3rd in the long jump.
- Softball dropped a pair of games during the week losing at home to Suffield on Wednesday (5-2) and then to BB&N in Cambridge on Saturday afternoon.
- Baseball dropped a CMBL home contest to Deerfield on Wednesday by a 4-2 count and then rode the complete game, 3-hit effort from senior ace, Mav Rizy to push past Andover in the front end of a Saturday twin bill. The nightcap proved unkind to the WA “9” as Andover evened the score with an 8-4 victory. WA will host a talented Winchendon club Wednesday afternoon at Gaskill Field with the 1st pitch at 3:30 pm.
- Congrats to our Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse team who emerged victorious with a 10-3 victory over Marianapolis Prep on Saturday morning. It was the 2nd win over MP in the last 10 days and was solidified by an 11-save performance from Hayley McNeil. Well done!
Around the Rim:
It’s always fun to reconnect with WA alums and this past week we were able to do so at our Varsity Club Awards Dinner. Michelle Boland ’05 and David Ball ’03 were feted with the VC Award and a large contingent of current WA athletes, coaches and faculty were on hand to celebrate. Congratulations to Michelle and David and thanks to our outgoing Varsity Club officers - Cam Papetti, Avery Galant, Mav Rizy and Kayvaun Mulready - who ran the event with style. Also, we welcome and offer good luck wished to our 2024-2025 newly elected officers:
Ella Budzinski – President -Elect
Ally Bianco – Vice-President Elect
Yasbel Lobo – Secretary-Elect
Saige Youngberg – Treasurer-Elect
Co-Athlete of the Week:
Tyler Cook ’25 – Track & Field
Hayley McNeil ’26 – Girls’ Lacrosse
