NEW CANAAN HIGH SCHOOL SPRING 2011

SPORTS PREVIEW
2D
Diamond vision
Strong mix of experience and youth
a home run for Ram baseball team
By Dave Stewart
Sports Editor
The New Canaan Rams have just
ended one of their preseason scrim-
mages and freshman Willie Burger
is one of the first players to make a
grab for the medical kit or a bucket
of baseballs, taking on one of the
menial tasks typically expected of
incoming ninth-graders.
Unlike the majority of
freshmen trying out for
FCIAC teams, however,
Baseball
Burger is a bit different.
This kid can flat-out hit a baseball.
Casey Ouellette and Andrew
Casali, both sophomores, and Burger
will all start for the Rams this season
and it’s a pretty good bet that they’ll
be making noise in the conference
for the next few years.
Even more important to this sea-
son is how well the younger, rising
stars have blended with the older,
veteran seniors such as tri-captains
Peter Meadows, Thomas Krieger and
Cameron Armstrong.
It’s a mix that second-year head
coach Mitch Hoffman calls “the per-
fect storm.”
“What we’re seeing this year is
a very, very healthy mix of old and
young coming together,” Hoffman
told the Advertiser. “The older kids
are giving life experiences to the
young kids and the younger kids are
actually giving a little bit of baseball
experience to the older kids.
“The perfect storm came together
because they are working off of each
other. It could go in the complete
opposite direction because right now,
I have two sophomores and a fresh-
man who are going to start. That
could be an explosion, but instead
it’s helped create a family.”
The Rams come into the season
having put last year’s 7-13 campaign
in the rear view mirror. They lost a
few starters to graduation, includ-
ing captains Willie Ouellette and
Alex Freeman, Jeff Spindel, Andrew
Tropeano and Nick Bamatter, but
should have enough to make up for
those losses.
At the top are the three captains:
Starting pitchers Meadows and
Krieger, and outfielder Armstrong,
an All-FCIAC East selection who led
New Canaan in hitting last spring.
Armstrong has had an outstanding
Thomas Krieger fires in a pitch during a preasson scrimmage against Stamford in Mead Park. Krieger, a senior
tri-captain, will be a part of New Canaan’s three-man pitching rotation that also includes senior tri-captain
Peter Meadows and senior Alex Farina. The Rams are looking for their first playoff berth since 2007.
NEW CANAAN ADVERTISER, NEW CANAAN, CONN., THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011
senior year as an NCHS athlete, star-
ring for the football team in the fall
and then helping the indoor track and
field team win a State championship
during the winter.
Armstrong will be back in leftfield
and will be in the No. 3 spot in the
lineup.
“Cameron Armstrong is the best
kid in the world,” Hoffman said.
“Everything for him is pretty much
easy going. The sky’s
the limit with him. He
has the ability to go
4-for-4 and steal five
bases. Whatever Cam
wants to do, Cam can do and we’re
looking for him to lead by exam-
ple.”
Meadows and Krieger will both
be on the mound for the Rams. Both
threw some innings for the Rams last
year, but will take on more promi-
nent roles this season.
“Peter Meadows is a kid that really
has come a long way,” Hoffman said.
“I saw something in him last year.
He probably didn’t throw as many
innings as he would have liked, but
what he did was take the bull by the
horns over the summer and into the
fall and winter, and worked extreme-
ly hard. He’s going to be a guy who’s
got a bit of a rubber arm, so he can
start and do a little spot relief when
we need it from time to time.
“We’re looking for Tom Krieger
to be like the father to the team.
He’s in a different situation this year
emotionally because he’s primarily
going to pitch and then be in the field
second. In years past, he was asked New Canaan sophomore Casey Ouellette follows through on a swing during a game last season. Ouellette will
to balance both and I think that was
be back behind the plate as the Rams’ starting catcher and will bat in the leadoff spot of a potentially potent
a deterrent to his progress. Now he’s New Canaan lineup. (Dave Stewart/File Photo)
one of our top pitchers and he can
really be a leader.”
Meadows and Krieger will make Burger will start at third base, Rams will have Doug Reilly at sec-
so each day I’m very confident we’ve while Casali will be at shortstop after ond, with Will Karl at first.
up two-thirds of a rotation which will got a good guy on the mound.”
also include senior Alex Farina. missing his freshman season with a Senior Chris Laird, a returning vet-
Also in the mix for some pitch- shoulder injury. eran, will see time at first base and as
Farina pitched a bit last year, but ing duties are juniors Nick Depuy
was primarily in right field. He’ll “Willie Burger and Andrew Casali the designated hitter. Krieger is also
and Michael Kreshin, senior Sam are the youngest kids on the team in the first-base mix although he will
also bat in the clean-up spot this Gardina, and Casali, who may be
season. but they’re arguably the most expe- be focusing on pitching.
called upon to close out games when rienced in competitive baseball,” Dan Popper will be the utility
Hoffman is confident those three needed.
pitchers will give the Rams a chance Hoffman said. “What they bring is an infielder, filling in at all positions
Guiding the staff from behind the attitude that has spread like wildfire when needed.
to win each time they take the hill. plate will be Casey Ouellette, a soph-
“We don’t have a No. 1, we have through the team. That’s been very Farina and Armstrong will again be
omore who impressed last season. helpful.” in the outfield with Matt Sammarco
three No. 1s,” the coach said. “What Ouellette showed a solid bat and
you find in the FCIAC is that, yeah Hoffman has also been impressed taking over in centerfield. Sammarco
defensive skills last year and earned with the modesty of the young play- will also bat in the important ninth
you might have a No. 1 pitcher, but an FCIAC honorable mention.
he can only throw once a week. We ers. spot in the lineup.
Junior Nick Pelli will be the backup “Willie Burger is the first one to “Matt Sammarco will be in center
feel that we have three guys who can at catcher and could spell Ouellette
go out on any given day and do well, grab the med kit and the baseballs, and he has really had a tremendous
periodically. but he’s also my starting third base- fall and worked hard to earn that
man and he’s tearing the cover off position,” Hoffman said. “(Hitting
the baseball,” he said. “He isn’t com- ninth) is an extremely important spot
ing in brash and bold because I don’t because it becomes a second leadoff
think that would work. He’s modest hitter and Samarco has been doing a
and humble and he just wants to play great job turning the order over for
a role on this team. He’s doing a us.”
great job and he’s being accepted by Also in the outfield mix are Alex
everybody. Curto, Gogo Jones, Dan LoRusso
“They’re all heady baseball play- and Andrew Redman.
ers and their competitive baseball “We’ve got some great sticks in the
experience is spreading throughout lineup, but these guys off the bench
the team. They’re just good baseball can hit,” Hoffman said. “We’re put-
players.” ting them in situations where if they
On the right side of the infield, the succeed, they’re going to play.”
Rams at a glance
Head Coach Mitch Hoffman (2nd year)
2010 Record: 7-13
Captains: Peter Meadows, Cameron Armstrong
and Thomas Krieger
Others to watch: Alex Farina, Casey Ouellette, Andrew Casali,
Chris Laird, Matt Sammarco, Willie Burger,
Doug Reilly and Will Karl
The Big Games
April 11 vs. Darien at Mead Park - New Canaan hasn’t beaten
the rival Blue Wave since the spring of 2007, when the Rams edged
out a 7-6 decision in Mead Park. Since then, Darien has won three
straight in the series, including a 2-0 nailbiter at DHS early last
season. The Rams are looking stronger this year and will get an
early chance to exact some revenge in this game at Mead Park;
April 15 vs. Norwalk at Mead Park; April 27 vs. St. Joseph at Mead
Park; April 29 at Staples; May 4 vs. Fairfield-Ludlowe at Mead Park;
May 16 at Trumbull; May 19 vs. Westhill. at Mead Park.
(Dave Stewart Photo)
NEW CANAAN ADVERTISER, NEW CANAAN, CONN., THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011
Simoneau has Rams ready to contend
After strong finish in 2010,
softball team looks loaded
By Dave Stewart
Sports Editor
Danielle Simoneau didn’t
hesitate when talking about
the attributes New Canaan
softball captains
Tory Rusch and
Lindsey Schmid Softball
bring to the dia-
mond.
“Energy. Commitment.
Determination,” Simoneau
said. “They both play travel
ball, so they know what it’s
like and they see the talent
this team has. They push each
other and they push the team,
which is a good mix.”
Speaking of good mixes,
this year’s edition of the Rams
is looking pretty darn good.
With Simoneau taking over
as head coach of a young,
talented and now more expe-
rienced New Canaan squad,
the Rams are primed for a big
spring.
Simoneau, a former star
pitcher for the Westhill Vikings
in the late 1980s, is replac-
ing former head coach Larry
Tomaselli
Tomaselli stepped down fol-
lowing last season, when he
guided New Canaan to its first
State playoff appearance since
2002.
The Rams, who went 8-13,
were at their best down the
stretch, winning five of their
final eight games to qualify for
the postseason.
That rally included a pair of
wins in the final week and a
3-2 victory over the St. Joseph
Cadets, who went on to claim
the FCIAC championship a
Sophomore Cydney Ventura returns on the mound for New Canaan and will have added see
help with freshman pitcher Ali Reilly joing the team. (Dave Stewart/File Photo)
��������������������������������
�������������������
���������
few weeks later..
New Canaan returns with
seven starters and will have
a sophomore-heavy roster, as
nine of the 14 players are in the
10th grade. The list is rounded
out by the two senior cap-
tains, two juniors
and one fresh-
man. Whatever
the combination,
however, top to
bottom, the Rams certainly
know how to play the game.
“It’s an extremely talented
team,” Simoneau said. “It’s a
young team, but a young team
that’s definitely going to com-
pete in the FCIAC and a team
that’s going to go far. They’re
that good. I have all the confi-
dence in the world that we’re
going to be right where we
need to be come FCIACs and
States.”
Returning for another sea-
son on the mound is sopho-
more Cydney Ventura. Ventura
stepped right into the role of
front-line hurler last season
and passed the test with flying
colors.
Ventura will also have some
help this year, as freshman Ali
Reilly, another member of the
talented New Canaan Storm
softball team, will also see
some time on the mound.
“Cydney is back, but
Ali Reilly will also pitch,”
Simoneau said. “I’ve told Cyd
and Ali that having someone
to compete against is good.
It makes you push yourself
harder. So they’re both going
to make an equal contribution
Cyd. She’s going to be the know that Ali’s there for her if
to the team. starter and she’s got the expe- she needs her.”
“It takes the pressure off
rience on varsity, but she’ll
Senior Tory Rusch is back for a second year as a team captain and will play first base for New Canaan. Rusch and the Rams
are looking for a return trip to the postseason, after earning the program’s first playoff bid since 2002 last spring.
Back behind the plate this
season is Cydney’s twin sister
Jordan Ventura. Jordan began
the season at shortstop last
year, but quickly took over as
the team’s catcher.
New Canaan is also loaded
across the infield.
At first base, Rusch returns
after earning All-FCIAC First
Team honors as a junior.
Katie Krueger, a junior, is
also in the picture at first,
but she was recovering from
an injured shoulder during
the preseason, so the Rams
will likely work her back in
slowly.
Simoneau said sophomore
Amanda Frattaroli and Reilly
can also play first base of
needed. Frattaroli also gives
the team a solid pinch-hitter.
Sophomore Marlee Ready,
an All-FCIAC Second Team
pick at second base last year,
is moving to third to fill the
team’s need.
Taking over for Ready at
second is sophomore Courtney
Rogers, who missed her spring
campaign with an ACL injury.
She is coming off a strong
season with the Rams’ girls
basketball team.
At shortstop, the Rams
will have the steady Brittany
Overacker, another sophomore
who started last season.
“When we were playing
scrimmages, we were trying
to see who jelled with who and
would be best utilized at what
position,” Simoneau said. “I’d
put that infield up against any
infield in the FCIAC. That’s a
strong group.”
Schmid, a four-year varsity
player, returns to centerfield
for her senior season.
Junior Jamie Kuhn will be
the leftfielder, with a combo of
sophomores Abby Jenkins and
Anna Von Oehsen in right.
Sophomore Steph Torromeo
will be used as a pinch hitter
and pinch runner, and could
some time in the outfield
as well.
The fact that the Rams have
3D
(Dave Stewart/File Photo)
hitters as good as Frattaroli “Will it be awkward coach-
and Torromeo coming off the ing against your high school
bench is an indicator of just team? Yeah, but you can’t
how deep the team is. think about that. You think
“They all can hit,” Simoneau about the team you’re sitting
said. “The hardest part is find- with, so for me, it’ll be just
ing a lineup where you’re another game.”
going to utilize everybody’s The coach said the biggest
bat. When you have six power thing for the Rams is simply to
hitters, you still need those believe in themselves and gain
girls who are going to get on confidence.
base for them. That’s the chal- “We tell them all the
lenging part as a coach. But time: This is a strong team,”
we have 14 girls who can hit Simoneau said. “And we want
the ball.” them to believe that they’re
New Canaan opens the sea- strong and that they can
son with a home game against compete in the FCIAC. We
the Danbury Hatters, with the had three strong outings in
usual suspects in the FCIAC the scrimmages and we saw
coming up over the next two some wonderful things. We
months. had lots of compliments and
One of the bigger matchups that’s what they need to hear.
will be on the final day of the They need to hear the ‘wows.’
regular season, Thursday, May We’re looking to get that first
19, when Simoneau returns game under their belts so that
to her old stomping grounds they can get comfortable and
at Westhill High School for a believe in themselves.
game with the Vikings. “They’re working hard and
“The positive thing is they know that with the talent
I know a lot of those girls that’s on this team, they’re
and I know Tommy (Pia, the ready to compete. It’s full
head coach),” Simoneau said. force, full-speed ahead.”
Rams at a glance
Head Coach Danielle Simoneau (1st year)
2010 Record: 8-13
Captains: Tory Rusch and Lindsey Schmid
Others to watch: Cydney Ventura, Jordan Ventura,
Marlee Ready, Brittany Overacker, Courtney Rogers,
Ali Reilly, Katie Krueger, Jamie Kuhn,
Anna Von Oehsen and Abby Jenkins
The Big Games
April 11 at Darien - The Rams emerged as a viable con-
tender during the second half of last season and capped
it off with a great performance in the first round of the
State playoffs. Darien won that game, 2-1, and with
many players back for both teams, this contest should
be another great one; April 18 vs. Stamford at Waveny
Park; April 27 at St. Joseph; May 2 vs. Ridgefield at
Waveny Park; May 16 vs. Trumbull at Waveny Park; May
19 at Westhill.
4D NEW CANAAN ADVERTISER, NEW CANAAN, CONN., THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

Tohir, Swift have golfers thinking big

By Dave Stewart
Sports Editor
It’s been 12 years since Bill Brown
became the head coach of the New
Canaan High School boys golf team.
While looking back during the pre-
season, even Brown
couldn’t believe that
it’s been that long. Boys Golf
As the old saying
goes: “Time flies
when you’re having fun.”
Brown’s Rams have qualified for
the FCIAC championship match for
the past 11 seasons and they’ve won
a State championship in seven of the
past nine years.
The Rams have become peren-
nial powers and, to make things even
better, they’re returning the entire
starting lineup from last year’s State
championship team, including a pair
of All-State and All-FCIAC golfers
New Canaan senior C.J. Swift surveys the green during the FCIAC boys golf championship last season. Swift said. “They sort of jab each other “They all know the game, they play
and Brian Tohir are back as co-captains this season as the Rams return their entire State championship lineup. at times and they really work well a lot and they know what they’re
(Dave Stewart/File Photo)
in senior co-captains Brian Tohir and
all five New Canaan golfers shooting
C.J. Swift. an 80 or better.
“It’s the same old story for us,”
Tohir took State medalist honors
Rams at a glance
Brown told the Advertiser. “We just
with a 2-under par 70, which includ- Head Coach Bill Brown (12th year)
have great kids and great golfers
ed five birdies.
who are very dedicated players. This
The entire lineup, with Tohir
is my 12th season already, which
and Swift joined by seniors Alex
2010 Record: 15-3; FCIAC finalists; State D2 Champions
is crazy, but every
Geanakos and Patrick Hagerty and
year I feel very for-
junior Ben Katz, finished the season
Captains: Brian Tohir, CJ Swift
tunate to have the
on an upswing, something Brown is
players that I’ve had
hoping carries into this spring.
Others to watch: Alex Geanakos, Patrick Hagerty and Ben Katz
The Big Matches
and the teams we’ve
“Geo played well at the end of
put together.”the year; Patrick Hagerty shot a 75 April 28 vs. Darien at Country Club of New Canaan; May 9
There were a few question marks
in the State tournament so he was at Wilton; May 10 vs. Trumbull at Tashua Knolls GC; May 12
while putting together last year’s
great at the end of the year and Ben vs.Greenwich at Country Club of New Canaan - Greenwich and
team, but in typical fashion, Brown
Katz is an excellent golfer and he’s
New Canaan are perennial powerhouses at the FCIAC and State
and the Rams found a good mix and
improved,” the coach said. “We have levels. Whenever they clash head-to-head, it’s bound to be interest-
went on to compile a 15-3 record
some depth and I feel like if we play
during the regular season. to our potential, we’ll have another
ing; May 19 vs. Staples at Longshore GC; May 24 vs. Ridgefield at
New Canaan then capped the spring
great season.” Ridgfield Public GC.
with a dominating performance in the
New Canaan has had a unique feel
CIAC Div. 2 final at Fairfield Farms
for the past two seasons, with a pair
GC in Harwinton. The Rams shot a
of two-year captains on the roster. in charge again. them and respect them, so they’re
298 to win the championship by 14
Tohir and Swift fit the leadership “It’s rare that you have two juniors great leaders. I try and stay out of
strokes over second-place Avon, with
role perfectly last year and are back as captains, but they were terrific their way.”
last year,” Brown said. “It worked Geanakos, another senior, joined
well because a lot of the kids who the varsity squad last year and played
were playing with them were the well enough to earn an All-FCIAC
same grade. The kids liked them and East nod.
they’re both very hard workers. I’m At No. 4 is senior Patrick Hagerty,
expecting big things out of Brian and who was great in the State final,
C.J. this year.” while junior Ben Katz rounds out the
Tohir will start the season on the lineup at No. 5.
sidelines, but should be back on the The Rams are carrying 16 golfers
course in a few weeks. After seeing between the varsity and junior varsity
some time in varsity matches as a squads and several others have a shot
freshman, Tohir moved into the start- at playing time with the big team.
ing lineup as a sophomore, playing That group is led by seniors Jack
at No. 3 before moving up to No. 1 Piantkowski and Spencer Clark, both
last season. of whom played J.V. last year.
“Brian’s always had the whole Also in the mix for playing time
package,” Brown said. “He’s really are a pair of juniors, Parker Dennis
good, he knows how to play the and Ryan Christie, sophomore Will
game and he’s been great for us for Essigs and promising freshman
the past three years.” Connor Miller.
Swift overcame some up-and-down The preseason has been tough, as
play and became much more consis- the poor weather has kept the Rams
tent last season, something Brown off the greens for the most part.
attributed to the senior’s working on They’ve gotten plenty of work in on
his short game. the driving range and still have until
“As a sophomore, C.J. would fly Wednesday, April 13 to get ready for
the greens on his second shots,” their opener.
Brown said. “He’d hit the ball a mile “They’re 17-year-old kids and they
and I was thinking ‘Boy, this kid can all want to hit the Titlelist gigantic
really hit it.’ Then he’d hit a pitch- head driver 320 yards, which is a lot
ing wedge over the green. He just of fun, but the short game is really an
didn’t know how hard to swing or if important part of the game,” Brown
he wanted to hit it high or soft. He said. “They all understand that and
really, really worked on that last year they all have good short games.”
and became a much better putter with The season always has its highs
a much better short game. He got and lows from week to week, match
some confidence last year and was to match and even hole to hole, but
much more consistent.” Brown said he’s trying to keep things
As for being captains, the two on an “even keel.”
are the unquestioned leaders of the “If you make a good shot, don’t
Rams. get too high and if you have a bad
“They’re good friends,” Brown hole, don’t get too low,” Brown said.
together. The other seniors all like doing.”

Young Rams building a new foundation

By Dave Stewart
Sports Editor
Take a quick look at the ros-
ter of the New Canaan varsity
girls golf team and you won’t
find many familiar names.
The Rams
were wiped out
by graduation Girls Golf
and the lineup
will be com-
pletely revamped for the 2011
season. Rather than that being
a negative, however, head
coach Dave Fine and the Rams
see this year as an opportunity
to set a foundation for future
success.
“We have a lot of youth but
the youth has a lot of talent and
a lot of potential,” Fine told
the Advertiser. “We’re very
excited about this season. We
graduated our entire varsity
squad, so we are starting fresh
and it’s absolutely a rebuilding
year. We have goals set, but
they are two-year goals.
“The hope, and they really
seem to be into it, is to progress
as far as we can through this
season and hopefully make it
back to the State tournament.
We’d like to get the experi-
ence and then come back next
year as a force in the state. We
definitely have the talent to be
able to do that.”
The Rams have no seniors
on the roster, but they do have
several players
who have been
in the program,
including three
juniors who
have begun to
take on leadership roles —
Krissy Parrett, Chloe Davis
and Amanda Chin.
“I’ve decided to call them
‘captains in training’,” Fine
said. “My original gut feel-
ing was to have no captains
this season, but three of the
juniors really stepped forward
and said we need some leaders
and that was what I was look-
ing for from someone. I told
them we’d put it as ‘CITs.’ It’s
a big role, I’m not sure of you
guys are ready but these are
the things I expect from you.’
“At the end of the season,
if everything’s all good, we’ll
etch them in as captains for
next year.”
Parrett stands out in that trio
after falling just short of mak-
ing the varsity lineup the past
two seasons. Fine said she’s
definitely ready to compete at
the next level.
“Krissy Parrett has been
under the radar for the past
two years,” the coach said.
“We’ve been watching for her
and waiting for her to progress
and we knew she’d be ready
this year. I think she’s ready
to do very well. She played
over the summer, she’s ready
to lead and I think she’s going
to do very well.”
Davis and Chin have also
been in the Rams’ program
since their freshman years,
and will be looked upon as
possible leaders this spring.
“These juniors have been
involved in the program since
they were freshmen, they just
haven’t played in any varsity
matches because our varsity
team has been that good,”
Fine said. “The lack of experi-
ence will be a tough hurdle,
but these girls have talent. If
we can overcome that hurdle,
we’ll be all right.
“All have been in program,
they’ve played JV and they
know what’s expected of
them. I think they’re going to
make great leaders.” mation but she hasn’t gotten outside the season. You can
Among the sophomores, it out yet. She’s very young go out there every Sunday
Gabby Balzano and Bridget and if she can start to learn her and play by yourself, but it’s
Falcone have opened some game, she’ll really progress. a whole different experience
eyes this year. “Bridget Falcone started playing in matches. Being in
“Gabby Balzano has a to come alive last year and those tournaments, she’s in a
wealth of talent,” Fine said. I’m very excited for her. She good position to succeed.”
“She has the fundamentals and played in a bunch of tourna- Fine and the Rams also
she puts a lot of work into the ments over the summertime, picked up a new talent in
game. She’s like a sponge. She which in my eyes is the best junior Kate Gilhool, who
keeps absorbing all this infor- way to practice for these girls joined the team after playing
lacrosse and tennis the past
two years. Gilhool has shown
some good skills and will be in
Rams at a glance the varsity lineup.
Also in the mix for varsity
Head Coach Dave Fine (6th year) playing time are a trio of soph-
omore in Michelle Paturzo,
Ember Parker and Samantha
2010 Record: 9-4 Esposito, all of whom played
JV last season and have shown
Golfers to watch: Krissy Parrett, Chloe Davis,
good improvement.
Amanda Chin, Gabby Balzano, Fine said the keys for New
Bridget Falcone and Kate Gilhool Canaan will be competing as
a team and having the golfers
The Big Matches play within themselves.
April 13 vs. Ludlowe at Smith Richardson GC - The “The best way to score is
Rams are looking to build experience and develop their to know yourself,” Fine said.
“Know your strengths, know
new talent and this match is the first stepping stone in
their plans; May 14 vs. Trumbull at Country Club of your weaknesses and play
toward your strength. Don’t
New Canaan; May 2 vs. Greenwich at Griffith E. Harris play outside of yourself.
GC; May 11 vs. Darien at Country Club of New Canaan; “It’s not the superstar, it’s
May 24 vs. Darien at Country Club of Darien. the team. If they can keep that
in mind, we’ll be fine.”

Make it a photo finish!

Purchase New Canaan sports photos online. Click on the Photo Store link at

www.NCAdvertiser.com
Or you can go to HersamAcorn.MyCapture.com
NEW CANAAN ADVERTISER, NEW CANAAN, CONN., THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 5D

Seven State titles and counting for Rams

New Canaan girls ready for court drama
By Dave Stewart going to have very good sea- “First of all, she’s a great
Sports Editor sons. We should have another girl,” the coach said. “She’s
good year.” very level-headed, she doesn’t
New Canaan will certainly get rattled very easily and
The 2010 spring campaign have experience on its side as she’ll have another good year.
was a dream season for the at least eight of the 10 starting I have a lot of faith in her at
New Canaan Rams’ girls ten- spots will be filled by girls the one position. She’s a good
nis team. who played extensively last leader and she’s good with the
A 24-0 record, a seventh year. The Rams graduated two other kids.”
straight State key seniors: Glerum and Baker had tre-
championship, Co-captains mendous success as a doubles
an FCIAC title Girls Tennis Tina Tehrani, tandem, earning FCIAC MVP
and two victo- a singles ace, honors while going undefeat-
ries over rival and Alyssa ed over a two-year span in the
Greenwich — including one Baker from the No. 1 doubles No. 1 spot.
that ended the Cardinals’ 83- team. “Kimmy Glerum has gone
match winning streak — would Leading the way this spring the last two years without
be enough to put a smile on are senior tri-captains Kate losing a match playing with
the face of any coach. Mannelly, Kimmy Glerum and Alyssa Baker,” Overbeck said.
For New Canaan head coach Caitlin Gallagher. “She’s extremely bright and
Gail Overbeck, now entering Mannelly returns at the very focused. She’s also great
her 17th year with the Rams, No. 1 singles spot for a third with the girls. We had a girl
the challenge is to maintain straight season. Mannelly was who was upset after one of the
the level of success her team at No. 1 full-time as a sopho- challenge matches (during the
has become used to. more and played the majority preseason) and Kimmy went
And if the early signs of the of the schedule at that position right over and sat down with
talent level are any indication, last spring, spelled by Tehrani her and consoled her a little
everything looks to be bright in a few matches. bit. She’s just a good leader.”
skies and sunny days for the She was named All-FCIAC With Baker having gradu-
Rams. and All-State as a junior, but ated, Glerum will be adjusting
“I think we’re going to be Overbeck said Mannelly’s to a new partner in sophomore
New Canaan senior tri-captain Kimmy Glerum returns at No. 1 doubles this spring, and will
strong,” Overbeck told the contributions to the team go Sara Greene, who is moving have a new partner as sophomore Sara Greene takes over for Alyssa Baker, who graduated
Advertiser. “I’ve got a good beyond her accomplishments up from the No. 2 spot. last June. (Dave Stewart/File Photo)
lineup with the singles and my on the court. “It’s been good,” Overbeck
first two doubles teams are said. “I have to get them to be a spring. Overbeck faces each year, but “The three spot is tough
little more aggressive because “She’s playing a whole lot she feels she has a winner with because all of them have about
Alyssa was quite aggressive at better than she was last year,” sophomores Kristin Laub and the same ability,” Overbeck
Rams at a glance the net. I want Sara to get right Overbeck said. “She worked
really hard over the winter and
Amanda Merjian in the second
spot.
said. “I’ll have to keep rotat-
ing them and see what works.
in there and mix it up at the net
and go for her shots. They’re she’s hitting the ball a ton. It’s “Kristin was at No. 2 last They’ll all have a chance to
Head Coach Gail Overbeck (17th year) both really steady from the better for her to be up there year and Amanda was at No. 3 play because it’s just at the
baseline and I think they’ll be because the matches at three and they were both very strong end when we get to the States
2010 Record: 24-0; FCIAC and State Class M champs fine.” wouldn’t have given her the in those spots,” the coach when you can’t move people
Caitlin Gallagher, another challenge the two spot will said. “I put them together just around.”
Captains: Kate Mannelly, Kimmy Glerum varsity veteran in singles, will give her.” recently and they did well, As for the competition, the
and Caitlin Gallagher be in the No. 3 spot this sea- In the No. 4 spot again is so I think they’re going to be Rams will have their first test
son, and Overbeck likes what sophomore Jensen Lee, who strong as long as they stay right away, as their second
Others to watch: Courtney Gallagher, Jensen Lee, had a fine year in her first sea- focused.” match is against last year’s
she’s seen so far.
Sarah Greene, Amanda Merjian and Kristin Laub “She’s been coming on,” the son with the Rams. The No. 3 spot was in flux CIAC Class L champion
The Big Matches coach said. “I’m really proud “She’s another hard-work- during the preseason and five Warde Mustangs at the New
of the way she’s handling her- er,” Overbeck said. “She plays Rams will get their chance. Canaan courts on Thursday,
April 7 vs. Warde at NCHS; April 14 at Darien; April hard all the time and she never That group includes junior April 7.
self. She’s been stepping up
18 at Wilton; May 5 vs. Ludlowe at NCHS; May 12 at and taking on the leadership gives up on a point. She lost Phoebe Wilks and senior Darien and Wilton are also
Staples; May 17 vs. Greenwich at NCHS - It’s New role and I think she’s going to just one match last year and I Emily Greene, both of whom on the first half of the sched-
Canaan vs. Greenwich in the annual battle between be a great captain.” think she’s ready for another played varsity last year. ule, with New Canaan’s annu-
FCIAC contenders. This season, the Rams get to serve Junior Courtney Gallagher, great year.” Also in the mix are sopho- al showdown with Greenwich
some home cooking at the NCHS courts. who saw time at No. 3 and Putting together the No. 2 more Katie Howard and fresh- in the final match on Tuesday,
4 singles last spring, will and 3 doubles tandems is the men Jackie Millisits and Emily May 17 at the NCHS tennis
jump up to the No. 2 spot this biggest coaching challenge Brand. courts.

New Canaan defending two court crowns

By Dave Stewart
Sports Editor
Dan Borgman is hitting the big
4-0 this spring. As in 40 years as the
head coach of the New Canaan High
School boys tennis team.
During the past four decades,
Borgman’s Rams
have captured 26
State and 11 FCIAC Boys Tennis
championships, and
won more than 500
matches, as the coach hit that mile-
stone two seasons ago.
New Canaan is also coming off
one of its most exciting seasons,
when it defeated Staples, 4-2, for
the FCIAC title before claiming a
second consecutive CIAC Class L
championship.
The Rams also made the finals
of the Class L brackets an All-New
Canaan affair, as then-senior Ben Lee
defeated classmate Kevin Budrawich
for the singles title and Chase Urban
and Nick Laub won the doubles
crown against Peter Huff and Patrick
Newton.
Coming off the dual champion-
ships, the Rams appear ready to
rumble in 2011.
“I see 100 percent enthusiasm about
working out this year,” Borgman
said. “I don’t have that every year,
there’s just some kids who don’t
want to do that, but this group is
ready to go.”
The Rams will be led by their three
captains: Chase Urban and Steve
Evans, both seniors, and Nick Laub,
a junior.
Urban will slot into the No. 1
singles position after a big season
playing at No. 2 last spring. Urban
is a steady, consistent player, who
rarely makes mistakes.
“Chase Urban is just a dedicated
player,” Borgman said. “He’s out
there doing warm-ups even before
the team gets togeth-
er. He has a very
disciplined way of
playing. He doesn’t
take shots that aren’t
a part of his arsenal
and he’s very patient. He’s got the
skills to really be a good No. 1 player
this year.”
Evans, a hard-hitter and good lead-
er, played at No. 5 singles and saw
some time in doubles as a junior.
He’ll likely start the year in the No.
3 singles spot.
“He’s very conscientious about
doing things as a captain,” Borgman
said. “He was calling me before the
season and asking if there was any-
thing he could do for the team and
he’s kind of the CEO of the team.”
Laub brings an unparalleled energy
to the team and is a strong presence
on and off the court. He’s already
excelled in the spotlight, as his three-
set victory at No. 4 singles clinched
the Rams’ first FCIAC championship
since 1995 last spring.
“I don’t usually name a junior a
captain but he’s not only an excep-
tional player, he has exceptional
enthusiasm,” Borgman said. “He
really can inspire the rest of the team.
That’s why he’s a captain.”
Unfortunately for the Rams, Laub
is recovering from a fracture in his
said Newton has been looking better
Rams at a glance and better as the season nears.
“Patrick Newton played No. 1
Head Coach Dan Borgman (40th year) doubles last year and he’s coming on
strong,” the coach said. “He started
a little slower because he didn’t play
2010 Record: 19-3; FCIAC and State Class L Champs any winter tennis, so he’ll probably
come on even stronger as the season
Captains: Chase Urban, Steve Evans and Nick Laub goes along.
Others to watch: Will Burger, Tom Worcester, Patrick Newton, “I’m running a round robin to
see who plays better with who and
Devin McVeigh, Jacob Reiss and Connor Hedley
Patrick is emerging as one of the bet-
The Big Matches ter doubles players.”
If he doesn’t end up on the singles
April 13 at Fairfield Prep; April 14 vs. Darien at NCHS; April 19 vs.
Weston at NCHS; April 26 at Westhill; May 12 vs. Staples at NCHS lineup, Reiss may fit into the doubles
picture.
- Last spring, Staples won the regular season match with New “The other strong doubles player
Canaan but the Rams beat the Wreckers in the FCIAC final a few is Jacob Reiss and he’s shown he
weeks later. That makes this year’s contest a grudge match and a can be a cagey player,” Borgman
big one in the league playoff hunt; May 17 at Greenwich. said. “He might make a good double
partner with Patrick Newton because
they’re both southpaws and Patrick
has a strong backhand.”
back and the team will have to make Also in the double mix are
to Will Burger, a sophomore who senior Connor Hedley, junior Luke
do without him for at least the first
saw time in both singles and doubles McDermott and sophomore Tim
three to four weeks of the season.
last year. Casavant, all of whom saw varsity
When healthy, Laub would likely
“Will’s done very well against time last spring.
start at No. 2 singles and possibly
Chase so it’s not like there’s any Jack Howard, a sophomore, is
challenge Urban for the top spot.
great distance between our top two looking to move up from junior var-
Borgman said Laub is working to get
players,” Borgman said. “They’re sity, while freshmen David Salama
back in game shape, but the process
very close and Will’s just a sopho- and P.J. Webb are also in the picture.
is slow.
more, so that’s good for him.” Whatever the final roster looks
“He wants to play and he’s started
Burger will be followed by Evans at like, Borgman is hoping the success
to play a little bit, but he’s backed off
No. 3 and sophomore Tom Worcester from last season carries over this
on that a little,” Borgman said. “I’ve
in the No. 4 position. year.
told him to take it easy and don’t
The No. 5 singles spot was still “They haven’t talked about it but
go anything more than 10 minutes.
open late in the preseason, with soph- I’m sure as the season starts, they’re
He’s so enthusiastic about tennis.
omore Devin McVeigh and junior going to say we want to do it again,”
Last year in the counties he won the
Jacob Reiss in the hunt. the coach said. “You never know
match to beat Staples and he was a
In doubles, the Rams return the how things will work out, but I think
perfect guy to have in that spot.”
junior Newton, who had a fine season depth-wise we have and even stron-
With Laub sidelined for the time
with Huff at No. 1 last year. Borgman ger team than last year.”
being, the No. 2 singles spot will go

�������������������������������������������

��� �������������������������������������
������������������������������������������������
�����������������������������������������
�������������������������������������������������
6D NEW CANAAN ADVERTISER, NEW CANAAN, CONN., THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

New Canaan boys running with a full tank

By Dave Stewart
Sports Editor
Alex Spinu, Patrick Daly, Taylor
Parsons, James Arliss, Henson Orser
and Brant Hoffman are just a few
of the
athletes
Boys who have
dedicated
Track & Field t h e m -
selves to
the New
Canaan boys track and field program
for the past several seasons.
And when New Canaan raised the
State indoor championship plaque for
the first time in more than 50 years
this past winter, they were among the
Rams with the widest smiles.
“Their commitment was vindicated
by winning the championship,” head
coach Steve Bedard said. “It was a
reward for the work they’ve put in.”
The Rams’ roster for the spring
outdoor season will be different than
the State title team, but make no
mistake, this team is loaded with
potential with the aforementioned
lineup of names.
“That’s going to core of our team
and it was the core of our team
indoors, too,” Bedard said. “Those
kids are excited and I think that
enthusiasm will help the other kids
improve.”
Bedard hadn’t named captains
prior to the first meet, but New
Canaan has several leaders among
the upperclassmen.
In the senior class, Daly returns for
a fourth season after a strong winter.
He won the Class L crown in the
1,000-meter run and was second in
that event at the FCIACs. Daly also
starred on the 4x400 relay team that
took first place at the State meet.
“Place-wise he did well, but per-
sonally I think he’d like to have
achieved some better times,” Bedard
said. “So for him, I think there’s
some unfinished business he’d like
to take care of. That should motivate
him to train hard and finish off his
career here on the right note.”
Spinu, a junior, has been the Rams’
leader on the cross country team for
the past couple of years and had a
stellar indoor track season. Spinu
was third in the 600-meter run at the
FCIAC and State level, and was also
a part of the solid 4x400 and sprint
also compete in the high, long and
triple jumps.
The Rams lost FCIAC and State
shot put champ Alex Farina, who
is back with the baseball team this
spring, but they still have some depth
in the throwing events.
Junior Rami Hamdan is coming
off a solid winter and will move
out of Farina’s shadow and into the
center ring. Hamdan was third in the
FCIAC and fourth in Class L in the
shot put. He’ll also compete in the
discus.
“He had the best junior season of
any thrower we had,” Bedard said.
“He was overshadowed (by Farina)
a little bit, but he knows the potential
he has and the gains he made are
going to propel him to do even better
during the outdoor season.”
Also in the throwing events are
junior Kalin Killinger, who will com-
pete in the shot put and discus, and
junior Matt Milano, who will com-
pete in the javelin.
Bedard feels the technical events
are a good indicator of where the
program stands.
“The best way to gauge how good
a track program is how well their
New Canaan senior Patrick Daly leads a pack of runners through a turn during the FCIAC indoor track and technical events do.” the coach said.
“Those are the events that rely on
field championships in February. Daly and the Rams were second in the league before capturing New Canaan’s coaching and that’s why a team like
first State championship since 1958 a week later. (Dave Stewart/File Photo) ours will beat a lot of teams in dual
meet situations. A lot of teams may
medley teams. Parsons and Hoffman, both seniors, In the hurdles, New Canaan returns have faster kids, but we can win
Spinu gives Bedard plenty of room had big winters and Bedard is look- senior Paul Templeton and sopho- because we spend a lot of time on the
to maneuver, as the junior can run ing for that to shift into the spring more Devaun Bovell. Bovell will technical events.”
anything from the 400 up to the two season. Both can run the distance
mile race, while also competing on races and fit in perfectly on the relay
the relays. teams.
“He’ll probably qualify in the 400, “Taylor Parsons had a great indoor
800, the mile and two mile for the season — much better than we
Rams at a glance
States and he’s going to be a part of thought it was going to be,” Bedard
our relays,” the coach said. “We’re said. “So we’re looking for the same Head Coach Steve Bedard (7th year)
going to have to assess the situation kinds of things from him for the out-
when it gets to the championship door season. 2010 Record: 12-5
season and determine what’s best for “Brant Hoffman had a breakout
the team. He might not compete in senior season indoors and we’re Athletes to watch: Patrick Daly, Brant Hoffman, Nelson Conover,
all of those individual events, but we looking for him to continue that.” Alex Spinu, James Arliss, Rami Hamdan, Taylor Parsons,
have a chance of winning with our Orser, a junior, also returns after
relays.” playing a key part on the Rams’ Isaiah Maisonette, Henson Orser, Paul Templton,
Nelson Conover, a senior, is also indoor relays. He was on the 4x400 Devaun Bovell and Matt Milano
a jack-of-all-trades in the technical team which won the Class L champi- The Big Meets
events. He’ll compete in the high, onship, and was on the 4x800, which
long and triple jumps as well as the finished second in Class L. May 3 vs. Danbury and Wilton at Danbury - Danbury was the only
pole vault. Arliss, a senior, and Isaiah team to outscore New Canaan at the FCIAC indoor track and field
“In a dual meet situation, he can Maisonette, a junior, give Bedard championships in February. The rosters have changed with the
do all four and that really makes our two more talented runners, alongside move to a new sports season, but the Rams should be able to push
job that much easier,” Bedard said. senior Will Hoover, junior Dylan the Hatters; May 10 vs. Darien and Bassick at NCHS. -
“We’ll have points from him in all Kavookjian and sophomore Kalan
those events.” Lysenko.

Ram girls hope to find strength in numbers

By Dave Stewart
Sports Editor
The New Canaan Rams girls track
and field team heads outdoors for
the spring season with one new head
coach, a good crop of rising fresh-
man and sophomore athletes and a
handful of talented vet-
erans to lead the way.
With 80 girls on the
roster, the Rams won’t Girls
be hurting for people
in the many differ- Track & Field
ent events at outdoor
meets.
As new head coach Art Brown
said, the only difficult thing is giving
each one of the athletes time.
“One of our goals is to get as
many kids as possible but the down-
side is it’s hard to manage,” Brown
said during the preseason. “As the
season goes on, we’ll get a better
handle on it. We’ll have them broken
into groups now — throws, sprints,
middle distance and distance — and
each group has its own captain so
that’s made it easier. We have a lot
of kids in a lot of different events so
that’s good.”
Brown, who has been an assistant
coach in the girls track and field pro-
gram for the past couple of seasons,
takes over the head coaching reins
from Fred Word, who stepped down
after the indoor season. Brown also
coaches the Rams’ girls cross coun-
try team in the fall.
With his time in the program,
Brown is familiar with the athletes,
making for an easy transition.
Heading up the Rams as cap-
tains is a quartet of athletes: Seniors
Melanie Escalante, Danielle Martin
and Maureen Dinnie and junior
Stephanie Benko.
Benko, a standout on the girls soc-
cer team, has emerged as one of New
Canaan’s top track athletes. During
the FCIAC indoor finals, Benko
ran second in the 3,200-meter run,
trailing only senior
teammate Caroline
Murray.
“As a runner, I think
she’s taking it serious-
ly now,” Brown said.
“I think she realizes
that she can run at the
next level and she has a lot of talent.
We had her do the two-mile indoors
and the last outdoor season but that’s
really not her favorite event. She pre-
fers the mile but she also realizes for
the sake of the team, we need her in
the two mile. We’ll move her around
and see how it plays out.”
Escalante, another soccer player, is
a sprinter and can run several differ-
ent events and relays.
She was fifth in the 300-meter
dash and eighth in the 600 at the
FCIAC indoor finals.
“Melanie is a hard worker,” Brown
said. “I’ve really been impressed
with her the last couple of years. She
broke 60 in the 400 last year and I
expect her to do it again. She has
good speed and she’s very strong.
We’ll probably use her in the 200,
400 and the 4x400.”
Dinnie gives the Rams a solid
hurdler, but her biggest benefit may
be in the intangibles she brings to
the team.
“Maureen’s a hurdler and she’s
really made an effort to succeed,”
Brown said. “The kids look up to
her and I think she’ll make a good
captain. She’s a good person to have
on the team.”
Martin is a top-flight javelin
thrower who will also gain points in
the shot put and discus.
“Danielle’s great,” Brown said.
“She really works hard, she’s into
it and she’s made a lot of progress.
She’s another one the kids really look
up to. Javelin is her primary event.”
Murray, a star athlete at NCHS
who will play soccer and run track at
Ohio State next year, will compete in
a few events for the Rams, including
the mile, two-mile, 800 and possibly
relays.
“Caroline’s had a great career
here,” Brown said. “She’s a very
good runner. The mile is probably
her best event and I’d like to see
her bring her two-mile time down.
She’s a good 800 runner and I think
she’s another one that we’ll have to
see what events we need her in as
the season goes along. She’s a hard
worker and she’s got really good
speed.”
Brown also pointed to senior Portia
Schultz, a middle-distance and dis-
tance runner who brings leadership
to the team.
“Portia Schultz is a phenomenal
kid and she’s really made a contri-
bution to the program just with the
kind of person she is,” Brown said.
“The kids look up to her, she’s a hard
worker and she always has a positive
attitude. I can’t say enough about
her. I respect her and she’s really
well-respected by the kids. She’s the
kind of kid you can move around in
any event, and she’s glad to jump in Schumacher, Ariana Ross and Bianca
if you need her.” Schultz in the pole vault.
After Benko, the junior class A good group of freshmen will
features several other strong ath- include Elizabeth Gordon, Isabelle
letes, including Alexis Najarian and Hetherington, Sara Mussico, Emily
Castina Konstantinovic in the hur- Wood and Elizabeth Perry in the
dles and jumps, Rebecca Evenson in middle distance and distance races,
the discus and shot put, Kally Saiz Alex Naughton in the hurdles and
and Cara Schulte in the middle dis- middle distance races, and Maureen
tance and distance races, and Abigail Schott, Keara Fahy and Kit Malozzi
Wasden, Emily Lambdin, Abbey in the sprints.
Buckenheimer and Becky Thompson
in the pole vault.
“For a lot of kids this year, it’s
really going to be a year of learn-
The sophomore corps includes
Katie DiFazio, Eileen Dinnie and
ing,” Brown said. “People like our
long jumpers, high jumpers, vaulters
Julie Spindel in the relays, Isabele — they’ll be learning this year. I
Herde, Sydney Czech and Kaylee really think we’re going to start out
Brea in the throws, Brea and Jackie next year in a much different place
McCurdy in the jumps, and Heather than we are now.”
Rams at a glance
Head Coach Art Brown (1st year)
2010 Record: 7-4
Captains: Maureen Dinnie, Danielle Martin,
Melanie Escalante and Stephanie Benko
Others to watch: Caroline Murray, Portia Schultz, Alexis Najarian,
Castina Konstantinovic, Rebecca Evenson, Kelly Saiz,
Katie DiFazio and Eileen Dinnie
The Big Meets
April 11 vs. Warde and Norwalk and Norwalk at NCHS; May 5 vs.
Wilton and Danbury at Wilton; May 9 vs. Darien and Bassick at
Darien - New Canaan features a lot of athletes this season, with
many in the technical events which Darien is well-known for.
Coming later in the dual-meet season, this competition will be a
good test for the Rams in preparation for the postseason.

������������������������������������

���������
����������������������������������
����������������������������������������������������������������
NEW CANAAN ADVERTISER, NEW CANAAN, CONN., THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 7D

Joe Costigan (5) gets room to run

during the Rams’ FCIAC semifi-
nal win over St. Joseph last season.
Costigan returns as a senior tri-
captain alongside Willie Gould and
Jimmy Joe Granito.
(Dave Stewart/File Photo)

Laxmen turn page, look to contend again

By Dave Stewart two of the best in the state, in my As for the rest of the defense,
Sports Editor opinion, and they’re going to battle Whitten said right now “the win- Rams at a glance
all year for that starting position. It’s dow’s wide open for a lot of different
not Jimmy Joe’s or Tom’s — they’re guys.” Head Coach Alex Whitten (4th year)
Joe Costigan’s collegiate path was going to have to fight it out every Leading the way for a starting spot
already set when the New Canaan week, so that’s going to be interest- is junior Kevin McDonough, who,
Rams’ boys lacrosse team was bat- ing. like Gould, had a solid football sea- 2010 Record: 17-5; FCIAC runner-up; Class M semifinalists
tling for FCIAC and State supremacy “They’ve both played very, very son in the fall.
last year. well in the preseason and they both Also looking good are sophomore
Captains: Joe Costigan, Jimmy Joe Granito and Willie Gould
But even with bring a different Eric Persky, juniors Hunter Budd Others to watch: Thomas Carey, Scott O’Brien, Henry Eschricht,
his path to North dynamic. Jimmy and Paul Clemente, sophomore John
Carolina mapped John Brainard, Kevin McDonough, Eric Persky, Bobby Distler,
out, Costigan didn’t
Boys Lacrosse Joe is a tougher,
grittier player and
Rhudy and promising freshman
Michael Root, who Whitten called Matt Blasko, Peter Kraus, Duke Repko and Michael Root
kick back. Now, one Tom’s a bit quicker “the real deal.” Junior Patrick Burke
year later, Costigan
The Big Games
and better outside of the cage. They will be a long pole middie, and
is a New Canaan senior captain and, both bring different aspects to the April 9 at Somers, N.Y.; April 12 vs. Greenwich at Dunning Field
senior Alex Millisits will also play
to put it mildly, the Tar Heels are game, which is good. Both of those middie for the Rams. - Darien is the bigger rival, but Greenwich left the Rams with a
going to get one heck of a player. guys are going to have a huge impact “We’re looking to be a rougher bad taste after beating favored New Canaan in the FCIAC final.
“Joe’s almost been like a blunt on our program even if they just push team this year,” Whitten said. “WeThis early meeting between the two teams will give the Rams a
instrument, a work horse, for the lasteach other to be better.” want to be more physical around the
several years, but now he’s coming
chance for revenge under the lights at Dunning Field.; April 21 vs.
Joining Costigan and Granito as a goal. If people are going to shootSt. Joseph at Dunning Field.; April 23 vs. John Jay, N.Y., at Dunning
into his own,” Ram head coach Alex captain is senior long pole defense- inside, we need to slide to the body
Whitten said. “He’s worked hard in man Willie Gould. Gould didn’t start and make them earn it.”
Field; April 30 at Lawrenceville, N.J.; May 3 vs. Wilton at Dunning
the offseason to become more of a last spring, but he saw extensive var- Field; May 5 vs. Darien at Dunning Field.
Costigan leads the midfield corps
dynamic player, so he’s not just a runsity time and has had an outstanding which will feature juniors John
and shoot player anymore. He can do senior year with the Rams’ football Brainard and Jake Miller.
a few other things, so we’re excited and boys track and field teams. “John Brainard has stepped in and
about that. And physically, he looks Whitten is looking for Gould to be is a formidable athlete with his size
possibly can.” ankle during then basketball season,
awesome. He’s lost a lot of weight, a field general on the defensive side and strength,” Whitten said. “HeTaking over for Balzano on faceoffs and Henry Eschricht, who is out
he’s stronger, and he’ll be a big cor-of the field. looks really good for us right now.
is junior Bobby Distler. with a wrist injury. The Rams hope
nerstone in our offense this year.” “Willie kind of came into his own And Jake Miller has stepped up and
“If you’re going to score goals to have both of them back as soon
Costigan and the remaining veter- this year,” Whitten said. “He was a is looking good as well. He’s going
and maintain momentum, you need as possible.
ans on the New Canaan roster will long pole last year and his abilities to fit into our offense very well.”
to win faceoffs,” Whitten said. Matt Blasko, a lefty, has looked
have their work cut out for them this kind of got overshadowed by the Also in the mix are juniors Jack
“Bobby’s done a really good job in strong this year and Whitten called
year. A class of 17 graduates has leftguys that we had at long pole. Willie Bratches and Wes Rhudy, as well as
the offseason working on his own on the junior a “tremendous asset.”
some huge shoes to fill all across theis a tremendous kid. He was a two- speedy sophomore Duke Repko. faceoffs and he’s doing a pretty good Junior Peter Kraus is a varsity vet-
field, so the Rams will be decidedly way player on the football team and “Duke’s probably the fastest kid
job right now.” eran and New Canaan will also get
younger. All-State runner for the indoor track on our team,” Whitten said. “He’s
New Canaan’s attack has been contributions from seniors Tim Fox
“Initially, we had a lot of spots just
program, and he’s working hard for quick as lightning and we need him
hampered this preseason by injuries and David Crandall, junior Michael
because we have a lot of open spots us. He brings a certain toughness to to rapidly mature from sophomore-
to a pair of veteran seniors: Scott Bossidy, another lefty, and sopho-
from the graduating class from last the position.” dom to junior status as soon as he
O’Brien, who suffered a sprained more Puck Richardson.
year,” Whitten said. “They were a One big factor for the Rams could
great class for us and when you lose be their toughness, as the roster fea-
17 seniors, there’s a lot of vacancies tures numerous football players.
that need to be filled. We’ve got a lot “For the last several years, we
of guys who are stepping in to fill a haven’t really had a lot of football
lot of roles, especially on defense.” guys on this team and now we’ve got
The list of graduates includes them,” Whitten said. “I applaud Lou
middies such as Cody Newton, an Marinelli on his football program.
All-State player, Sam Stanton and It’s one of the best athletic programs
Todd Bratches and defenseman such in the state and I’m fortunate to coach
as All-Stater Kevin Campbell, All- a sport where a lot of those kids are
FCIAC long pole Ian Knechtle and going to play. We’ve promoted the
Bobby Femia. New Canaan also lost multi-sport athlete and those football
attack Oliver Norton and faceoff spe- and hockey guys are tough. They put
cialist Ron Balzano, among others. their nose into traffic and you can
One spot where the Rams are load- tell when they’re playing if they’re
ed is at goalie, where they return two a football guy or a hockey guy right
experienced and highly-skilled play- off the bat.”
ers with senior tri-captain Jimmy Joe New Canaan will again play a
Granito and junior, Thomas Carey. tough out-of-conference schedule,
Granito, a starter for the football beginning with the season opener
and ice hockey teams, has been in at Somers, N.Y., on Saturday. The
between the pipes since his sopho- Rams will also play at Summitt and
more season and is tough as nails. Lawrenceville, N.J., at Rye, N.Y.,
When Granito went down with an and at Cheshire, while hosting John
injury last season, Carey, a junior, Jay on Saturday, April 23.
took over in the net and excelled. The Rams will get a first look at
Carey was at his best in the playoffs the FCIAC with a title game rematch
as the Rams reached the FCIAC final against conference champion
and the State Class M semis. Greenwich at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April
Whitten said the two would both 12, at Dunning Field. New Canaan
see time as the starter this year. also has home games against St.
“Goaltending is probably the stron- Joseph on Thursday, April 21, Wilton
gest part of our game right now,” the New Canaan senior tri-captain Willie Gould (37) defends during a playoff game with Wilton last spring. Gould on Tuesday, May 3, and Darien on
coach said. “Jimmy Joe and Tom are and the Rams open the 2011 season with a game at Somers, N.Y., on Saturday. (Dave Stewart/File Photo) Saturday, May 7.
8D
Champion Rams reload for title defense
By Dave Stewart
Sports Editor
Eight games into the girls lacrosse
schedule last year, the New Canaan
Rams were muddling along with a
5-2 record and were trailing FCIAC
contender Greenwich 5-
3 late in the then first
half of a showdown
under the lights at Girls
Dunning Field.
Then, something Lacrosse
clicked.
The Rams suddenly
had everything going in the right
direction. They were winning draws,
collecting ground balls and racking
up goals seemingly at will. Thirteen
unanswered goals later, New Canaan
had a 16-5 victory.
“In that second half, I don’t think
they even saw the ball,” head coach
Kristin Wood said. “We scored
around 10 unanswered goals. That
just gave the girls more confidence
and we were 10 games in at that
point, so everybody had some expe-
rience. It was a big game for us.”
Propelled by that win, the Rams
won 17 of their final 18 games and
eventually captured their first State
championship when they again beat
Greenwich, 10-9, in the Div. 1 final
at Bunnell High School.
The news gets better for the New
New Canaan junior Sarah Mannelly looks for room to manueverduring last year’s D1 final against Greenwich. miss the first few weeks with an
Mannelly, an attacker, became a big source of points for the Rams during the second half of last season and will injury, but Tuttle has taken over as a
be one of the biggest weapons this spring. (Dave Stewart/File Photo)
Canaan: With eight key players
returning, including much of the
offensive attack, the Rams are again
on course to be one of the top con-
tenders for FCIAC and State cham-
pionship.
All of which suits Wood just fine.
“It’s exciting and the fact that
they’re now a year older
is going to make a big
difference,” Wood, who
is entering her fifth year
at the helm, said. “I
think they’re going to
fill the graduates’ shoes
quite well.”
The losses of last year’s captains
Kacey Pippitt, Anjalie Christie and
Erin Fessler, along with several other
key seniors, give the Rams some big
spots to fill, especially on the defen-
sive end of the field.
New Canaan will be led by its
three senior captains: Erin Markey,
Liz DeTour and Lauren Freeland.
Freeland, a midfielder/defender
who will play at UMass next year,
has been working at getting the more
inexperienced defense in gear during
the preseason.
“Lauren Freeland has really
brought our team along defensively
at practice,” Wood said. “Leadership-
wise, she does a really nice job of
leading by example and gathering
the team when everybody doesn’t
seem to be too focused. Before the
NEW CANAAN ADVERTISER, NEW CANAAN, CONN., THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011
New Canaan’s Erin Markey
(3) battles two Greenwich
defenders during the Rams’
10-9 win in last year’s State
D1 title game. Markey is a
senior tri-captain this sea-
son as the Rams get set for
another shot at FCIAC and
State crowns.
(Dave Stewart/File Photo)
Sacred Heart scrimmage she realized
that not everybody was fully there Rams at a glance
and she brought everybody in and
gave them a nice little chat. It was
nice to see because she’s ready to Head Coach Kristin Wood (5th year)
take on that responsibility.”
Markey and DeTour, on the other
hand, are key cogs in what should be 2010 Record: 19-3; FCIAC runner-up; State Div. I Champions
an offensive machine. Captains: Lauren Freeland, Liz DeTour and Erin Markey
“Erin Markey’s been on varsity
Others to watch: Sarah Mannelly, Olivia Hompe, Bea Eppler,
since her freshman year and she’s a
huge part of our attack and Liz is also Abby Lee, Julia Tuttle, Hannah Femia and Elizabeth O’Sullivan
a big part of the offense,” Wood said.
“Erin and Liz are a great combo and
The Big Games
they’re really stepping up as leaders April 13 vs. Darien at Dunning Field - New Canaan lost its early-
in the offensive end.” season meeting with the Darien Blue Wave last spring and never
To get a sense of how much poten- saw their rivals again. Darien will be looking to regain the FCIAC
tial the New Canaan offense has, and State titles it won two years ago, while the Rams will look to
look no further than the end of last
keep the wave from the winner’s circle again; April 16 at Yorktown,
season, when the underclassmen N.Y.; April 21 at Glastonbury; May 3 at Greenwich; May 7 at Fox
began to shine.
In the State championship game,
Lane, N.Y.; May 13 vs. Wilton at Dunning Field.
nine of the Rams’ 10 goals were
scored by underclassmen, including
a hat trick from DeTour and a game-
we’re going to see a huge improve- a smart kid,” Wood said. “At the
best four goals from junior Sarah
ment from her both offensively and Wilton playday we only had three
Mannelly.
defensively.” practices before that and we were
Mannelly earned an All-FCIACThe offense will also feature soph- playing some of the top teams in the
First Team nod last year and returns
omores Olivia Hompe at midfield country, so our underclassmen were
as a huge weapon in the midfield.
and Bea Eppler on attack. Both girls a little overwhelmed. Julia did a
“She’s going to get more and more
are varsity veterans who are coming good job of getting them going in the
confidence as the year goes along,”
off a stellar season with the FCIAC right direction.”
Wood said of the junior. “By the
and State champion girls ice hockey Also in the defensive mix are
end of last year, she was full steam
team. sophomores Wheatley Raabe, who
ahead. This year, she’s a year more
“They’re coming along,” Wood will start, and Brianna McEwan.
confident and she put in a lot of
said. “They’ll definitely have a Adding depth are two more sopho-
time during the offseason. So I think
breakout year. I think last year they mores, Kelly Armstrong and Abigail
were still learning how to play at the Sawabini.
next level, but now, I think they’ll In between the pipes at goalie,
have an even bigger impact.” sophomore Elizabeth O’Sullivan
Joining Freeland and Mannelly at steps into the starting role, replacing
midfield will be senior Abby Lee, Charlotte Spitzfaden. O’Sullivan is
who will step into a starting role this looking like the real deal thus far.
spring. “I’ve never met a kid who’s more
“She’s been stepping up as a leader confident in what she does and it’s
even though she’s not a captain,” a good confidence — It’s not like
Wood said of Lee. “It’s huge to her she’s arrogant,” Wood said. “She’s
have her as another confident senior practiced a lot and really put a lot of
out there.” time and effort into it and it shows in
The Rams received a boost at practice. She’s really done a fabulous
midfield with the addition of senior job so far.”
Jana Persky, a two-sport captain who The Rams have plenty of tal-
helped lead the girls ice hockey team ent coming off the bench as well,
this season. with sophomore Madzie Carroll
Persky has been recovering from and juniors Devon Calhoun and
an injury during the preseason, but Annie Horstmeyer at midfield, and
Wood said she’s looking forward to juniors Caroline Lizzio and Kristine
having the senior on the field this Ryan and sophomore Lily Citrin on
spring. attack.
“She’s a spectacular athlete and a New Canaan will have an early
great leader,” the coach said. “She’s test when they face rival Darien at
a perfect addition to our senior class. Dunning Field next Wednesday, April
I think she’ll make just as much of 13. The Rams also have Yorktown,
an impact as anyone else out there, Newtown, Loomis Chaffee, Fox Lane
we’ve just got to get her healthy and Glastonbury, the team they beat
first.” in the State semifinals last spring,
On defense, the Rams were nearly on a very difficult out-of-conference
wiped clean by graduation, as juniors schedule.
Julia Tuttle and Hannah Femia are “I think we’re going to start off
the only two returnees. Femia will strong but our goal is to play consis-
tently and that’s one of the things we
lacked for a little while last season,”
leader on the defense. Wood said. “But it should definitely
“Julia Tuttle is a real mature and be another exciting season.”