Six RHAM High School student athletes were honored in early December for their performances this fall. Top row from left: Anna Lavenburg, Erik Buden, and Ally Deckman; bottom row: Gianni Wursthorn, Alana Calhoun, and Luke Auteri were the half dozen Student Athletes of the Week that were recognized.
The athletic department at RHAM High School named six Athletes of the Week for the fall season. The department said that supply chair issues interrupted the arrival of new #RollRaptors sweatshirts –– given to the school’s Athletes of the Week –– and once the shirts arrived they recognized a half-dozen athletes from this past season. Student-Athletes that are chosen for the award are selected for not only performance achievements, but also feats of leadership, consistent effort, citizenship, and academics. The athletes and the details of their accomplishments are detailed by the athletic department below: Anna Lavenburg - Lavenburg recently wrapped up her senior season as a four-year member of the girls’ soccer program. Lavenburg consistently modeled to her teammates and coaches how to stick with something and battle adversity. During a late season conference tilt at league rival South Windsor, Lavenburg got her highlight reel moment by heading the ball in the back of the net off of a corner kick rebound. The late goal allowed the Raptors to escape Bobcat territory with a 1-1 tie, setting up the opportunity to lessen their rival's chances of making the postseason when they defeated South Windsor 2-1 at RHAM High School just five days later. Lavenburg has one of the top academic resumes at the school and she is a great role model for all student-athletes to look up to. Erik Buden - Buden was a senior goalie for the boys’ soccer program, protecting the net as a vocal, emotional, and defensive leader for the Raptors over the last two years. Buden’s play in goal has earned him respect as one of the best goalies in the state, leading RHAM to the state playoffs each of the last two seasons. In this year’s state tourney, he stood on his head in a second round match-up at heavily-favorite and No. 2 seed Xavier where he blanked the Falcons through regulation and overtime. Buden epitomizes the term “Student-Athlete” as a truly hard worker on the field and in his school community. Ally Deckman - Deckman is known as the CEO –– Chief Energy Officer. Deckman brought the spirit and waved the flag all season long, leading the support for all of the teams this fall. By playoff time, the referees knew who she was and made up their own rules about her and the school’s student-section. Deckman will now take that energy to the court where she is a senior guard on the basketball team. Gianni Wursthorn – Wursthorn shined as a freshman cross-country runner, competing for the Raptors for the first time this fall. Wursthorn embodies the effort, discipline, and dedication to personal improvement it takes to be a distance runner. He consistently improved his times throughout the season to continue to set new bars for him individually and help his teammates in races, culminating in a season-best personal performance at the Central Connecticut Conference (CCC) Freshman Championships race at Hall High School in October. As a first-year high school student, he's already established himself as one of our many Scholar-Athletes. Alana Calhoun - Calhoun was a junior on the girls’ volleyball team that recent won a second straight state championship. Calhoun is a walking definition of resilience. After some early season adversity, Calhoun remained a great teammate and kept working hard to help the program win another title. She made a huge splash in the state semifinals against top-seed Seymour when she provided the Raptors a spark off the bench. Calhoun had her best performance to date, posting career-highs in all relevant categories and helping to propel her team to the state finals. Luke Auteri - Every good team needs an unexpected player to step up in big moments during the season and that's exactly what Auteri did for the Raptors football squad late in a game on Oct 7. Playing the road at Plainville, it looked like the Blue Devils were taking a kickoff return to the house –– which would have given them the lead with under two minutes to play –– but Auteri shed his blocker at the last minute and was able to pull down the ball carrier for a game-saving tackle in the opposing red zone. RHAM’s defense held up and won the game, which ultimately was a key moment in the Raptors’ playoff push. Auteri’s continued hard work and commitment as a sophomore allowed him to become a regular in the defensive secondary for the Raptors at the end of the season. His hard work carried over to the class room this fall as he was 1 of 22 RHAM football players that earned All-Academic Honors.
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From the left; Isabella Falkowski, Riley Anderson, Avery Anderson, and Sophia Falkowski earned All-State after their performance at the Class S championship in November. The four are pictured at the Connecticut High School Coaches Association (CHSCA) Swimming & Diving All-State banquet on Dec. 6 at The Aqua Turf in Plainville.
Despite having only four swimmers, the girls’ swimming team at Bacon Academy High School had a top-ten finish at the Class S championships, placing ninth overall at the state competition on Nov. 15. Freshman Riley Anderson led the charge, winning a pair of events at the state meet. She was later named the Class S Swimmer of the Year. The first-year high school swimmer broke the class record in the 50 yard freestyle, finishing first with a time of 23.20 and shattering the previous mark of 23.74 held by Weston’s Charlotte Proceller since 2015. She also won the 100 butterfly with a time of 56.41. Anderson also teamed with senior Sophia Falkowski and sophomores Avery Anderson and Isabella Falkowski for a second place finish in the 200 freestyle relay. The foursome also placed third in the 400 freestyle relay. Avery Anderson also placed fifth overall individually in the 200 freestyle at the class meet. The performances by the four at the state competition earned them All-State recognition. Riley Anderson’s phenomenal freshman year in the pool ended with a State Open championship triumph in the 50 freestyle, besting her previous mark by swimming a 23.07 to cement the first-place finish ahead of runner-up Riley Kudlac, a senior from Glastonbury who will be swimming collegiately at George Washington University next year. Less than three month after ALC surgery, Rocky Hill senior Alex Peruta was able to suit up one last time with his teammates for the season finale against Cromwell/Portland on Nov. 23. Peruta was not cleared for contact football, but being in uniform was one step closer to playing again.
Rocky Hill High School senior Alex Peruta tackles challenges the same way he tackles opponents on the football field. Peruta, who was an all-conference linebacker last fall, was set to take the next step before a knee injury ended his senior season in early September. During a scrimmage against Avon, Peruta first felt his right knee buckle and then in the team’s season opener against Hartford Public his knee gave out early in the game. It turned out that Peruta had a complete tear of his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee, stopping his senior season before it really got going. Most seniors would be devastated by an injury that ended their high school career, yet Peruta approached the injury the same way he approaches life— with passion and positivity. “My first thought was that we have to get the guys together,” recalled Peruta, who said his teammates gathered on the sidelines to pray with him following his injury. “With me being one of the leaders it took a toll on the team, but I wanted to make sure that everybody knew that this season could still be something great. It gave another great athlete a chance to shine.” Head coach Rich Dance has been amazed by Peruta's upbeat attitude, before and after the injury. “He is the most positive kid that I’ve coached in the 15 years doing this,” added Dance. “When he got the diagnosis, I felt terrible and my heart broke for him, but he never wavered. He stayed positive.” It was Peruta’s third knee surgery, also having his left knee reconstructed twice. The second time he had his left knee repair was in March and he worked tirelessly to get back in time for training camp this fall. “Part of him had to be disappointed, but the positive spin that he put on it was unbelievable,” Dance said of his latest injury. “It’s a credit to him and the type of kid that he is.” The latest setback may have ended his high school career, but Peruta’s days on the gridiron are certainly not over. Following surgery on Oct. 18, Peruta started the grueling rehab process and focused on helping the team in whatever ways he could. He was hands-on during practice and would help with strategy before and after the game. Being a senior captain, he continued to give pre-game speeches. “I would preach to the team [not to let] this opportunity go to waste because it is not something that is given to every person,” said Peruta, ”Even though I wasn't on the field, I wanted to be there for my teammates.” Peruta, who was born and raised in Rocky Hill, first started playing football a dozen years ago in the local youth leagues where he would develop into a feared linebacker in high school. As a freshman, the team was entering a new era under Dance and the team finished 2-8. Then his sophomore season was lost because of the Covid-19 cancellation. Peruta approached the uncertainty of his first two high school seasons the same way he approaches everything. “When you’re down on yourself, you are digging your own grave. So I wanted to see if we stayed positive about things if we could flip things around,” recalled Peruta. “I try to keep that same philosophy about myself. If I just stay positive about things I will see opportunities instead of seeing roadblocks in my life.” The arrow started to point upwards for Peruta his junior season when he led the team in tackles with 72 as helped captain the team to a 5-5 record. During his time at RHHS Peruta played both sides of the ball for the Terriers, but he called himself “a linebacker at heart.” This fall, Peruta was joined by fellow seniors Frankie Guerrera and M.J. Torres in the captain’s chair. Despite the loss of Peruta and several other injuries to key players, the Terriers finished with a record of 7-3, just missing out on the Class SS playoffs. In the season finale against Cromwell/Portland, Peruta asked Dance if he could be in uniform for the game. “It was really cool to suit up. It felt like I was more involved with the game,” recalled Peruta, who was still not cleared to play but was able to suit up with his teammates one more time. Peruta added that he gained a new perspective of the game of football while not being able to play. “I never knew I had this much drive for football. You really never know you love something until it’s gone and I never knew I loved football this much until you don’t get to play in front of your friends and family,” said Peruta. “It definitely made me appreciate the game in a whole different way. It changed the way I looked at football because instead of just being a game it became an opportunity.” Beyond the X’s and O’s, Peruta added that football is cathartic for him. “It’s a way to express your feelings. A lot of people, especially men, try and bottle up those feelings, but football gives you the opportunity to express yourself and be the person you really want to be and express those emotions,” started Peruta. Now that his senior season is over, Peruta has continued his diligent rehab and has started weighing his options for college football. He recently received his first offer to play collegiately. Dance believes that he has all the tools that are needed for the next level, saying Peruta’s motor, dedication, toughness, and football IQ make him “the total package.” “If we had 11 Alex Perutas on the field we would go undefeated,” added Dance, “In football and in life, he is destined for great things.” Cromwell High School senior Mary Kate Sullivan will soon be jetting off to The Hoosier State to get an early jump on the next phase of her soccer journey.
Later this month, Sullivan will be graduating early from CHS and will begin attending Indiana University as a mid-year student in early January as she continues her academic and athletic career. Sullivan called her decision to attend the university in Bloomington “a gut feeling.” “I knew it was the place for me. I met the coaches and the players on the team and the campus itself I loved,” added Sullivan. “Everything fit into place. I knew it was where I wanted to be.” Playing Division I soccer at a Power Five Conferences is the payoff for Sullivan’s dedication to a sport that has been a major part of her life for nearly 15 years. At three years old, Sullivan first started playing soccer at a camp in Newington before participating in various youth programs in both Cromwell and Middletown. In the eighth grade she joined the development academy at Oakwood Soccer Club, where she would spend the next five years. Sullivan also tried her hand at basketball and cross-country before ultimately deciding that soccer was her chosen path. “It ended up that soccer was what I loved and continue to love,” said Sullivan, who added that she was encouraged by her parents to try a variety of sports growing up. “I wasn’t focused on playing [soccer] in college. I focused on having fun and doing the fundamental things right. The bigger stuff will always come. That’s how I think.” Her time at Oakwood, a highly-competitive club based out of Glastonbury, helped both her development as a player and person. This summer, she was a captain on Oakwood’s U17 team that made history by capturing a National Championship in the Girls Academy League. Oakwood coach Chris Mogavero was impressed with Sullivan’s versatility and ability to play just as hard from the first whistle to the final one, adding, “She’s got a great engine; she goes as hard as she can all the time.” “Mary Kate does a lot of the dirty work defensively as a forward as far as tackling and winning the ball and pressuring opponents.” added Mogavero. “She was a great captain and a great leader.” Sullivan said Oakwood fueled her passion for soccer and her desire to travel, recalling the joy of her initial trips to the West Coast with the club in eighth grade. At her next destination she’ll get even more chances to travel, joining a Hoosiers team that plays in the Big Ten Conference and plays all over the country. For someone that comes from a small town, the opportunity to expand her horizon is one of the things that Sullivan looks forward to the most. “It will definitely be a transition but I have always been very independent,” said Sullivan, who was part of National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and World Language Club at CHS. “I’m excited to take on that challenge and try something new. I want to see all these other places, see other college campuses, and meet new people.” Sullivan said it will be bittersweet to leave the confines of Cromwell where she has gone to school with the same kids since they were toddlers, adding, “I’m really going to miss all the relationships that I have made at Cromwell.” The one constant that will follow her to Indiana will be soccer, and Sullivan is grateful for that. “I honestly don’t know what I would be without soccer. It has brought me so many friendships and the relationships I have from soccer are lifelong,” added Sullivan. “It has shaped me to be who I am today and I am so lucky that I get to continue playing.” Junior Ben Jean will help charge the Guardians’ offense on the ice this winter. GHS ice hockey is entering year 27 under longtime head coach Ken Barse.
Boys Basketball Veteran head coach Jim Vaughan returns for his 23rd season on the bench, guiding a team that is looking to bounce back after a four-win season. Despite the struggles in the regular season, the Guardians nearly upset Manchester in the first round of the state tournament and have plenty of experience coming back this winter. Senior Adam Molusis and Jordyn Sams, along with junior Connor O’Leary will captain a roster that has four starters returning from a season ago. Molusis is entering his third year as a starter and O’Leary will give the team a big boost after missing last season with an injury. Vaughan called O’Leary “as talented a wing player as anyone in the area.” “We have high expectations for the year,” added Vaughn. “We should be a much faster paced team than last year and have multiple guys who can make plays “ Seniors Owen Peterson and Gage Haines, along with junior Drew Burns and sophomore David Smith, who scored 22 points as a freshman in the tourney game against Manchester, will also be major factors this season Vaughan stated that a healthy, deep rotation will be the key this season, adding, “We want to develop our depth and be able to guard man-to-man all over the court.” The Guardians open the season at home this Friday, Dec. 16 when they welcome Hall to GHS. Tip is 6:45 p.m. Girls Basketball After losing only two seniors to graduation, head coach Chris Vozzolo has a slew of talent returning from a team that won 12 regular season games and a tournament game last winter. Alyssa Healy, Lola Awofola, Gisel Astiasaran, Julen Astiasaran, and Justine Ross are the team’s five seniors and all return with varsity experience. Sophomore Madison Handrahan is back to run the offense after leading the team in scoring as a freshman. "This year's team comes back with great balance at all positions,” stated Vozzolo. “[We have] depth at each position and will look for different players to step up in several areas. As always, the team's success will depend on being a defensively strong team." The Guardians start with a pair of road games –– at Conard (12/16) and East Hartford (12/19) –– before debuting at home against Trumbull on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 6:45 p.m. Gymnastics First-year head coach Dana Jackson takes over a program that placed 4th at the Class L championships last winter. Junior Macey Burns returns following an all-conference season a year ago and will be joined by senior Brianna Miclette and the sophomore duo of Anna Edwards and Sydney Salazar as the gymnasts to watch this winter. Jackson, who was a collegiate gymnast, said she looks forward to her first season at GHS as she guides the team with assistant coach Taylor Savage. “We’re excited to put together a competitive team this season,” added Jackson. “With the help of some key returners and freshmen, we think we can have a lot of success come competition time.” The team’s home meets are held at Gymnastics Express Too (284 Eastern Blvd.). The Guardians host in their home opener on Friday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. Boys Indoor Track & Field Following a top-ten finish at the Class LL meet last winter, head coach Mark Alexander has a deep group of runners returning that will lead the way this winter. Senior Harrison Krause is coming off an All-State cross-country season and will cover long distances, while all-conference standout Dominic Pena will specialize in mid-distances. Joining the two gifted runners will be Jackson Boyd, Cameron Colletti, Ben Yalof, Kalym Richards, Jonathan Wihbey, Aiden Katzman, and Jace Lewis, who are all returning following state qualifying times last winter. Alexander added that the incoming freshmen class and the retuning sophomore class is robust in size and loaded with potential “Relays are usually a Glastonbury strength [and] this year will be no different,” stated Alexander, who added that the team should also be strong in many individual events as well. The Guardians first home meet this season is Thursday, Jan 5 at 4 p.m. Girls Indoor Track & Field The girls track & field program at GHS has set a standard of excellence, winning the State Open and Class LL championship in 2020 and repeating at Class LL champs a year ago. With an abundance of top athletes coming back, the Guardians shoot for a “three-peat” performance at the class meet this year and aim to recapture the State Open. “We have a very good group of returning athletes and potentially some good new athletes for the winter season,” stated head coach Brian Collins, who guided the cross-country team to a State Open victory this fall. Many of Collins cross-country champion runner also run during the indoor track season, giving the Guardians a well-rounded group across the board. State champion Brooke Strauss (distance) leads the vast group of runners that includes Avery Olschefskie (sprints), Celina Rodrigues (sprints), Alissa Thompson-Webb (sprints), Alex Edwards (mid), Annika Paluska (mid), Jackie Caron (mid), Mikayla Nedder (mid), Maya Drelichowski (mid), Jackie Dudus (distance), Lila Garbett (distance), Ava Gattinella (distance), Kelley MacElhiney (distance), Jocelyn Wolf (distance), Haley Evans (distance), and Lucy Bergin (distance). In the field, 2021 standouts Sarah Christina (jumps) and Anna Morris (throws) head a group that also includes jumpers Cici Ryan, Anna Hilary, Maija Adams, Jenna Fradin, Allie Lips and Mackenzie Rinaldo. “We’re very fortunate to have many good leaders on the team to help the new and inexperienced girls learn from,” stated Collins. “Hopefully we’ll get better each day and each meet, but it starts each day at practice.” Collins stated the team’s goals are to defend both the conference and class meets. “With the many good returners back this season, we should be able to cover most of the events in the different areas and be a complete team,” added Collins. “We have more strengths than weaknesses so it’s a great start. Hopefully some of the new girls will be a great mix with the returning girls. Potentially it could make us an even deeper team. With the hard work, determination and dedication of these athletes, they have a great opportunity to have an outstanding season. As always, one of the big keys is to stay healthy.” The Guardians first home meet this season is Thursday, Jan 5 at 4 p.m. Boys Ice Hockey Entering year 27 leading the program, head coach Ken Barse said he is really excited about this year’s team. Barse has several key pieces returning that gained valuable experience during the team’s five-win campaign last winter. Juniors Michael Rodriguez and Ben Jean will be back to lead the offense, while senior Drew Hazard and junior Sean Huempfner will lead the defensive charge. Sophomore goalie Patrick Sullivan will be back protecting the net after what Barse called a “great freshman season” where Sullivan started every game. Ben Howey is a senior and new additional who decided to leave his junior program to come play for GHS. Barse said Howley is a nice complement to the first line, adding he is “very skilled and can find the net.” Barse added that sophomore Jack Christina and freshman Liam Resto should make big impact on the ice this winter. The team also has championship pedigree as Rodriguez, Huempfner, and Howey all played together this fall for the Central Ct. Capitals U18 Midget team that won the state championship and will play in the National Tournament in April. “I’ve been impressed with the overall work ethic and speed that this team brings each day to practice,” started Barse. “This group has also been very dedicated to their off-season workouts, which should pay off this long winter season. It is still early but we have a lot of potential this year.” GHS plays their home games at the Koeppel Community Center Sports Center with a home conference game slated with Wethersfield on Friday, Dec. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Girls Ice Hockey The Storm, a co-op that includes players from Glastonbury, advanced to the state semifinals last winter before losing to the eventual state champs from New Canaan, who finished the season undefeated. Head coach Frank Usseglio returns three lines of forwards, five defenders and an experienced goaltender from a season ago. He also has consecutive years of strong incoming underclasses, and he said he expects the team to be very deep in talent again. The challenge will be to replace departed all-state players Megan Croyle (forward) and Mary McKiernan (defender), who combined to net 39 goals as seniors last winter. Junior forward Lexi Pacheco (18 points in her sophomore season) headlines the returning forwards. Senior captains Norah McCauliffe and Bella Pacheco will lead a stout defense in front of goalie Kelsey Kowal. Kowal, also a senior captain, posted a 1.46 goals against average and a .938 save percentage in 10 starts as a junior. In the team’s season opener on Dec. 7, the Storm scored three goals in the opening period and defeated Mercy/NWC 6-1. A pair of sophomore shined in the opener as forward Lili Ficaro scored two goals and defender Kate McKiernan dished out two assists. Maya Fisher, Mallory Pierz, Charlie Laramee, and Maddie Archambault also scored goals. Kowal made 11 saves. The Storm play their home games at the Newington Ice Arena and next host Suffield on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 4:05 p.m. Boys Swimming & Diving The Guardians are coming off another banner year in which they finished with a record of 13-1 in dual meets, finished undefeated (6-0) in conference to win the Central Connecticut Conference (CCC)-East, and took 1st place in the CCC Championships. They also placed 4th at the Class LL championships and 13th place at the State Open. The team only graduated two athletes –– swimmer Brian Pawlowski and diver Jay Shah ––– that competed in the State Open. Key returning athletes that made it to the State Open last year are Campbell McFall, Sander Silverman, John Redfern, Lames Liao and Jack Watson. Other key contributors this season are diver Max McCurdy, Alex Wong, Ethan Hipsky, Leo Wong, Caleb Leon, Niall Easton and Nick Roberts. The Guardians first home meet is Thursday, Jan. 5 against Hamden at 4 p.m. Wrestling Head coach Jacob Jones has a balanced team returning to the mat this winter. Andrew De La Rosa and Ryan Ouellette each had top-five finishes at the Class LL meet a year ago will lead a group that includes standouts Nathaniel Post, Andi Jano, Nazir Johnson, Michael Norman, and Chris Ouellette. “We are looking forward to having a larger team this year, which will allow us to fill more weight classes,” said Jones. “Last year, we were giving up lots of forfeits which made winning team matches extremely difficult. This year we will have a much better chance at success.” The Guardians have five home meets slated this winter, and additionally Glastonbury High School will host the Central Connecticut Conference Tournament on February 3rd and February 4th. Ski Racing Head coach Tom Zelek graduated a handful of top skiers a year ago, but says the returning group is brimming with talent. Seniors Lauren Carlino and Kelsey Kirshen will captain the girls’ team that also includes juniors Eva Gilberto, Sydney Waltz and Lucca Cotthaus, and sophomore Ainsley Latz. Nathan Zimbelman and Tim Kohlun will captain the boys’ squad that will also feature sophomore studs Alex Bulger and Ryan Sarni. Zelek added that there are other experienced skiers that will add to the success on the slopes. “We are also fortunate enough to have a number of first time racers this year that look like they will be having a strong positive impact on our teams,” stated Zelek. Alyssa Healy is one of five GHS girls’ basketball seniors that all return with varsity experience from a season ago. The Guardians are aiming to follow up on last season success when they won 13 games, including a game in the Class LL tourney. RHAM volleyball after winning a state championship at East Haven High School on Nov. 19. It was the program’s second straight title and ninth championship since 2007.
For a second straight season, the girls’ volleyball team at RHAM High School won a state championship. The Raptors tore through the Class M tournament, defeating four teams in straight sets, before capturing yet another championship with a victory over Woodland at East Haven High School on Nov. 19. Senior captains Ally Hadley, Lauren Feige, and Sarah West led a veteran team that was coming off a Class L title the previous season. “We had the same mentality. We wanted that feeling of winning states again because it was such a great feeling for us,” Hadley said of the team’s mindset heading into fall. Once the matches started, it was business as usual for the Raptors, who won 17 matches in the regular season and added three more wins in the Central Connecticut Conference (CCC) tourney. Feige, the team’s setter, said the experience the group gained a year ago paid dividends this fall, allowing the team to hit the ground running in their quest to repeat. “A lot of us had been practicing throughout the summer and last year we played together,” added Feige, who served up a team-high 501 assists this fall. “We already had our lineup for this year, so it was perfect for us because we had already been so comfortable with each other.” West said it was the comradery of the team—combined with the help of some special accessories—-that made the team unstoppable. “I have to play with the same hair tie every single game. I ended up losing it halfway through the season, but then I found it so I used both of them,” joked West, whose magic hair ties allowed her to lead the team with 70 blocks this fall. Whether it was superstition or super talent, the Raptors were simply dominant in the state tourney. After eliminating Wolcott, Northwestern, and Seymour in the first three rounds, RHAM breezed by Woodland in the title match (25-13, 25-20, 20-21). It marked the program’s ninth title since 2007. All of the captains credited head coach Tim Guernsey for creating an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. “He pushes us every day. He just wants the best for us and he knows if we are slacking off and he’ll push those buttons to get us to give our all,” Hadley said of Guernsey, who picked up his 400th career win following a victory over South Windsor on Oct. 3. West added, “It’s about the legacy. Every girl buys into it completely and nobody wants to be the team that stops winning.” The prolonged success can also be attributed to the dedication of the player. Most mornings the team is practicing at 5 a.m. The captains said the early hours can be rough, but added that the proof is in the pudding. “Every morning we’re tired going in, but we’re doing it with the people that we loved,” said Feige. “The whole team is a family. It’s so nice winning it with them.” So which championship is better? Well, according to the captains, both. “It’s just a different feeling,” said West, who added that the first one was about the team proving themselves and the second one was more about leaving a legacy at RHAM. Hadley, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and will play volleyball collegiately at Maine Maritime Academy, said it’s sad to be moving on from a program that has meant so much to her. “I’ll miss it; it’s a great environment,” stated Hadley, who led the team with 59 aces. Feige added, “It’s what I’ve known during these months every single year. It’s a melancholy feeling because you want to keep doing it.” The three captains, along with fellow seniors Summer Acabchuk and Caelyn Calhoun will be moving on. Heading a potential “three-peat” charge next year will be Lani Fecho, who led the team in kills as a junior this fall, along with Nina Jobes, Neve Tyler, and Ali Polchanin. East Hampton girls’ volleyball celebrates after winning the program’s first championship on Nov. 19.
East Hampton volleyball won the program’s first state title, defeating Hale Ray at East Haven High School to win the Class S state championship on Nov. 19. The championship triumph ended a historic season for the Bellringers, who won their final 18 matches of the season, capturing both a conference and state title along the way. “This was the perfect team to have this run with,” head coach Molly Grabowski said. “Any title win is big because you really have to prove yourself over and over throughout the season. These girls really proved to themselves that they were good enough and that they deserved it.” With most of her lineup returning from a season ago, Grabowski knew she would have a championship contender this fall. Yet the team started with two losses in the first six games, including a home loss to Hale Ray on Sept. 14. “In their minds they didn’t know how strong they were,” Grabowski said of the player’s performance in the early stages of the season. “Ultimately I think they learned and felt more confident, and it was a healthy confidence.” Grabowski added that the pair September losses, especially the one to Hale Ray, were beneficial once the postseason rolled around. She said that the team admitted to her that they looked past their Shoreline Conference (SLC) rivals in the first meeting. “It happened early in the season, so I’m glad we learned that early. We talked about it and they felt a little overconfident,” recalled Grabowski. “We were never overconfident again.” Following a five-set loss to Haddam-Killingworth on Sept. 23, the Bellringers never again experienced the feeling of defeat the rest of the season. They also got the ultimate revenge, beating Hale Ray in straight sets in a regular season match on Oct. 10 and then eliminating the Moodus-based Noises in four sets for the Shoreline Conference championship on Nov. 4 In the fourth meeting, with all the marbles on the line in the state championship match, Hale Ray jumped out to a two set lead before East Hampton rallied to win the final three sets and bring the trophy back to Belltown. Grabowski, who just wrapped up her fifth season on the sidelines, said there “aren’t any more secrets” when you’re playing a team for the fourth time in a season and credited Hale Ray for being a worthy opponent. After dropping the first two sets (19-25, 23-25), the Bellringers responded by silencing the Noises (25-16, 25-14, 15-8) over the final three sets. “I think [the players] were overall nervous. In those first two sets they dropped, they were not playing like themselves,” recalled Grabowski. “They didn’t want to make any mistakes in this big game, but they never stopped fighting, they never had a bad attitude about it, and they never thought that they couldn’t. They knew they could. We just needed to get it together and they needed the time to get used to the feeling on that stage.” Senior captain Jordan Murphy was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. She led the team with 262 kills this season, including 60 over the four state tourney games. It was her most productive four-game stretch of the season. Grabowski said that Murphy took her game to another level during the tourney run. “Jordan has always been a strong player and this season she has gradually gotten better and better as each game progressed,” added Grabowski. “In that title game we needed her to step up and she did step up. We needed that leadership, and someone to say ‘give that ball to me’.” Jordan’s twin sister Jenna Murphy also starred this season. She racked up a team-high 96 blocks, rejecting eight in the championship triumph. “Jenna is a brick wall; you can't get past her,” said Grabowski. “She is on a mission when she is up there blocking. She was such a huge part of our success.” The Murphy sisters captained the team with Reagan Burt, who Grabowski called the “voice of the team.” “[Regan] was always ready to go and led by example,” added Grabowski. “We were very fortunate that we had all three of our seniors.” During the team’s 18-match winning streak, the Bellringers captured 54 or 63 sets, losing multiple sets only twice during the incredible stretch. Along with going to five sets with Hale Ray in the title game, they also had to overcome a 2-1 deficit in the semifinals against Griswold to win in five sets. Grabowski said the comeback against Griswold set the stage for the title game rally. “We didn’t have too many five set games to reflect on,” recalled Grabowski. “But endurance-wise they were really strong out there. Physically they were ready and mentally they were ready.” Other than losing her three senior captains, Grabowski will have the rest of the starting lineup return next fall. Amber Murphy, the younger sister of Jordan and Jenna, and setter Chelsea Woods are both coming off all-conference campaigns and will lead the Bellringers in their quest to repeat next fall. Cromwell/Portland’s football captains #5 Ryan Rozich, #18 Ben Fagan, #14 Alex Hair, and Cole Brisson (behind Rozich) walk out to the field for their final game at Pierson Park on Nov. 29.
In a game that featured one big play after another, the Cromwell/Portland football team rallied to beat Ledyard 43-34 in the first round of the Class SS playoffs at Pierson Park on Nov 29. Senior Alex Hair found the end zone three times to spark the offense, while the Panthers defense shook off 376 rushing yards from Ledyard to create a pair of turnovers and stopped Ledyard twice on downs in the final 15 minutes to steal a contest that featured four lead changes and six touchdowns of over 50 yards. Ledyard’s option offense gave the Panthers’ defense fits throughout the game, scoring on plays of 53, 51, 77, 69, and 65 yards. But the fireworks really didn’t start until the second half. At the break, the visiting Colonels held a 12-10 advantage in a game that looked like it had the makings of a low-scoring affair, “It took us a little while to find our legs in the first half,” Panthers head coach Randell Bennett said of his offense. “We were stalling out early.” Playing without the services of starting center A.J. Signorello, the Panthers played musical offensive linemen by shifting over starting guard Jack Williams to fill Signorello’s spot in the middle and starting sophomore Austun Visone at Williams’ vacated guard spot. “For stepping into a big playoff game, he did a great job,” Hair said of Visone. “Our whole line did a great job out there.” It took a while for the reformed line to find their footing, but once they did they paved the way for Hair to do what he does best. Hair scored on a pair of touchdown runs before catching a go-ahead 12 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. The wild second half started when Ledyard’s Jacob Lenz scored on a 77-yard run on the first play of the third quarter. Emeka Yearwood then provided a spark the Panthers desperately needed with a dazzling 74-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to swing the momentum. Yearwood said that his scoring return was the result of everybody doing their jobs, adding, “Everyone’s blocks lined up and everyone did their job, and all I had to do was run.” On the following drive, Ledyard responded with a 69-yard Jackson Poulton to Lenz scoring strike, taking a 26-17 advantage. The Colonels then blocked Allen Cohen’s field goal to kill the C/P’s next scoring opportunity with 3:55 left in the third quarter. Things looked bleak for the Panthers until senior Derek Wilson recovered a fumble of an option pitch, setting the stage for the Panthers comeback. Three plays later, Hair scored from two yards out, and on the following possession Ledyard turned the ball over on downs near midfield. Quarterback Cole Brisson then methodically engineered a nine-play drive, hitting Ryan Rozich and Yearwood with first down completions before connecting with Hair on a swing pass for a nine-yard touchdown, giving the Panthers their first lead since the second quarter. Despite being down multiple scores in the fourth quarter, Brisson said the team never panicked, adding, “We have experience with that and everyone on the team is starting to trust each other more.” Yearwood then recovered a fumble at the Ledyard 13-yard line. On the ensuing play, Brisson kept the ball on a read option and darted around the left end for a 13-yard touchdown run, putting the Panthers up 37-26 with 6:13 to play in regulation. Over the course of eight minutes, the Panthers had turned a multiple-score deficit into a multiple-score lead. “Coach gives us that belief that we can believe in ourselves and this team,” Yearwood said about overcoming deficits. Ledyard threw one final haymaker when Poulton sprinted 65 yards for a touchdown, but the Panthers’ punishing run game finished off the wild bout by going on a five-play to cement the playoff victory. Hair carried the first four times on the drive before speedster Daevyon Lovelace took the fifth carry 25 yards to the house on a jet sweep with 2:13 to play in regulation. Once the final whistle sounded, the Panthers had erupted for 33 points in the second half, a stark contrast to the 10 points they posted over the first two quarters. “We knew everything we wanted was there but we just didn’t execute in the first half,” stated Brisson. “I have a lot of confidence in my guys and we knew we just had to execute. They were giving us what we wanted, we just had to go out there and play our brand of football in the second half.” For Hair, who led the team in rushing a season ago and missed the first seven games this year with a fractured leg, the performance showed that he is still one of the state’s premiere running backs. Hair credited his teammates for welcoming him back into the lineup once he was fully healthy. “I know that everybody out there has my back,” added Hair. “It’s a brotherhood. We talked that this could be our last game and we needed to have each other’s backs.” When Hair’s injury first occurred in September, Hair was told by doctors that his final high school season on the gridiron was probably over. Bennett said that Hair did all the right things to come back, combining his incredible work ethic into taking care of his body through the rehab process. “He put in a lot of energy and effort. His heart wouldn’t let him be denied,” stated Bennett, who added Hair’s punishing running style gave the Panthers an added dimension on offense. “We can give him the ball at any time and he’ll get us something. He’s always falling forward. I wouldn’t want anyone else out there.” Brisson added that the return of Hair made an already physically-minded football team even more physical. “It’s what we want,” said Brisson. “When we can get in those situations and chew that clock and with Alex back we know he is going to take every hit and bounce off those hits. We knew we can ride him.” The win over Ledyard turned out to be the team’s final game at Pierson Park this season. Last Sunday, the Panthers quest for a second straight championship ended with a 40-35 loss to Joel Barlow in the Class SS semifinals at Rocky Hill High School. Brisson tossed three touchdowns, freshman Tyler Cipolla caught a touchdown and returned another for a score on a kickoff, and Hair added a rushing touchdown, yet Joel Barlow’s potent rushing attack was too much for the Panthers to overcome. The loss ended a phenomenal two-year run for the Panthers, who won 23 of 25 games over that time span. A year ago they finished 13-0, winning the Class S championship with a 21-6 win over Bloomfield. It marked the program’s first state title 2008 and first since Cromwell and Portland became a co-op in 2015. Despite losing a pair of Top-25 All-State players in Teddy Williams and Owen Brunk, the Panthers started the 2022 season by winning their first eight games. Prior to a loss to Rockville on Nov. 10, the program had won 22 straight games, a streak spanning 1,072 days. Brisson, Hair, Rozich, and Ben Fagan were the team’s captains this season and will be four of 14 seniors that will be departing. Yearwood, Williams, Lovelace, and Cipolla will head a talented group of returning players looking to build off back-to-back postseason appearances. Glastonbury High School senior Alayna Taylor will be living out her childhood dream for the next four years.
Starting next fall, Taylor will be playing Division I soccer for the University of Connecticut. “UConn was my number one pick and my dream school since I was younger,” said Taylor. “I knew it was the perfect place for me.” Taylor verbally committed to Connecticut’s largest college in September of last year and made her commitment official during the school’s National Letter of Intent Day signing on Nov. 10. GHS head coach Mark Landers said that Taylor’s competitive fire and position versatility will be a major asset at the next level. “She can play anywhere on the field,” added Landers, who also praised her leadership. “Her character, speed, athleticism, and that versatility will serve her well with an up and rising program at Storrs.” A four-year varsity player at GHS, Taylor has earned all-conference the past two seasons. She was a freshman in 2019 when Glastonbury won the Class LL championship, defeating Southington in the title bout. Taylor said the championship triumph was her most memorable moment at the school, yet it was her bond with her teammates that she will miss the most. “We were definitely like a family. Most of the seniors have played together since we were very young, so just playing together this final season was such an amazing experience,” said Taylor, who was one of dozen seniors that helped the Guardians reach the state semifinal round this fall. “We were all so close, on and off the field.” Her journey to Storrs began at five years old when her parents signed her up for youth soccer. Taylor said originally soccer was a way to have fun with friends, but quickly turned into a lifestyle. “I grew such a love for the sport as I got older,” said Taylor. “Soccer means so much to me; basically I couldn't live without it. It is such a huge passion and what I spend all my time with. It brings me the most joy.” Along with playing for the school, Taylor also played club soccer locally at CFC (Connecticut Football Club) and is finishing up her busy high school soccer career playing for FSA (Farmington Sports Arena) Premier League. When Taylor is not consumed with playing soccer, she looks for way to improve by going for a run or working out. At GHS, she also found time to participate in Advisory and Big Siblings Next fall, Taylor will join a Huskies team in Storrs led by head coach Margaret Rodriguez, who will be entering her sixth season on the sidelines. Taylor will also be reuniting with 2020-GHS graduate Chloe Landers, who was an all-state senior on the 2019 Glastonbury title team, and 2022-GHS graduate Sophia Haussmann. “I’m looking forward to playing with a large group of amazing players,” Taylor said of joining the Huskies. “I’m excited for another second family.” Taylor plans to study Exercise Science and eventually go into the Physical Therapy in an effort to stay around athletics. Glastonbury High School senior Jordyn Mik is a first generation volleyball player.
Mik, who will graduate next June, didn’t have any volleyball influences growing up and started playing on a whim with friends for a small club at Smith Middle School. Now that decision is paying off. “I’d like to verbally announce my commitment to Keene State volleyball,” Mik posted on social media in September. “This super long journey of playing this sport made me make so many new friends and travel all over to compete. I want to thank my family members, my coaches, and my friends for helping me get to where I am now.” Mik made her decision official in November, signing her Letter of Intent to continue her athletic and academic career at Keene State College in New Hampshire. “Keene State was my top choice,” said Mik, who was sold after meeting with the coaching staff and players. “I ended up really loving it.” Glastonbury volleyball coach Melissa Reynolds said that Mik’s presence around the net should allow her to succeed at the next level, adding, “Jordyn is one of the most athletic players that we have; she can jump out of the gym.” Prior to this year, Mik wasn’t sure she wanted to continue playing in college, but she soon realized how much the sport has become part of her life. Along with being a four year member of the high school team, she has also played club volleyball for Husky Volleyball Club in Windsor for the past five years. When she’s not playing regulation volleyball, she finds herself playing beach volleyball or in the yard. “It’s been a pretty huge part of my life. I basically fell in love with the sport,” added Mik. “I have created the greatest of friends and met the best of coaches in this journey.” She said this season has really deepened her passion for the sport, calling her senior year the best of yet. Mik, a middle hitter, was part of a powerful front line at GHS. This fall, she finished second on the team in blocks, posting 49 total rejections, including a career-high 11 in a match vs RHAM on Oct. 19. Reynold said that Mik was selected at with the Most Improved Player this fall. “Her athletic ability and her real desire to get better really stood out this year,” added Reynolds. “She gained the confidence she needed on the court. That confidence combined with her athletic ability made her a force at the net.” Mik was one of eight inseparable seniors that helped lead the Guardians to 15 wins. “I’ve been able to get closer with them and be friends with them outside of volleyball,” Mik said of the 2022 team. “We are all really tight and it was very fun,” In the little time that she does have away from volleyball, Mik unwinds by drawing, which she said helps her relax. For Mik, who grew up in Glastonbury her entire life, the relocation to New Hampshire is welcomed change, saying that the independence and distance from home is an ideal mixture. “I’m actually very excited,” added Mik. “I want to meet new people and expand and grow.” She’ll join an Owls’ team led by longtime coach Bob Weiner, who has been guiding the program for nearly two decades. Mik said the coaching staff was one of the main things that attracted her to the school. The Owls play in the Little East Conference, which also featured Easter Connecticut State University and Western Connecticut State University, so she’ll have some have opportunities to compete in Connecticut over the next four years. Mik plans on majoring in Marketing and Communication. |
AuthorSports Editor for the Rare Reminder, Glastonbury Citizen, and Rivereast News Bulletin Archives
April 2024
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