Darien High School Spring 2011

Sports Preview
Page 2D
Most lethal mix in six years
By Steven Buono
Times Sports Editor
In one national poll Darien
boys lacrosse is ranked pre-
season No. 3. In another itʼs
No. 4.
But at this point, all that
means to the Wave is that it
needs to live up to its billing.
“Obviously, weʼre comfort-
able with always being one of
the targeted teams,” said Wave
coach Jeff Brameier. “This
yearʼs no different.”
Whatʼs different this year
though, could be the legion
of super heroes type roster
that gives DHS depth equal to
anything its seen since going
undefeated in 2005.
“Weʼve got a strong nucleus
of players coming back and
highly recruited junior class
and senior class,” Brameier
said. “And it goes with the ter-
ritory. When you start doing
what weʼve been doing the last
six to 10 years, people stand
up and notice.”
What opponents will fast
notice is just how loaded DHS
is this spring. For most, it will
feel like going up against a
cast including a fantastic four
— six in fact — up front, Wave
silver surfers all around, Thor
tossing lightning bolts from
the face-off, Captain America
shielding the defense.
All to say, this team is
stacked.
Hereʼs how they stack up.
The only newcomer is
senior Dylan Torey who starts
in goal. Still, with the type of
support heʼll be given, expect
a unique rookie season from
him.
“Heʼs got big shoes to fill,
but heʼs a Division I com-
mit going to Quinnipiac next
year,” said Brameier. “And
heʼs worked real hard in the
off-season to put himself in
a position to step into those
shoes and do a great job.”
Torey has played on the elite
summer Charger team.
“Heʼs got good clearing, a
great stopper,” said Brameier.
“Itʼs just a matter of getting
confidence.”
Backing him up, freshman
Phil Huffard and senior Dylan
Hurd.
Defense?
“Itʼs as strong a six-man
defensive group as weʼve
had,” said Brameier.
All-American senior cap-
tain Eric Parnon — going to
Maryland next season — heads
up the defense.
“He is obviously one of the
dominant defensive players in
the country,” Brameier said.
“And we look forward to hav-
ing him for one more year.”
Christian Kolderup
(Villanova) is back as senior
starter, at close defense, with
junior Tony Britton (Cornell)
and captain all-state long
pole middie Baylis Treen
(Hamilton).
“His (Treen) sidekick, play-
ing long pole middie D and
also our fifth pole subbing for
all the other guys, is Justin
Shaw (Loyola) who started last
year,” Brameier said. “Then
we have two other very able
defensive long poles.”
They are juniors Corey
Eppley and Tommy Lyons.
“Those will be the main
guys in the heat of the battle,”
Give us a click: Blue Wave spring sports
can be found daily at DarienTimes.com/sports
THE DARIEN TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011
Boys Lacrosse
Spring 2011
Wave Preview
Brameier added.
All-stater and captain JP
Walsh (Lehigh) is at defensive
short stick and likely start-
ing beside him is sophomore
Brendan Hathaway and senior
Scotty Waters.
Face-offs: returning starter,
injured at times last season,
senior Brandon Coley (RPI).
Junior Clay Barker will be
in the mix on face-offs.
And the pair will play some
short stick D middie.
Darienʼs most artful dodg-
er, senior Graham Maybell
(Villanova) is back as stalking
stallion on offense.
And Darien returns one of its
strongest outside shooters in
junior Henry West (Cornell).
The third middie on the first
line is junior Bobby Weaver
(Princeton) who started on
defense last season.
The second mid-line is still
up for grabs, Brameier said,
but includes juniors Timmy
Murphy and Jon Magnuson,
sophomore Sean Foley and
Hathaway.
Other middies in the mix:
senior Darius Majd, junior
George Gregory.
Attack, and fantastic, at the
fore, all by himself, is junior
returning leading scorer,
Duke-bound Case Matheis.
“Heʼs had a great first two
years,” said Brameier of his
top scorer who had 55 goals,
94 points last year in 22 games.
“And weʼre just happy heʼs got
another two here with us.
“Case can not only score
for himself, but he can set the
table for others.”
West scored 34 goals and
finished with 54 points in 19
games in 2010.
MAY-HEM — Graham Maybell (left, No. 22) spins away from the Rams defense in 2010 postseason play.
And two seniors have bided (Darien Times/Steven Buono photo)
their time and are ready to step
into major starting roles.
“Richard Gregory (Union) Perfect means taking states, senior laden team in Wilton “We have a great rivalry with 1 p.m. Sat. 4/23
is going to take over the lefty and FCIACs. that, this is their year, in their Manhasset and with Yorktown Brien McMahon
attack spot, I donʼt think weʼre “The challenge doesnʼt ever opinion. And they certainly now. And those are as impor- DHS STADIUM FIELD
going to skip a beat with change,” said Brameier. “Just have a lot of firepower com- tant as our rival games with
Richard in there — he brings a prepare to battle for the FCIAC ing back. New Canaan and Greenwich 7 p.m. Wed. 4/27
lot of toughness and great fin- and state championships.” “And New Canaan is always and Wilton. St. Anthonys (N.Y.)
ishing ability,” Brameier said. Things get tough a lot ear- going to be a big game for us. “I think itʼs big for Conn. We
“And (senior) Ben Preston lier than that, as always. Then there are others that are want to go out and prove to the 3 p.m. Sat. 4/30
(Trinity) has probably got the “Along the way we have just getting better.” rest of the country that Conn. Niskayuna (N.Y.)
lead on righty attack.” probably one of the hardest One is St. Joseph, who can play top level lacrosse. DHS STADIUM FIELD
Others vying for sniper time schedules weʼve ever had,” Darien opened the season And weʼve been doing that.”
are Alex Brown (Colgate), Brameier said. “Thatʼs the against home on April 6. 7 p.m. Tue. 5/3
sophomore Kevin Seiler, challenge of every year, but “Itʼs just a real challeng- Unique slate of dates Fairfield Ludlowe
junior Jamie Kerr. this year is exclusively harder. ing schedule,” said Brameier. Taft Field
“Obviously, itʼs a very deep “Number one, the preseason “And thatʼs a good thing.” 4 p.m. Wed. 4/6
team,” said Brameier. “For ranking, that puts a big bulls- For Darien, going 19-3 last St. Joseph 4:30 Thu. 5/5
teams like it, youʼve got to eye on your chest. And No. 2 season, losing to the Cardinals DHS STADIUM FIELD Manhassett (N.Y.)
go to 2005, and that team had you have a phenomenal sched- in the FCIAC semis, the past DHS STADIUM FIELD
phenomenal offensive fire- ule, with the likes of Haveford, perfection of six years ago will 3 p.m. Sat. 4/9
power.” which is the No. 1 team in the not be a distraction. Greenwich 4 p.m. Sat. 5/7
Cooper MacDonnell, Kyle country.” “You know, if we donʼt go Away New Canaan
Hollingsworth and Whit Darien travels to Haveford, with an undefeated season, it Dunning Stadium
McCarthy fired the guns of Penn. on April 16 and plays wonʼt necessarily be the worst 4 p.m. Tue. 4/12
ʼ05. St. Anthonyʼs, No. 4 nation- thing,” Brameier said. “As Danbury 4 p.m. Tue. 5/10
“And Brandon Buchmayr wide, for the first time as a long as we can take care of DHS STADIUM FIELD Fairfield Warde
and Jack Ryan and Kevin program in Melville, N.Y. on business once we hit the play- Tetreau/Davis Field
Peters in midfield,” said April 27. offs.” 4:30 p.m. Thu. 4/14
Brameier. “So, you know, “And Manhasset (May 5) Playing the outside powers Wilton 4 p.m. Thu. 5/12
that was a pretty formidable is 15th in the country,” said of Long Island and Penn. has DHS STADIUM FIELD Westhill
offense.” Brameier. “And thatʼs not talk- taken on a life of its own, DHS STADIUM FIELD
Chris Madalon in goal sewed ing our own FCIACs.” almost becoming little cham- TBA Sat. 4/16
it up at the back, with Billy And what of the FCIACs, pionships along the way. HAVERFORD 1 p.m. Sat. 5/14
Haire leading the defense. where six-time state champ “We take pride in playing Away Norwalk
“I would say that team, of all DHS is looking to regain the a tough schedule, thatʼs why DHS STADIUM FIELD
the teams, probably set the bar crown? I go and play these outside 4:30 p.m. Wed. 4/20
pretty high,” said Brameier. “Youʼve got a very experi- teams,” Brameier said. “You Yorktown (N.Y.) 4:30 p.m. Wed. 5/18
“And every team is just kind enced team in Greenwich that win, you win — you lose, you DHS STADIUM FIELD Ridgefield
of chasing it. Because they won the FCIACs last year,” win. Just by playing that kind DHS STADIUM FIELD
(went) perfect.” Brameier said. “And a heavily of talent.
THE DARIEN TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 Page 3D

Wave boys lacrosse ace Case Matheis (right, No. 4) paced DHS cranking up 55 goals, 94 points last season. (Darien Times/Steven Buono photo)

Crane, Johnston and Smith will captain the Wave over the waves
By Steven Buono
Times Sports Editor
Ten returning seasoned
sailors lift the Wave over the
Sound this spring.
“The team is looking great
this year,” said DHS sailing
coach Britt Hall. “We have
10 returning sailors and eight
new to the team. All athletes
are experienced racers so there
is a lot of depth.”
Captains are Olivia Crane,
Bobby Johnston and Sarah
Smith.
“This is our third week of
practice and the team is look-
ing very solid,” said Hall, who
is assisted by Patricia McGarry.
“We are looking forward to
our first (races) on April 2
against Greenwich High
School, Staples High School
and a Stamford group.”
New hurdles await last
yearʼs champs.
“This yearʼs team has a few
challenges,” Hall said. “Six
team members from the very
successful 2010 team graduat-
ed. However, this yearʼs team
captains, have exhibited great
leadership to bring the team
up to the very high bar set in
2010.”
Sailing
Spring 2011
Wave Preview
Sailors include seniors Dave
Bigelow, Will Kerr, juniors
Mac Bartam , Nick Connery,
Sarah Graves, sophomores Ian
Crane, Julia Fuller.
New to the team, are 10th
graders Nick Cohen, Caroline
Feehan, Jack Fisher, Connor
Nackley, Ben Sickenger,
Marya von Schmidt, and
freshmen Jackie Haranzo and
Haley Okun.
“Our returning team mem-
bers Dave Bigelow, Will Kerr,
Mac Bartam, Nick Connery,
Sarah Graves, Ian Crane and
Julia Fuller are our strong
foundation for the makings of
a great team this year,” said
Hall. “All new members are a
pleasant surprise as they come
with a lot of racing experience
and a solid commitment to the
program.”
Schedule is online at
darienps.org/darienathletics/

Jumps and distance events to pace girls track to FCIAC Eastern heights
By Steven Buono
Times Sports Editor
The Blue Wave girls track
team is the favorite to take the
FCIAC East. And the Wave
may take it further than that
this spring too.
“The FCIAC Championship
team title is a strong possibil-
ity,” said Darien coach Steve
Norris. “Danbury has a slight
edge over us. We should go
undefeated until we meet
Danbury in the final tri-meet
of the season at Danbury. Both
teams will be keyed for that
date, May 16.”
Darien captains are seniors
Alex Iqbal, a sprinter/hurdler,
third in the FCIAC 300 hur-
dles, Charlotte Phillips, sprint-
er/jumper, fourth in CIAC
indoor Class L pole vault,
Lee Bolton, vaulter, second
indoor Class L, Megan Keane,
first in indoor Class L 1000
and Caroline Kapustynski, a
thrower.
Darien went 11-1 in 2010
in dual meets, was second at
the FCIAC meet, to Danbury,
third at Class L and seventh
at open.
Graduation losses include
distance runners Hannah Lyons
(competing at Hamilton), Kelly
Brophy, sprinters Meredith
Jordan, Meg Murphy, Sam
Simon (competing at Ohio
Wesleyan), jumpers Christie
Gasparino (competing at
Clemson), Mackenzie Jones,
Robin Bone (moved to
Canada), throwers Aimee Rich
(competing at Conn College),
Annarae Anderson.
Norris begins 103rd season
at Darien, distance coach is
David Ott, sprint coach Ella
Long, throwing coaches Ben
Bartol and Patty Leasure, vault
Glenn Crafford.
Key athletes also include
seniors Julia Boulton, distance
runner, Elizabeth Crafford,
indoor Class L championSarah
Dailey, high jumper, Amanda
Dobler, first team All-FCIAC
cross country, Katie Kirkman,
Girls Track
Spring 2011
Wave Preview
long/triple jumper; juniors
Lexi Ashburne, sprinter, Livy
Ashburne, sprinter, Catie
Bartone, distance runner,
Elizabeth Benitez, thrower,
Katie Close, sprinter, Emma
Davis, distance runner, Katie
Donovan 400/800, Claire
Gaffney, 400, Sherry Gilronan,
sprinter, Victoria Kominek:
javelin thrower, Natalie Metz
discus, shot, Alex Pear dis-
tance, Katie Southworth vault-
er, Niya Wright shot put, Leslie
Yuen distance; sophomores
Jenny Bealle distance, Sarah
Colon distance, Katie Farren
distance, Grace Loh distance,
Sophie Long sprinter, Eleanor
Smith jumper, Brittany Tiano
thrower, Caroline Weihs dis-
tance; freshmen Catherine
Lacy, Class L indoor jumping
champ.
Jumps are a main strength
as always.
“In Crafford, Bolton, and
Phillips, we have three of
the best five vaulters in the
FCIAC,” Norris said. “Lacy is
among the leagueʼs top three
in high jump and long jump.”
Distance running is also
where points will be found.
“Keane is indoor state cham-
pion at 1000m,” Norris said.
“Our 4 x 800 relay team
proved to be the second best
team in Conn. during the
indoor season.
“Individuals from that team
— Amanda Dobler, Katie
Donovan, Grace Loh — will
win races.”
At javelin, Victoria Kominek
hopes to improve on her 2010
FCIAC fourth place finish, in
shot put, Kominek and Niya
Wright were among the top
seven FCIAC throwers.
Darien is looking for more
short sprinters.
A BOLTON OUT OF THE BLUE — Julia Bolton is one of several leading vaulters for DHS.
Schedule is online at
darienps.org/darienathletics/
(Darien Times/Steven Buono photo)
Page 4D
DEMAIO DELIVERS — Jess DeMaio is back on the mound for DHS this spring. (Darien Times/Steven Buono photo)
Back in contention for Buch, four junior-led DHS
By Steven Buono
Times Sports Editor
Darien softballʼs motor has
been its underclassmen in
recent years. This seasonʼs the
same, but the experience is
beginning to grow.
“Weʼre getting a little older
now, the bulk of our starters
are juniors,” said Wave coach
Nick DeMaio. “And (senior)
Nicole (Buch) is captain, and
weʼve got four assistant cap-
tains who are juniors.”
Senior captain Nicole Buch (left) slides into third at states last spring. At right, catcher Olivia Gozdz peeks out from behind her mask. (Darien Times/Steven Buono photos)
It’s a refit for the boys court
By Steven Buono
Times Sports Editor
The Darien boys tennis team
returns with many a question
mark. Because after upsetting
Greenwich in the quarterfinals
last year, and going 10-6 in the
FCIAC, the Wave now finds
itself rebuilding, having lost
half its 2010 ediface.
“We graduated half of our
team”, said fourth year coach
Tom Stepkoski. “We are very
young this year but hope to
play our way into the season
Softball
Spring 2011
Wave Preview
They are pitcher Jessica
DeMaio, Courtney Bell, Kelly
Fahey and Olivia Gozdz.
“Weʼve got a number of
question marks still, because
weʼve got a few new people
who have come in,” DeMaio
said. “And we are trying to
shake out positions. Itʼs like
and of course try to make the
FCIAC playoffs and have a
good representation in states.”
Darien graduated six players
leaving as many open spots.
“We finally settled on our
team and I am very excited,”
said Stepkoski, with 12 on
the team. “We are very young
with sophomores and juniors.
The only seniors are our tri-
captains Miller Schweizer,
Malcolm Willis, and Rupert
Hansford. And, no spot is
solidified yet.”
This could go on a while.
putting a puzzle together.”
Gozdz is back at catcher,
Buch plays short, Emma
Hamilton is in right, while the
other two outfield spots are
in contention early. Although
Fahey will play outfield.
Starter Emily Blosio and
Sammy Wood are looking at
second base.
New to the team is Brittany
Osborne who could go at first
base.
“If she can handle first base
that will free up Kelly Fahey,”
said DeMaio.
“We are still in ladder
matches and trying to decide
our line-up,” he added. “Only
one player on the team has
three years experience.
Everyone else has two years
or less experience. That being
said, this season is going to
be a rebuilding one where we
will look to mature with each
match.”
According to Stepkoski,
Willis will most likely be in
the doubles mix. Hansford
will probably be in the singles
mix and Schweizer can do
Darien has freshmen Julia
Domiziano and Danika
Hornick, and Ally Aparicio all
having a good look as well.
Jess DeMaio is Darienʼs
second year, standout starter
on the mound. And sheʼll have
back-up, or maybe more, from
Kelly Nicoletti.
What are the teamʼs
strengths?
“Well, last year we strug-
gled hitting,” said DeMaio.
“The hitting was supposed to
be our strength but it didnʼt
turn out that way.”
Boys Tennis
Spring 2011
Wave Preview
both doubles and singles.
“The real excitement will
come from the new players
that are extremely hungry to
land a spot in the starting line-
up,” Stepkoski said. “Along
with the other three returning
players, Ryo Usami (sopho-
more), Cal Kevorkian (junior)
and Briton Dailey (junior).”
Up from last yearʼs jv are
Jeffrey Sload (sophomore),
Dom Hansford (sophomore),
Will McCoy (sophomore),
Charlie Khachian (junior) and
THE DARIEN TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011
Any way you turn you
may be able to see Darienʼs
strengths this spring.
“I think this year weʼre just
going to be sound all the way
around,” DeMaio said. “Weʼre
going to be sound defensively,
weʼre going to be sound on
the mound, weʼre going to be
sound hitting — not a lot of
depth.”
Darien went 16-4 last sea-
son and was in the FCIAC
final four, losing to Westhill.
The Wave was knocked out of
states by Windsor in the early
Donald Brown (junior). And
Junior Gavin McNulty joins
Darien as a transfer student.
“We might go through some
growing pains this year — but
hopefully the boys will learn
something from the 2011 cam-
paign to help us in 2012,”
Stepkoski said. “It does not
mean we wonʼt vie to win
FCIACs or Class L. That will
always be our goal.
“More importantly though,
itʼs good to go in with a real-
istic goal and anything we
achieve better than that will
be icing on the cake.”
And it should be a fun sea-
son, no matter the develop-
ment curve.
“Thereʼs no pressure so the
rounds.
The Wave looks to be send-
ing seven players out who
played last year, and loses one
to graduation.
“I think if we play the way
we are capable of playing,
weʼll be very competitive,”
DeMaio added. “We went 17-
3 the year before, 16-4 last
year, so thatʼs our goal. To be
there, and when we get to the
playoffs see if we canʼt win
something.”
Schedule is online at
darienps.org/darienathletics/
boys can just concentrate on
getting better with each match
they play,” Stepkoski said.
“Making the FCIAC semis last
year and placing three of our
individual teams in the Class L
quarterfinals were big accom-
plishments for us in 2010.
But, this year, the team has a
whole new look. Hopefully,
chemistry will build through-
out the season and players will
improve.
“Iʼm real happy to be back
with this great team, the boys,
their parents, our school, ath-
letic director and assistant.
They make the season all
worth while.”
Schedule is online at
darienps.org/darienathletics/
THE DARIEN TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 Page 5D

SOPHOMORE WITH MORE — Underclassman Izzy Lee is coming off a strong rookie season last year. (Darien Times/Steven Buono photo)

Granath, Kyritz, Lee top three girls on the links

By Steven Buono
Times Sports Editor
Darienʼs best season yet in
2010 is going to be hard to
repeat.
“Itʼs tough, because we are
trying to replace Stephanie
Ko,” said Darien girls golf
Girls Golf And the several-seasons-
No. 1 was about the top girls
Spring 2011 golfer to come down the green
Wave Preview forYet,
DHS.
the Wave returns every-
one else, including several
coach Brian Zeyer. “And she standouts, so, equaling last
was our lowest team deferen- yearʼs success might not be
tial last year.” out of the question.
Darien finished up at 11-2
in 2010 when it was second at
FCIACs and third at states.
Whatʼs up for 2011?
Captains are Kendall Kyritz
and Nicole Granath.
Returning with them are
Izzy Lee, Corinne Teschner,
Molly Marren, Perrin Brown.
“Most of the girls have been
playing together the past three
years and are willing to help
the younger players,” said
Zeyer.
Granath looks strong early
this year.
“So our top three are set,”
Zeyer said. “Izzy Lee, Kendall
Kyritz and Nicole Granath.
Thatʼs a guarantee.”
Freshman Margot Sweeney
will also be competing for a
spot.
“We have a lot of good
kids,” added Zeyer.
Schedule is online at
darienps.org/darienathletics/

Scott: ‘We’ve got a lot of new faces this year, with a lot of potential’
By David DesRoches
Times Reporter
Aluminum bats are cracking
and leather gloves are popping as
the Darien High School baseball
team prepares to make 2011 a
year of redemption.
After putting up four wins to
start the 2010 season, the Blue
Wave boys ended last year at
8-12. In at least 10 of those loss-
es, however, Darien led or tied
at some point. This year, coach
Mike Scott hopes that the Wave
will capitalize on any tight games
and keep the wins from slipping
away.
“Weʼve got a good core offense
this year,” Scott said, after toss-
ing batting practice on a cold
Thursday afternoon. “Our guys
are working hard. They know the
game and how to approach the
game.”
The departure of first base-
man John Gardner left a gaping
hole in the Waveʼs attack, Scott
said. “He was a huge part of our
offense,” he said. Gardner batted
.453 last year and hit a majority
of the teamʼs RBIs.
Also leaving the diamond this
year are southpaw pitchers David
Hickey, whoʼs now tossing for
Yale, and Ricky Hodges, who
found a home at Virginia Tech.
This leaves the Wave with only
one left-hander for the mound,
sophomore Ricky Miller.
“Weʼve got a lot of new faces
this year, with a lot of poten-
tial,” Scott said. Team co-captain
Andrew Hurn is the number one
pitcher this season.
“Weʼre looking pretty good so
far,” Hurn said. “Weʼve got a
lot of guys trying to win their
spots.”
Dillon Duncan returns to the
mound as the number two pitch-
er. Scott added that many pitchers
are vying for the number three
slot, and the talent there is excep-
tional.
Leading the offense is senior
co-captain Dan Pidgeon who
starts at shortstop. “Our offense
has improved a lot since last
Baseball
Spring 2011
Wave Preview
year,” Pidgeon said. “I know I
didnʼt swing the bat like I wanted
to last year, but this summer I got
my swing better.”
During practice, Pidgeon
whacked several solid base hits
and even took the coachʼs nasty
deuce to the outfield.
Both captains will continue
playing Americaʼs pastime next
year in college — Hurn signed on
to play for Amherst and Pidgeon
will take the field at Stone Hill
College.
Also returning this year is
senior Justin Pryor, who plays
third base and leftfield. Sam
Gillespie is back behind the plate
for the Blue Wave, and, along
with Pidgeon and Pryor, will be
the offensive backbone for the
team, Scott said.
“Theyʼll put themselves in
scoring position, and if we can
get some guys to hit around them
and drive in some runs, weʼll be
in good shape,” Scott said.
The defensive middle looks
strong, starting with Pidgeon at
shortstop and Bryan Previte in
centerfield.
Darienʼs baseball program has
seen its ups and downs, but since
Scott took the helm the boys
are steadily finding their niche
in the competitive FCIAC divi-
sion. “Last year we had a pretty
stacked opposition,” Scott said.
“There were a bunch of [Division
I] pitchers in the league.”
In their only playoff game from
2010, the Wave nearly defeated
Fairfield Ludlowe, which later
went on to win the conference.
The Blue Wave head into the
2011 season on April 6 when they
battle Bassick High School at
Seaside Park in Bridgeport. The
home opener is April 7 against
New Fairfield.
Schedule is online at darienps.
org/darienathletics/ TAKING THE LEAD — Dan Pidgeon is Wave leading batter and a captain this spring.
(Darien Times/Steven Buono photo)
Page 6D THE DARIEN TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

LANDING IN SAND — Track standout senior Kevin Keller, above in 2010 action, is out hurt to start the season. (Darien Times/Steven Buono photo)

Kaczmarek: ‘Injuries have decimated the team’

By Steven Buono
Times Sports Editor
Itʼs a beat up team that
heads out onto the Blue Wave
boys track.
“Injuries have decimated
the team,” said Wave coach
Tyson Kaczmarek. “Kevin
Keller (back) and John Conley
(knee), two of the teamʼs top
athletes are out indefinitely.”
That is trouble.
Currently rehabbing injuries
are David Watson (leg) and
Judson Bergman (back). Both
will begin the season on the
sidelines.
And Darien was hit with
tragedy.
“On top of physical ail-
ments, the team was shook
emotionally with the pass-
ing of teammate Andy Pena
just as the season started,”
Kaczmarek said.
Darien went 14-3 last sea-
son. Kaczmarek is in his
eighth season and is 92-26-3
all-time.
Also last year, the Wave was
first in the FCIAC East, fourth
at FCIACs, eighth in Class
MM, 37th at the state open.
Top returning athletes
include captain Stockton
Boys Track
Spring 2011
Wave Preview
McMullin.
“He is a big time jump-
er,” Kaczmarek said. “An
FCIAC champ in the long
jump indoor, he should be an
outstanding long jumper and
triple jumper.”
He will also sprint and is
all-state indoors two years in
a row, plus holds the school
record in the 100.
Captain Conley ran the
equivalent to 9:35 in the 3,200
indoors.
Keller is all-state and all-
New England indoors.
Captain Peter McDonough
is coming off an injury indoors
but will run the 400 and throw
shot put.
“He is ready for a big sea-
son,” Kaczmarek said.
Captain David Watson broke
his leg during the indoor sea-
son and could return in May.
Charlie Baird: “An excellent
1,600 and 3,200 runner,” said
Kaczmarek. “Much improved
from last year.”
Michael Johnston is a solid
distance runner who went
10:00 in the 3,200 indoors.
Kaczmarek thinks Michael
Coe is poised for a breakout
season after his big season
indoors.
Matt Gentile returns from
injury indoor to add depth to
the distance events.
Matt Pik, all-state and all-
New England indoors, is
expected to have a big sprint-
ing season in the 100, 200 and
400.
Graham Hotchkiss is an
outstanding jumper thought to
excel in high jump and triple
jump, while Harlan Smith
is seen as an excellent high
jumper that will also add depth
to sprints.
Will Lochtefeld ads strength
at discus and shot put. “Will
will have a big season,”
Kaczmarek said.
Key Additions: Jared
Murphy in throws, Eli
Converse distance, Will
DeRocco pole vault, Reed
Coots throws, Windsor Hall
pole vault, Elliott Helgans
sprints, Geoff Leeker sprints,
Greg Leeker hurdles, Oscar
Parsons throws, Billy Siemers
sprints/mid-distance, Will
Ardery sprints/hurdles, Judson
Bergman sprints, Spencer
McMullin jumps, Andrew
Xiong distance, Peter Kreuch
distance, Nicholas Lombardo
sprints/jumps, George Phillips
sprints/jumps.
“The team will be looking
for athletes to step up and
replace the injured competi-
tors,” said Kaczmarek. “The
team will feature a balanced
attack.”
Senior McMullin will lead
the jumpers. He was a two-
time all-state athlete indoor
and an all-New England run-
ner. He was also the 2010
FCIAC Champion in long
jump indoors.
“Adding to that event is
senior Graham Hotchkiss
and freshman Nicholas
Lombardo,” said Kaczmarek.
“Both athletes are new to these
events. Hotckissʼ best event
will be high jump where he
is already matching personal
bests from last year in prac-
tice.
“He will be joined by Harlan
Smith and Geoff Leeker.”
Spencer McMullin will also
compete in both triple and
long jump.
Stockton McMullin also
returns to anchor the sprinting
as the best 100 runner on the
team, says Kaczmarek, while
Pik, an all-state and all-New
England runner indoors, will
be another of the teamʼs top
runners in the 100, 200 and
400.
“He will be joined by
Peter McDonough as he
returns from injury in the
200 and 400,” Kaczmarek
added. “Lombardo, Spencer
McMullin, Geoff Leeker, Will
Ardery, Elliott Helgans and
Smith will add depth to the
teamʼs sprinting.”
The distance runners are
anchored by Charlie Baird,
Michael Johnston, Michael
Coe, Matt Gentile and Eli
Converse.
The fivesome generally
excel at the 3200, but will add
depth to the 1600 and 800.
Mid-distance runners Billy
Siemers, Andrew Xiong and
Burton Palmer will provide
help in the 4x800.
McDonough returns to
throwing outdoors after an
excellent season in the shot
put indoors.
He will be joined by Will
Lochtefeld whose best event is
discus. Reed Coots and Jared
Murphy returns in all three
throws as well as the addition
of Oscar Parsons.
“Lack of depth will hurt
Darien in only a few events,”
Kaczmarek said. “Pole vault
duties will be handled by Will
DeRocco, Windsor Hall, and
J.T. Fucigna. Hurdles will
be done by the up and com-
ing duo of Greg Leeker and
Ardery.”
Injuries could be overcome
for when it counts most.
“We want to be ready for
the end of the season,” said
Kaczmarek. “We canʼt worry
about the guys that are hurt.
We have to step up and fill
their shoes.”
There should be plenty of
feet ready to do so.
“Iʼm always optimistic,”
Kaczmarek said. “I know
there are plenty of guys out
there who will surprise us with
their performances this sea-
son. That is what is exciting
about coaching.”
The team will honor Andy
Pena on Thursday, April 7, at
4:00 prior to their home meet
against Wilton.
Schedule is online at
darienps.org/darienathletics/

Billhardt and Cockerill spark

returning ’10 FCIAC runner up
By Steven Buono
Times Sports Editor

Darien boys volleyball is captained by all-stars Calder

Billhardt and Austin Cockerill.
Both are senior, four-season
standouts and two of the best
Boys Volleyball up front blasters in the league.
Luke Hill is the Waveʼs other
Spring 2011 senior.
Wave Preview Juniors include Kevin
Koenitzer, Sam Bryant,
Tommy Nichols, Matt Lee,
Matt Collier, Ryan Stracuzzi, Jay Alter and Ryan Gregory.
Sophomores on the team are Sean Lee, Marcus Iqbal,
Raleigh Cockerill.
Making it as freshmen, Brian Alter and Andrew Morgan.
The Wave is coming off an FCIAC finalist year, losing 3-1 to
Staples, largely intact and back for another crack at the title.
“I think the big difference between us and Staples was that,
theyʼve been here year after year,” said Billhardt at the time of
the established Wreckers.
That is something the Laurie LaRusso coached program is,
year after year, quickly catching up on itself.
The fifth seed Wave (13-7) lost 3-0 to No. 1 Masuk 3-0 in
the Class M semis.
Schedule is online at darienps.org/darienathletics/ Calder Billhardt (left) and Austin Cockerill (right) on the ball in the FCIAC final. (Darien Times/Steven Buono photo)
THE DARIEN TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011
TOP OF THE ORDER — Lonneke Eenkema van Dijk is the likely No. 1 for the team she and Amanda Brodsky captain. (Darien Times/Steven Buono photo)
Wait over for Eenkema van Dijk, 4-year starter No. 1
By Steven Buono
Times Sports Editor
Darien girls tennis is cap-
tained by seniors Lonneke
Eenkma van Dijk and Amanda
Brodsky.
“We have a lot of work to
do before our first home match
April 6 against Trumbull,” said
Wave coach Davin Gebauer.
“The line up is pretty wide
open. But we will figure it out.
The girls are ready to play.”
Returning players include
the two captains, seniors Kate
Morant, Ellie Riegel, Sophie
Doering, and sophomores
Jenna Murray, Sarah Alptekin.
New players: senior Kyle
McCoy, junior Abby Becker,
O’Donnell starts 22nd season on links a finalist for coach of the year
By Steven Buono
Times Sports Editor
Darien 22-year coach Tom
OʼDonnell enters the season
one of eight finalists for the
National High School Golf
Coach of the Year award.
The winner is to be announced
at the National High School
coaches Association banquet
in Grand Rapids, Michigan
June 20-22.
Girls Tennis
Spring 2011
Wave Preview
freshmen Libby Feingold,
Caroline McGuire, Mollie
Riegel.
Darien loses to graduation,
Alex Budd, now playing ten-
nis at Amherst, Sarah Gorski,
Emily Hough and Francesca
Chiamulera.
Lost to injury is Katie
Critelli, a senior who was 13-6
at No. 3 doubles last year.
“We will miss her hustle and
desire,” Gebauer said.
Darien finished 12-4 FCIAC
Boys Golf
Spring 2011
Wave Preview
Between then and now,
though, here is how things are
shaping up on the links.
The Wave is led by senior
captains Andrew Winter,
Brian Curry, Chris Carmody.
last season and was the No. 5
seed at the tournament, losing
to Fairfield Warde in the first
round.
The Wave lost 4-3 to Wilton
in the semifinals at states.
“Losing the leadership of
Alex Budd and the doubles
players (No. 2) Sarah Gorski
(18-2) and (No. 1) Emily
Hough (13-6) certainly makes
things difficult in that our line-
up this year is wide open,”
said Gebauer. “However, I
have a lot of confidence in the
returning players.”
Darien has a four-season
star starter coming to the fore
in Eenkema van Dijk.
“Lonneke most likely will
play No. 1,” Gebauer said.
They are joined by junior
returning varsity player James
Burgoyne.
Darien is coming off of a
13-5 season in 2010 when
the Wave was seventh at the
FCIAC tournament, 13th in
DII at states.
Key losses include Sean
Fahey, Tim Westcott, James
Tyrrell.
Returning jv players com-
peting for varsity spots are
“She spent the summer in
Spain training and is looking
to have a good year.”
Brodsky has been one of
Darienʼs best doubles players
last few years.
“She played with Emily last
year, so we need to figure out
who will be a good match
for her as a doubles team,”
Gebauer added.
Morant and Riegel should
be a formable doubles team.
“And Sophie Doering (17-
3 at No. 3 singles in 2010)
is a tough competitor,” said
Gebauer. “However she is
coming off shoulder surgery.
We need her mental toughness
back, so im hoping the next
few weeks she gets her shoul-
Kevin Steinthal (junior), Jim
Anderson (junior), Kieren Suri
(sophomore), Andrew Morgan
(soph), Nick Stratton (sopho-
more).
New faces include, fresh-
men, Jake Arevalo, Trevor
McGovern, Matt Ross,
Cameron Van de Graaf, Mac
Koorbusch.
“The three seniors and James
Burgoyne give us a solid var-
sity nucleus,” OʼDonnell said.
der loose and footwork back.”
Murray and Alptekin will
play large parts.
“They are in the mix to
play a lot of singles matches
for us,” said Gebauer. “Iʼm
hoping they step it up. Both
are playing well. Both need to
play with lots of confidence.”
Gebauer is confident of his
prospects.
“Iʼm very excited about
our new players to the team
this year,” he said. “Kyle
McCoy returns after a one
year absence. Great doubles
player, so I need to find a spot
for her.
“Abby Becker is a steady
consistent player. Sheʼs a
player I can use in doubles or
“Andrew Winter has the most
varsity experience and has
been an excellent performer
in the big time postseason
events.”
Curry played in seven varsi-
ty matches last season and had
the lowest average on the jv
team, while Carmody played
in six varsity matches.
“Both have shown the abil-
ity to play well at the varsity
level,” said OʼDonnell. “In
Page 7D
singles.
“And the three freshmen are
all players that im looking for-
ward to having for the next
four yrs. I expect one or two
of them to get a lot of playing
time his year.”
New waters, but Darien
stays on course.
“Our goals remain the
same,” said Gebauer. “To
qualify for FCIACs and at
least get to state finals.
“I think we can do it. Iʼm
excited about this team.”
Darien was scheduled to
begin the season at home vs.
Trumbull on Wednesday.
Schedule is online at
darienps.org/darienathletics/
addition, there is solid com-
petition between returning jv
players and new faces for var-
sity playing time.
“This yearʼs team features
a nice mix of players ready
to compete this season for the
FCIAC and state titles as well
as a solid young group looking
to build for the future.”
Schedule is online at
darienps.org/darienathletics/
Page 8D
TUZ ON THE RUN — Captain Emma Tuzinkiewicz clears the zone in playoffs action in 2010. (Darien Times/Steven Buono photo)
Strange terrain: ‘I have talent, but it’s inexperienced’
By Steven Buono
Times Sports Editor
“Itʼs different this year, I
only have three returning start-
ers,” said coach Lisa Lindley
of her players not lodged in
goal. “So, the gist of it is, I
have talent, but, itʼs inexperi-
enced. A lot of these kids have
never played varsity before, or
never started before.”
Wave girls lax loses nearly
10, mostly standout players,
to graduation — 19 start-
ers moved on in the last two
years.
Darien went 15-5 overall
and 11-2 in the FCIAC in
2010, its season ending in the
No. 8 seedʼs 11-9 loss to No. 5
Greenwich in the DI semis.
The Wave lost 17-16 to
Wilton at FCIACs.
“So we have to see how
everyone reacts to that chal-
SOPHOMORE STOPPER — Goalie Caylee Waters is a sophomore starter, her positioning improved from her rookie year. (Darien Times/Steven Buono photo)
Girls Lacrosse
Spring 2011
Wave Preview
lenge,” Lindley said.
Lots of players are respond-
ing already. Darien fields a
larger squad than last season
with 30 players suited up.
“The thinking being, I donʼt
know who is going to develop,
when,” Lindley added. “Who
is going to step up, so, in one
way itʼs exciting. Because,
for the kids, Iʼve never had
such a wide open (roster). For
coaches, itʼs deciding on how
different kids react.
“Some kids react — you
know — they love the chal-
lenge. So it will be interest-
ing.”
Darien returns two goalies
in sophomore Caylee Waters
and senior Claire Dickson.
Both played last season.
“I would say right now, my
strongest part of my team is
my goalkeepers,” Lindley
said. “Early on Iʼm not really
prepared to choose a starting
goalie, at the moment. I donʼt
know if that will become more
defined as we go through.”
Watersʼ positioning has
improved, said Lindley, which
means her goaltending is
developing apace.
Wave senior captains are
defenseman Emma Getsinger,
at attack Ellie Bullitt and
defender Emma Tuzinkiewicz,
all serious physical presences
on the field.
“Theyʼre great kids, theyʼre
good captains, theyʼre good
leaders,” Lindley said. “So far
theyʼve done a really good
job.”
Darien picks up some mph
in the midfield.
“Iʼm happy that I have more
speed in the midfield,” Lindley
said. “That is evident. I have
some young kids that can run,
which is nice. Because that
was one of our weaknesses
last year.”
The Waveʼs overall attack
is not what it was last year
though.
“Because, I just donʼt have
any pure goal scorers,” said
Lindley. “It will be interesting
to see, if anyone picks that
up.”
The captains will need to
pick the team up every game.
“Emma Tuz is very aggres-
sive,” said Lindley. “Sheʼll
play high defense and Emma
Gets, sheʼs floating between a
high defensive position and a
midfield position. Both have
speed.”
THE DARIEN TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011
Bullitt will run the attack.
“Sheʼs more effective com-
ing around the net than out
front,” Lindley said. “But she
has a nose for the goal.”
Bullitt is going to need
some scoring support as she
reloads.
Also on attack, Parker
Schram, Brynn Gasparino,
Charlotte Stevenson, Catherine
Lincoln while midfield will
see Emily Tropsa, Christy
Gilbert, Dillon Schoen, Emily
Stein and on defense Cammie
Kirby, Julia Cobb and Galen
Rohn, Lauren Pryor.
And thereʼs freshman Ellie
Bennett, out with a hamstring.
“Sheʼll see some time, down
low on D,” said Lindley.
Taking face-offs?
“Different people, midfield-
ers,” said Lindley. “Gilbert,
Tropsa, Schoen, Lincoln.”
Lindley expects New
Canaan and Greenwich to be
the strongest out there. But
beyond the county Darienʼs
season stays just as tough.
The Wave opens the season
vs. Suffern 3 p.m. at home on
April 9 before playing at New
Canaan 6 p.m. on April 13.
“And also we have Garden
City, Manhasset, Farmingdale,
so we have a lot of big teams,”
Lindley said. “You know, itʼs
going to be hard. And weʼll
definitely be tested early.”
All grist for the mill of post-
season.
“I think realistically, if we
can go .500, Iʼd be happy,
and in a position to make a
move in the playoffs,” Lindley
added.
Darien was last both league
and state champion in 2009.
Schedule is online at
darienps.org/darienathletics/