Hi Hey Hills readers! Let's give you a little info about this year's Varsity Cross Country and Girls Tennis squads. The Portledge runners are over twenty strong this fall and hope to elevate their standing to the very top of the IPPSAL Cross Country league. Top female runners Delphine Starr and Millie Stallings return to lead an expanded group of girls as they navigate the twists and turns of the cross country season. On the boys side, Senior Nick Hagedorn and Sophomore Alan Phipps return with the strongest running resumes, but there is a host of young runners eager to challenge them, and the rest of the IPPSAL fields, for cross country supremacy. The Portledge team will host a short 2K run on Founders Day that is open to the entire Portledge Community, before opening their official season by hosting the first IPPSAL meet of the season on Wednesday, Sept 24th. Please come out and support these fine athletes.
What Does Coach Henry Stay Have on the Varsity Girls Tennis Team This Fall?
USTA teaching professional Henry Stay returns for his second season with the Varsity Girls Tennis program. After last year's rebuilding efforts, Coach Stay is optimistic he has a team that can return to the top of IPPSAL Girls Tennis. Of course that is the place where the Portledge girls are most comfortable, having won 12 of the last 15 IPPSAL Championships in Girls Tennis. Former coaches John McIlvain and Alex Rudback would be excited to see this year's group of players. Senior Siena Falino and Junior Elizabeth Girgenti return to lead the singles players, and should be supported in singles play by Sophomore Michelle Kerwick and Freshman Lisa Dourmashkin. Yes, that makes three Dourmashkins playing Varsity sports this fall. Lisa's brothers, Junior Mark and Sophomore Steven are both on the Varsity Boys Soccer team. The doubles pairings are still being worked on but should include various combinations of Liana Sarrantino, Rachel Scheinmann, Ali James, Tori Phillips, Akanksha Trivedi, Hannah Fortgang and Alison Herzig. Another experienced member of the team is Junior Robyn Worrall, who should be able to contribute both as a singles and doubles player. Thus, Coach Stay has a good many options as he fills out his line up card for each match. The Lady Panther netters take on Rye Country Day this afternoon @ HOME (4:15) in a tough non league opener before starting their IPPSAL schedule next week. Come out and see some great tennis from this potential league championship squad!
How Great are Secondary School Athletics?
Being in Wellington Gym yesterday before the Varsity Girls and Boys Soccer teams took to the field to face their respective sides from the Lycee Francais School of NYC was special. The Portledge players, male and female, were sitting around talking and wishing each other luck, while some others were getting a last minute tape job. Everyone, especially the coaches, was focused on the upcoming games and there was a palpable air of excitement in the building. Portledge Athletics has worked hard to create an environment that is competitive, but at the same time enjoyable and comfortable for the athletes. One that is based on good sportsmanship and strong support for your team mates. As I took in the scene yesterday, I could see these attitudes and feelings were present in the faces of the young athletes. It was a neat moment to slow down and enjoy what is going on around you.... All for now, and we hope to see you all out at some Portledge athletic events in the near future.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
As a new member of the Portledge Community I really enjoyed reading about the Portledge teams as well as your sharp insights into our prospects for the coming season. Richard Lustberg
Lisa and Rachel are doubles partners... thats all i know
Post a Comment