SEM athletes excel in more than just sports

By Alex Skomra, Director of Athletics

the 2022 New York State Federation Champion!

For the second year in a row, cross country runner Fiona Murphy ’24 traveled to Wappinger Falls, NY, to compete against the top runners from private and public schools in New York State. On an extremely challenging course, Fiona ran at 20:55 and finished 104 out of 276 runners.

Marlette.

Fallof 2022 brought back the first “regular” school year since the pandemic with mask regulations fully lifted and a feeling of closeness and community that SEM had been longing for since March of 2020. With school returning to the way things were, sports were able to follow suit as we began our new athletic season. We had seen these athletes’ true resilience the previous two years, and it was finally great to see them take in a breath of fresh air as they resumed their passion for sports.

SEM prides itself on creating a safe and inviting environment for students to become who they are and the athletic department is no exception. With the variety of sports being offered at SEM, it is no surprise to see such a high level of student participation in SEM Athletics.

This fall, more than 70% of students were proud to suit up and compete as a red-tailed hawk. It is because of this and their overall successful seasons that make me so proud to be a part of SEM Athletics.

The SEM Swim team entered this season as the three time Monsignor Martin League and AllCatholic Champion and although they finished third in the league, the outpour of talent and heart was evident throughout their season.

Elle Noecker ’24 dominated the league this year going undefeated in all of her individual events. She went on to receive the Natalie Lewis Award for Most Outstanding Swimmer at the Monsignor Martin All-Catholic Championship. She qualified and competed in the NYSPHSAA Swim Federation Championships for the third consecutive year in Webster, NY. Noecker swam in the 200 Yard IM and 100 Breaststroke, and finished second in the 100 Breaststroke and won the 200 Yard IM, making her

Sophomore golfer, Brooklyn Cooley represented SEM in the Monsignor Martin AllCatholic Tournament. Brooklyn was one of the league’s top 16 golfers.

Varsity Soccer had a slow start to their season but with their determination and resilience as they were able to turn it around and make it to the semi-final match in the B Division where they took the game to double overtime. Charlie Abramowitz ’26 and Camryn Roberts ’25 were named first team All Catholics and Angela Gracia Garcia ’24, Myleigh Nentarz ’25, and Aubrey Vaeth ’25 received second team for their outstanding season.

This fall, the crew team also had a very active and productive season, participating in multiple regattas, including the Head of the Buffalo, the Head of the Schuylkill in Philadelphia, and Head of the Charles in Boston.

Over 20 student athletes rowed this fall and they were able to participate in the very exciting event, the christening of a brand new boat, the H.L.M. Inspiration, in honor of Helen Ladds

SEM athletes excel not only in their sport but also in the classroom. We proudly recognized Olivia Gilliland, Mei McNamara, and Jocelyn Rath on receiving Honorable Mentions for All WNY Scholar Athlete for Fall 2022. Recognition for All WNY Scholar Athletes is given to seniors who have distinguished themselves academically and athletically and represent the finest qualities of a student-athlete and citizen.

It has been evident through my involvement with SEM Athletics that our student athletes wear their jerseys with pride as they compete for the school they love. Win or lose, our determined athletes and their dedicated coaches give their all to represent SEM and bring honor to our community! We can not wait to see what the 20232024 season will bring. GO SEM! •