Athletics

The boys are back:

Alumni of the School serve as Fords coaches

Over the last five years, many alumni have returned to Lancaster Avenue to give back and be part of Haverford School athletics. Some have returned to teach and coach, while others have stepped up to become program directors of the sports they felt so passionately about during their years at Haverford. There is also a large number of former Fords that return to support their programs in Assistant Coaching roles.

The teacher-coach role is an important part of The Haverford School and has given alumni a way to give back to the School. Chris DiBello ’12 returned to teach Upper School science and coach both football and wrestling. Brandon Walker ’15 returned this year to teach Middle School history and English, while also holding coaching duties for Middle School football and wrestling.

“It is always exciting when an alum of the School returns and coaches with one of our programs. An alumnus of the School brings a unique perspective about the positive impact that participation in athletics can have on a young man’s development,” said Mike Murphy, Director of Athletics. “In addition, they understand first-hand the challenges that being a student-athlete at Haverford can present. Boys must balance rigorous academic coursework with a competitive athletic experience.”

Taking on the role of program director is a commitment that requires dedication. Two years ago, Cole Berman ’14 took over as Director of Golf Program at Haverford. In his years at the helm, his teams have already won an Inter-Ac championship and continue to develop future Haverford golfers.

This year, Thomas Lindberg ’07 was announced as Director of Ice Hockey Program. Coach Lindberg is working with a talented group of student-athletes and continues to build and grow the program.

Many of the teams also have alumni helping out with parttime or assistant coach roles. Luke Kania ’19 not only serves as an assistant coach for baseball, but he is also the “Voice of the Fords,” announcing home games for the football and basketball teams.

Lacrosse always has a few alumni on the sidelines helping Director of Lacrosse Program and Assistant Director of Athletics Brendan Dawson. This year, Grant Ament ’15 joins the coaching staff after a successful career at Penn State and in professional leagues.

Middle School sports also have several alumni helping on the sidelines, with Cory Taylor ’96 serving the soccer program and Lucas Elek ’13 joining the Track and Field staff. This past fall, Haverford Crew had two alumni from the class of 2014 helping out in Chet Bickhart ’14 and Eamon Glavin ’14.

All the teams at Haverford are always looking for assistant coaches that know the School and its traditions. If you’re interested in supporting a Fords team, contact Mike Murphy at mmurphy@haverford.org.

FALL SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

GOLF

Coach: Cole Berman ’14 Overall Record: 18-18

Biggest team achievement of season: Beating Episcopal Academy by two shots on EA Day.

Team Service Learning or Community Service Project/ Activity: Volunteering with First Tee of Philadelphia at their Walnut Lane facility.

WATER POLO

Coach: Kevin Van Such Overall Record: 16-5 League Record: 7-1

Biggest team achievement of season: Inter-Ac Champions and Easterns Prep Runner Up. This is the third consecutive Inter-Ac Championship and the third consecutive Easterns Final appearance.

Team Service Learning or Community Service Project/ Activity: Thanksgiving Turkey Drive

CROSS-COUNTRY

Coach: Mike Toomey Overall Record: 3-3 League Record: 3-3

Biggest team achievement of season: 4th place finish at state meet Individual Accomplishments: First Team All-Inter-Ac: Colin Stewart and Ned Cutler Third Team All-State: Colin Stewart and Ned Cutler First Team All-State ninth grade race: Alex Dardarian, Reilly Hope, Jay Rogers Ninth grade Race State Champion: Alex Dardarian

Team Highlights: • 4th Place finish at State Meet • 3rd Place finish at Inter-Ac Meet • 4th Place finish at George School Varsity Invite • 3rd Place finish at George School Junior Varsity Invite

Team Service Learning or Community Service Project/ Activity: Serving with Special Olympics Healthy Kids Running Series in Wayne

FOOTBALL

Coach: Brian Martin Overall Record: 5-4 League Record: 3-2

Biggest team achievement of season: Winning on EA Day

Individual Accomplishments: All-Inter-Ac First Team: Isaiah Boyd Bill Brosko Sam Gerber Matt Pante

All-Inter-Ac Second Team: Will Costin Louie Atkinson Chase Knox

Team Highlights: • Down 21 points to SCHA, coming back and winning on a last second FG • Down 1 with 24 seconds against Penn Charter on a 4th and 18 and scored on a 52-yard pass to win the game 21-16 • Winning on EA Day 13-7 and bringing home the Sweater

Team Service Learning: Supporting a free football clinic

WHAT’S THE SCORE?

To keep up with the latest Fords scores and schedules, visit haverford.org/athletics

SOCCER

Coach: Dan Keefe Overall Record: 3-12-2 League Record: 2-7-1

Biggest team achievement of season: Defeated Chaminade 3-1, who were the #19 team in the country at the time.

Individual Accomplishments: First Team All-Inter-Ac: Connor Cresswell Second Team All-Inter-Ac: Andrew Kirwin, Thomas Kaplan

Team Highlights: • Haverford varsity soccer lost to the undefeated Conestoga team (24-0), ranked #9 nationally, 1-0. • The players battled through a tough national schedule after unexpectedly losing a number of players. • Two sophomore players were awarded all-league honors.

These players will serve as a great foundation as the program looks to rebuild next season.

Team Service Learning or Community Service Project/ Activity: Chester Upland Youth Soccer Organization: The team volunteers to coach underserved youth players every Saturday through the spring and early summer.

Ten student-athletes announce intent to continue athletic careers at the collegiate level

As part of the early signing period for Division I and Division II athletes, ten seniors at The Haverford School announced their decisions to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.

“We are proud of these young men for their success in their respective sports and on their commitment to these terrific schools,” said Mike Murphy, Director of Athletics. “The boys truly represent the model of the student-athlete and I am confident they will continue to do so in their college careers.”

Chuck Cacciutti announced his commitment to the admissions process at the University of Pennsylvania for lacrosse. Will Costin will attend Penn State University for lacrosse. Patrick Donaher will attend Bucknell University for track and field. Pat Gillin will attend the University of Delaware for lacrosse. Aidan Kopen will attend Lafayette College for lacrosse. Teddy Malone announced his commitment to the admissions process at Harvard University for lacrosse. Jake McCarthy will attend Merrimack College for lacrosse. Colby McNeely will attend Rider University for baseball. Avi Mehl announced his commitment to the admissions process at USMA West Point for lacrosse. Ryan Reed will attend the University of Pittsburgh for baseball.

HAVERFORD/EA DAY 2021

After 725 days, the sweater returned home on Nov. 13! The Fords defeated the Churchmen in golf, water polo, and football to bring back the sweater. Haverford has now won the sweater 19 times to EA’s 16.

Clockwise, from top left : Upper School fans cheered, supported, and motivated their classmates all day long. Head of School Tyler Casertano accepts the sweater from Episcopal Academy’s Head of School T.J. Locke, following the clinching football game. Fifth former Chace Knox returns a second half kickoff into EA territory, setting up the Fords for the winning touchdown. Water polo players Luka Sekulic, Jaiden Shuchman, and Luke Putter defend their net and keep EA away from narrowing their deficit. Sixth former Bowen Deng tees off and hits the ball straight down the fairway.

FINAL RESULTS

GOLF: 190-192, HAVERFORD CROSS-COUNTRY: 15-49, EA WATER POLO: 19-11, HAVERFORD SOCCER: 2-0, EA FOOTBALL: 13-7, HAVERFORD