Darien Times Spring Sports Preview

The

DARIEN TIMES

2010 Spring Sports Preview

Page 2C

THE DARIEN TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2010

ALL IN — Alden Frelinghuysen (No. 23 left) and Case Matheis (No. 4) race the middleground in force vs. Wilton in last season’s playoffs. (Darien Times/Steven Buono photo)

Midfield horror show awaits state champ’s foes

By Steven Buono

Tops in ’10: Boys Lacrosse

The Wave is ocean deep, so donʼt expect any FCIAC teams to do much more than tread — or mostly gurgle and gulp — water against it this spring.

“Weʼre fine,” said five-time defending state champion Darien coach Jeff Brameier.

“The kids work hard, thereʼs a lot of talent every year coming around. This yearʼs no different.”

Darienʼs midfield alone is one giant engulfing swamp sure to clot up opponentsʼ treading cleats before pulling them down into the weeds.

“We are very deep in the midfield,” Brameier said.

“Years past weʼve really had probably one defensive midfield group, and then an offensive midfield group.

“This year we have a lot of kids that go both ways.”

Long pole middie defensmen are junior Baylis Treen and senior captain Connor Sullivan who will share time.

JP Walsh is a defensive short-stick middie.

“JPʼs a defensive specialist at this point, but we have Brian Annecchino who is a returning senior starter. And Bobby Nolanʼs a returning starter, senior,” said Brameier.

“He can play offense and defense.” with Alden And Frelinghuysen it gives DHS three senior offensive middies who can play D as well.

Junior Graham Maybell is the Waveʼs top middie, fast as anyone on the field, and Henry West is top sophomore middie.

“Heʼs had a tremendous offseason, heʼs in great shape,” Brameier said. “And Wyatt Keith is seeing a lot of time in

the second midfield.

“And Richard Gregory is the swing guy seeing time as an attackman and as a middie.”

Sophomore Bobby Weaver is coming on as well.

“He might be the other defensive short-stick middie if we decide to have two guys out there, like we did with (Matt) Wheelock and (Andrew) Bay last year,” Brameier added.

Senior captain Brian Gleason is the sharp end of the attack.

“Heʼll be solid for us,” said Brameier of the left-side attackman who will play at Dickinson next season.

Sophomore Case Matheis, so effective in 2009 with his low center of gravity and high battle level around the net, will play a big role up front.

“And then the other position is up for grabs,” said Brameier. “With senior (captain) Robby Winter and Ben Preston, a junior who saw a couple of games last year and Alex Brown starting jv last year.”

Darienʼs power is in its numbers.

“I donʼt know if we have the star firepower that maybe weʼve had in the past, but weʼre definitely deep,” Brameier said. “So hopefully theyʼll continue to understand that for them to be good, theyʼve got to share the ball.”

“We are going to have to play good team offense and team defense — thatʼs going to be our MO — and have good chemistry.”

That so many kids play the sport at a high level in town is not geared solely toward the Wave.

“Iʼm not a big pusher of

Times Sports Editor

Graham Maybell (No. 2) rides out a Warriors attackman in last year’s playoffs. (Darien Times/Steven Buono photo) forcing the youth league to do everything that we do here,” said Brameier. “Because we do a lot of different things.”

It all starts and finishing with enjoying what you do.

“So I think the best system in the youth league is to make sure that the kids are having fun playing the game,” said Brameier. “And knowing that they are getting qual-

ity instruction and not only “Itʼs a scenario where the learning individual skill, but kids feel, you know, that they that they are developing team are all a part of the program,” concepts.”

Brameier said. “Whether And developing a lacrosse community feel.

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THE DARIEN TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2010

Dual champs to holster ‘run and gun’ style

By Steven Buono Times Sports Editor

Darien is recharging its dual title battery with Cali and Calby.

Tops in ’10: Girls Lacrosse

As Wave lady lacrosseʼs sole returning power girls senior captains All American Cali Ceglarski and top scorer Liz Calby have much on their shoulders this spring.

All other players, capable and likely a lot more than that, are coming in as either flat out rookies or having not been full-time varsity starters last season.

“I have nine seniors that started off and on (as juniors),” said Wave veteran coach Lisa Lindley. “But nothing regular.”

But this is an irregular, hardly run of the mill program, always reloading, always sending the off-loaded up to play for major college teams.

Expect Darien to defend its 2009 FCIAC and state titles like the fierce lax lionesses the program tends to turn out more often than not.

Ten seniors graduate with Darien retaining major players in Calby, and in Ceglarski who is slated to play at Boston College, and under assistant Eagles coach and Wave all-time great season-scoring record keeper Caroline McGuire (DHS Class of ʼ02) next year.

Calby led Darien in ʼ09 with 55 goals and 29 assists for 84 points. She took 32 draws, nabbed 44 ground balls.

Ceglarski was 44-16 60, taking 36 draws, 38 ground balls.

Calby, and Cali, canʼt do it all. And Lindley does not expect for them to.

“Iʼm looking for the scoring to be spread out,” said Lindley. “I am looking for Paige (Gasparino) to score some, Iʼm looking for Corinne (Sommi), Ann (Fucigna), Lanning (McDonald) — they all have the ability to score.

“If they each score three goals a game I wonʼt have a problem.”

What Darien is missing, which it has had for most of this decade, is speed in the midfield.

“So I think our game is going to be a little bit different this year,” said Lindley. “We are not going to be able to get involved in a kind of run and gun offense at the moment, until we are in better shape.”

The Wave will field six juniors, as many sophomores,

“I think my goalies can stop whatever shots are given to them.”

Lisa Lindley and two freshmen.

“I expect my seniors to contribute quite a bit,” said Lindley. “Which would be along with Cali and Liz, Paige Gasparino, Corinne Sommi, Ann Fucigna, Lanning McDonald, Alex Bair, Leanne Stone and Cat Thomas.”

Calby, Fucigna and McDonald plus underclassman Ellie Bullitt will be low attackers.

Junior Emma Getsinger will be at defensive midfield.

Galen Rohn and Olivia Taylor slot in down low.

Midfield has Ceglarski, Gasparino and Sommi, defense Bair, Thomas and Stone laying down a sound foundation in front of a pair of first-year goalies.

Junior Claire Dickson and freshman Caylee Waters are eager in the cage.

“You know, they both are doing well,” said Lindley. “We had two scrimmages (early on) and they both looked good.

They both have their own strengths and weaknesses.”

Dickson, a jv starter last season, excels as things get started with her clearing acumen. Sheʼs primed between the pipes.

“And technically she has the angles down, positioning,” said Lindley. “Which is huge.”

Waters is interesting in that she is an electric young multisport athlete, focused on playing goal, and with a budding potential to make a home in the Wave cage for some time to come.

“Caylee has very quick reflexes,” Lindley said of the ninth grader who needs to sharpen up her clears, adding that clearing prowess comes with experience.

Itʼs not clear though going into the season whether one goalie will turn into No. 1 or take up a back-up role.

“Who will definitively win it out? Or if I go with a combination, I donʼt know at this point,” said Lindley with a week to go before the start of the season, at Trumbull on April 7. “Iʼm not real concerned about my goalie situation.

“They definitely have the opportunity to carry the team

JUST AN ALL AMERICAN GIRL — And Wave senior co-captain Cali Ceglarski (No. 15) is Darien’s only returning All American. (Darien Times/Steven Buono photo) on their backs if they wanted to.”

Defense is what Lindley is focused on.

“I think my goalies can stop what ever shots are given to them, but right now my defense needs to get a little tighter,” Lindley added. “We need to

improve upon the basics, you know, catching and throwing, ground balls.”

What they do not need to work out is attitude. Because going in, it is already there.

“Theyʼre good kids, positive, and thatʼs all I can ask for,” Lindley said.

Inexperience will be the battle the Wave will wage over the first half of the season.

“I have a lot of kids that donʼt have varsity experience,” Lindley said. “And they are trying to compete at a high level. And right now, weʼre not there yet. But we are only

one week in.

“Itʼs a big teaching year thatʼs for sure.”

The first master class comes early, in the home opener vs.

New Canaan 4 p.m. April 9.

And the early season stays hot with DHS hosting Wilton on April 16.

Undefeated in ’09, sailors expect more success at sea

By Steven Buono

Tops in ’10: Sailing

“Well, we had our best season ever,” said Darien sailing coach Britt Hall of last season.

How do you follow that?

Maybe by going out and doing it all again. Thatʼs how the defending champion Blue Wave sailing team sees it.

Captained by seniors Justin Marks, Willem Sandberg and Ines Castro Darien will look to cast off with a similarly successful 2010 to its undefeated 2009 season.

Darien finished 14-0 last spring and won every title

it went for starting with the league crown, taking three titles in all.

Hereʼs something they can shoot for though.

“We missed New Englands

by I think, one point,” said Hall of the only chink in last seasonʼs armor.

The Wave has slim losses with only a couple of seniors having headed over the horizon since graduation day ʼ09.

“Our prospects are very good,” Hall said. “We still have some very strong skippers.”

As much was proven when

Times Sports Editor

“We have great boat handling, even though we have some new sailors who are crew. The three top skippers are all returning.”

Britt Hall Darien swept an early season five-team regatta near Grass Island on March 27.

Darien beat Greenwich High, Greenwich Academy, and both Fairfield schools going undefeated all day in two races.

“We have great boat handling, even though we have

some new sailors who are crew,” Hall said. “The three top skippers are all returning.”

Skippers are Sandberg, Castro and junior Olivia Crane.

“I guess the thing about the rest of the team is that we have a bunch of new athletes that

the whole t

we are bringing along,” said Hall. “Sort of as team building for future years.

“They are very enthusiastic and are all working hard.”

Sailors include McCormick Bartram, Clay Baxter, David Bigelow, Nick Connery, Ian Crane, Julia Fuller, Andrew Gagne, Clarke Gavin, Sarah Graves, Ben Holcomb, Tommy Hyde, Bobby Johnston, Jack Kaufman, Will Kerr, Katharine Macomber, Dylan Magida, Hal Remole, Sarah Smith and Dillon Lareau.

“The other thing is we started practice March 6,” Hall added. “So these kids have been on the water (for a long

time).”

And in the water too, with kids jumping to attention and making it to the dock and shore to save the Wave fleet from the recent storm.

“What was really extraordinary is their level of commitment, to their equipment.” said Hall with kids pulling their boats from the froth the evening that the storm hit. “It was really amazing.

“The captains just took it upon themselves, they rallied the team members, they rallied the parents. I was really impressed with the kids.”

th

Athletes urged to use mouthguards

According to the Academy of Sports Dentistry, wearing a properly fitted mouthguard could protect thousands of athletes from oral and facial injuries. Women, in particular, should be encouraged to use mouthguards, as they are increasingly participating in competitive sports.

The ADA estimates that the use of mouthguards and facemasks in high school and college football has prevented more than 200,000 injuries to the face and mouth. But mouthguards should be used in any sport where there’s the possibility for contact. That includes team sports such as basketball and soccer, as well as recreational sports like mountain biking and inline skating.

Besides warding off broken teeth and facial bones, mouthguards offer some protection against concussion by preventing the jaw from being forced back toward the brain when a player takes a hit to the chin.

For the greatest protection and comfort, athletes use custom fitted guards created by a dentist. For more information on athletic mouthguards contact: patientinfo@drosherow.com.

DAVID M. OSHEROW, D.D.S. ORTHODONTIST DARIEN

Page 4C

THE DARIEN TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2010

Ten new players promoted to ’10 varsity diamond

By Lynsey Santimays Times Reporter

The potential is there to create a “culture of success” with this yearʼs varsity baseball team at Darien High School, according to head coach Mike Scott.

Tops in ’10: Baseball

After ending the regular season last year with a 146 record, and making it to both the state and FCIAC semifinals to finish the year 18-8, Scott believes that this yearʼs team can build on that momentum.

“We have high hopes for this year,” Scott said. “We had a big graduating class last year, but we feel that we have enough talent stepping in that we will still have success.

“Our expectations are still high.”

The Blue Wave said goodbye to nine seniors at the end of the 2009 season, including standout pitcher Devin Burke, who is currently pitching at Duke University.

“He leaves a lot of innings to be filled and leaves a big hole in our rotation,” Scott said.

In addition to missing Burke, the Wave will be without Chris Bruno, who was “as solid as they come at short stop,” and Teddy Malley, who “anchored our lineup.”

“All the seniors last year, they were a good group... it is tough to replace a group like that as a whole,” Scott said.

Despite the void left by last yearʼs graduates, Scott is optimistic about the roster they are putting forward for the 2010 season.

With eight returning varsity players, and 10 new players from the junior varsity and freshmen levels, Scott looks forward to the mix of young and old.

“The younger guys should be able to learn from the older players, and the older guys can feed off of the younger guysʼ hungriness,” he said.

“They can really learn from each other.”

The Wave will find its leadership this year in senior captains David Hickey — a left-handed pitcher committed to play at Yale— and second-baseman Matt Anderson.

In addition to taking the leadership roles for the team, the two are also players to watch for the coming season.

“Matt Anderson was basically our number-two hitter for most of the year last year,” Scott said. “And David Hickey is a really good lefty pitcher who will be pitching at Division I college next year.”

Another force on the mound will be senior Ricky Hodges, another left-handed pitcher who is going DI postDavid Hickey lines up a pitch in last season’s FCIAC playoffs. Hickey will be a key to making it back to the postseason.

(Darien Times/Steven Buono photo) high school. Signed to play

“We have some players who are some very talented defenders, and a lot of guys who have the ability to hit. The question mark is whether they are going to do it in the games.”

Mike Scott at Virginia Tech, Hodges will be another major factor in the Waveʼs wins this year.

“We will be looking at Hickey and Hodges to anchor our pitching staff,” Scott said.

“They are going to be one of the keys to our success.”

Scott said another position player to keep an eye on will be John Gardner, the teamʼs first baseman and number three hitter.

“He was in the middle of our lineup all last year, and he produced,” Scott said.

As for strengths and weaknesses, Scott feels it is too early to tell.

“We are still trying to find our identity out there,” he said. “We have some players who are some very talented defenders, and a lot of guys who have the ability to hit.

The question mark is whether they are going to do it in the games.

“We are untested right now.

We will learn a lot over the first couple of games in the season.”

Those tests will come early, through a face-off with Norwich Free Academy on April 10 and Norwalk on April 16.

“We just have a bunch of guys who are working hard right now,” Scott said. “We are looking forward to starting the games and seeing how good we can become.”

Gardner thinks things are going to be OK, despite losing so many to graduation.

“We have two good pitchers and we should have a pretty good season,” said Gardner who had surgery on his shoulder going into last season, and put in time at DH. “They are definitely very dominant on the mound. Good poise and they just get the job done, pounding the strikes.”

As far as hitting?

“We have a few guys,” said Gardner who is one of them.

“Along with Matt Anderson, he has always been a solid hitter. Dan Pidgeon — a shortstop or third baseman. And a couple of other guys will put in contributions at the plate.”

Another guy liable to rock it at the plate?

“Brandon Tripodi,” Gardner said. “Heʼll have a dominant year in the field as well as at the plate.”

Lax: ‘We’ve got a lot of bang-bang-bang before we even get into our rival games’ Continued from page 2C youʼre a senior or a first grader, youʼre part of the program.”

A program with a wide reach.

“The last step in Darien is the high school,” Brameier said. “But for many of them the last step is college. And we want that to be important too.

“Itʼs important to come back and give back after youʼve gone to college. And those kids do that.”

Dreaming lax “Our attitude up here is to create a role model for the younger kids to dream the dream of being that player,” Brameier said. “The old adage that ʻsuccess breeds successʼ clearly stands out in Darien High School athletics.”

Itʼs hard to pinpoint just what the ʻBrameier styleʼ which has bred such success over more than a decade, is.

“Youʼve got a lot of old say-

ings, you know, ʻdefense wins championships,ʼ and weʼve clearly had great defense from the goaltending on up,” Brameier said. “We had Chris Madalon (DHS Class of 2007) who is starting at Carolina, or Jameson Love (DHS ʼ08) who is starting at Bryant. And weʼve got (senior) Andrew West who is already committed to Cornell.

“It starts with the goalie.”

But Darien has been frontloaded as a themes as well.

“And weʼve had great defensive players — last year we had (Corey) Caputo, (Matt) Gorski, (Ryan) Mullligan and (Mike) Gasparino,” Brameier said. “And this year weʼve got (George) Benitez and Eric Parnon and (Baylis) Treen and (Christian) Kolderup and (Connor) Sullivan.”

And thereʼs more backing them up.

“Youʼve got to force your opponents to work hard to score, and sometimes your defense creates offense,” said

Brameier. “You turn the ball over and youʼre going up the other way and youʼre scoring.

“And that makes it easier on the offense, so they donʼt have to score as much.”

That success has drawn such a large portion of the top athletes in town to the lacrosse field is an organic benefit to feeding the Wave.

“We also feel that we are very athletic, we have very skilled kids, so we often have kids who can score well,” Brameier said. “You go back to kids like Kyle Hollingsworth (DHS ʼ05) who went on to Brown to be a leader there, to Cooper MacDonnell (DHS ʼ06) who is leading at Loyola, Mike Ryan (DHS ʼ08) is leading at Williams and on and on and on.

“Youʼve got a lot of kids who starred for us and are going out and starring at the college level.”

Brameierʼs Wave always presents a north-south axis, punctuated by a stud in goal.

“You need it on both sides of the ball,” he said. “From my standpoint, we play multiple defensive looks and multiple offensive looks and really try to make it hard for somebody to go against us and defend us.”

Whatʼs second season starter and captain West bring?

“Heʼs the difference maker,” said Brameier. “He gives you that X-factor that many other teams donʼt have. A goalie that can have a 15 or 20 save day and really change the game around.”

Defense is headed up by senior George Benitez, going to Stony Brook next season, who is solid, and junior Parnon who started a lot last season and is going to Maryland to play when heʼs done here.

Close defense are Justin Shaw, who has speed, Kolderup coming off a shoulder injury and operation, and sophomore Tony Britton doing well and in the mix to see a lot of play.

Darien has a pair of well regarded junior back-up goalies in Dylan Torey and Dylan Hurd.

“Theyʼve worked hard, they can compete on the varsity level,” said Brameier. “And theyʼll be working hard to try to win that job next year.”

Who is in the Waveʼs way to return to the FCIAC title after falling to Ridgefield last season?

“Everyone wants to believe that they are a contender,” said Brameier. “Only time will tell you that.”

Ridgefield graduated its entire offense from last seasonʼs FCIAC championship team, while New Canaan returns much but loses a bit to private schools.

But first comes a tour of out-of-state titans.

“We have a very competitive schedule, four out-of-state games, so we are ready for that,” said Brameier.

After opening the season at Danbury on April 7, Darien

travels to Union College to play against Niskayuna, N.Y. at night on April 9, a state title finalist last season.

Banging heads early, Darien goes to Conestoga, Penn. to play the best team in that state on April 17.

“Thatʼs the ʻCheck-in for Cancerʼ tournament we are in down there,” said Brameier.

“The following weekend we are out at St. Anthonyʼs playing in a triple-header vs.

Manhassett.

“So weʼve got a lot of bangbang-bang before we even get into our rival games.”

Darien will be sharp when itʼs closer to home slate kicks in in earnest.

“Thatʼs the idea,” Brameier said. “You know, you like to play those hard games early — all the way through the season, we have Yorktown in May. All it does is get you ready for the tournaments.

“And thatʼs all that matters anyway.”

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THE DARIEN TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2010

CAPTAINS ON TRACK — Wave girls outdoor track is led by (from left) Aimee Rich, Meredith Jordan, Sam Simon, Christy Gasparino and Kelly Brophy.

(Darien Times/Steven Buono photo)

Norris begins 100th season as track/cross country coach

By Steven Buono

Tops in ’10: Girls Outdoor Track

Coach of very long standing Steve Norris starts his centenary at DHS. Leading three sports per school year, girls cross country, indoor then spring outdoor track, this season marks Norrisʼ 100th in all.

And Darien goes into the spring season typifying Norrisʼ reign on the track, defending one championship, at states, and coming off a silver medal finish at FCIACs in 2009.

Norris is assisted by distance coach Kate OʼHern, sprint coach Ella Long, throwing coaches Ben Bartol and Patty Leasure and pole vault coach Glenn Crafford.

Surely, the 100 seasons has produced a well regarded, fine performing and most of all hefty, still growing program at Darien.

“Our most significant asset may be the fact that we have 147 girls on the team,” said Norris.

Darien is captained by standouts, seniors Christy Gasparino, Kelly Brophy, Aimee Rich, Sam Simon and Meredith Jordan.

Going 10-1 in dual meets,

the Wave won Class MM in ʼ09 to make it two straight titles at states.

This season Darien seems sure to win the FCIAC East.

“The FCIAC Championship team title is a reach,” said Norris. “Danbury is the CIAC state open indoor team champion. At the FCIAC championship level we will also be pressed by Staples.”

Can Darien make it a threepeat at states? Having moved up it will need to conquer Class L to do so.

“We have a good shot this year,” Norris said. “ Our competition there is Windsor.

We beat them by two points indoors.”

Darien was fourth at the state open last season.

This season the Wave loses to graduation Caroline McDonough, a state open and New England champion in the 3200. She is running at Columbia.

Also gone, Grace Doering, a Class MM high jump champion now competing at Middlebury; Meg Gilbert who was state class long jump champion and is presently competing at Colgate; Amanda

Times Sports Editor

Koslo, a 400 runner competing at Gettysburg; Erica Long, an 800 runner now handling the Oberlin track; Brooke Pfister, an 800 runner now at Williams; Sam Stuek, an 800 runner at Johns-Hopkins; and Kristin Long, an FCIAC championship pole vaulter.

Producing points like new leaves popping onto the trees this spring will be distance runner Brophy who was fourth indoors at FCIACs in the 1600; Gasparino, the state open indoor high jump champion and hurdles runner up; Jordan who was fifth indoors in the Class MM 55; Rich, second place in the ʼ09 state open hammer throw; Simon, sixth in last seasonʼs FCIAC 400 and sixth at states; and Robin Bone, coming off a state championship and state record breaking indoor season in the pole vault.

Norris lists Darienʼs strengths, for one, as being in the jumps.

“At the indoor FCIAC championship we scored half our points in the jumps,” said Norris.

Then there are the sprints with Jordan among the leagueʼs best six in the 100 and 200, also making Darien

Cockerill rules the roost on the court

By Steven Buono Times Sports Editor

A young team, Darien is still figuring it all out going into the season. But a snapshot of the moment prior to the Blue Wave boys volleyball teamʼs regular season opener looked like this.

Outside hitters are junior Calder Billhardt and sole team senior Connor Maul.

Middle hitters: junior captain Austin Cockerill and Luke

Hill.

Matt Lee moves up from setting jv to take over assists dishing for the varsity Wave.

Right side has sophomore Sam Bryant.

Sean Lee and Ryan Stracuzi are vying for libero.

Darien loses strong players to graduation in setter Keith Bennett, Eric Heberton and Tucker Burton.

“Everyone on the team is really athletic and really hard working,” said Darienʼs most

experienced player, Billhardt who has started on the varsity floor since he was a freshman.

“So I think it is going to be hard to fill the spots. But I definitely think that the team is going to be able to do it.”

With Laurie LaRusso as coach, experience on the volleyball court is something that just seems to rub off on new recruits.

“I think that is actually what she is best at,” said Billhardt.

“At taking the young kids that

tough in the short relays.

Gasparino and Robin Bone are dominant in the 100 hurdles, while in the distance Norris expects to outscore most teams.

Seniors include: Mackenzie Jones, a long jumper, sprinter; Hannah Lyons at distance, and a cross country specialist; Meg Murphy, sprinter and long jumper; Alexa Tarantino a sprinter.

Juniors: Lee Bolton a pole vaulter, 400 runner; Elizabeth Crafford First Team AllFCIAC pole vaulter, 300 hurdler; Sarah Dailey, high jumper; Amanda Dobler, distance, Alex Iqbal, hurdler, sprinter; Megan Keane, distance; Charlotte Phillips, pole vaulter, sprinter, long jumper.

Sophomores: Bone, state open vault champion and state record holder at 12-1 with that mark also better than the state outdoor record as she starts the season under the sun, with Bone also a First Team all league hurdler and long jumper; Katie Donovan, 400 runner; Victoria Kominek, javelin; Natalie Metz, discus, shot put; Leslie Yuen, distance.

Darien sets out to particuChristy Gasparino is the league’s top hurdler and high larly improve its throws.

jumper for DHS. (Darien Times/Scott Mullin photo)

Tops in ’10: Boys Volleyball

donʼt really know a lot, and developing them into players.”

In at the deep end they go.

“She kind of just throws them into game situations and lets them learn like that, instead of taking a long time to learn,” said Billhardt. “So they just get everything really quickly.”

Billhardt is a case in point.

His freshman year was the third year of the new program. And Billhardt had never played organized volleyball

before.

“I got thrown into varsity my freshman year and played varsity all my freshman year,” said Billhardt, whose elder sister Colby was a standout for the perennial champion Blue Wave girls team and now moves on to UCONN. “And just being with those kids and playing to her expectations definitely made me a better player — made me excel.”

Playing jv as well as varsity last season captain Cockerill has a good flow with many of the teamʼs newly promoted to varsity crew.

And Billhardt as the teamʼs

now four-season veteran knows his role is as important as anyoneʼs.

“I can still lead,” he said.

“I definitely think we have a real good shot at making states. Through hard work and everybody getting better I think we are going to have a good chance.”

Cockerill, Billhardt and Bryant are solid hitters and Lee can set for sure.

“But I think our strongest thing is we have really good team chemistry,” Billhardt said. “We are all really good friends.”

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THE DARIEN TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2010

Captain Budd’s in bloom at No. 1 singles this spring

By Steven Buono Times Sports Editor

Darien is led up at the top by senior Alex Budd.

“It looks like Alex Budd will play No. 1 singles,” said Wave girls tennis coach Davin Gebauer. “She has been working hard in the off season.”

Captains are Budd, Emily Hough and Sarah Gorski.

Also on tap are Francesca Chiamulera, a senior, junior Ellie Riegel, and freshmen Sarah Alptekin and Jenna Murray.

“A good group of kids,” Gebauer said of the whole team. “Iʼm excited about the freshmen. I think they can add some depth to the team.

“Ellie is a very hard worker and Francesca will add some leadership.”

Darien lost to graduation Annie Wilson at No.1, Lindsey Battey and Courtney Whiting at No 1 doubles and Cat Steinman and Lisa Giannandrea at No. 2.

“I also lost Kyle McCoy who played No. 2 doubles with Amanda Brodsky,” said Gebauer. “She went away to school. So, we do have some positions to fill.”

In her third year of playing a big role is standout Lonneke Eenkema Van Dijk at No. 2 singles.

“She also worked hard this winter,” said Gebauer.

While at No. 3 and 4 it seems as if Sophie Doering — who went 17-2 last year at No. 4 — or Ellie Riegel, and or Alptekin or Murray will be stepping in, according to Gebauer.

“Obviously, I need doubles players also so two of those Alex Budd will be meeting all the league and state’s best this season and seems ready for the task. four could be playing dou(Darien Times/Steven Buono photo) bles,” Gebauer said. “Right

Tops in ’10: Girls Tennis

now, Amanda Brodsky, Emily Hough and Sarah Gorski are in the doubles lineup, with Francesca, Kate Morant and Katie Critelli competing for spots.

“We have a lot of work to do before our first match.”

Last year Darien went 9-6 in the regular season with five of its losses very close.

The Wave was the 21st seed at the state tournament and reached the semifinals before losing to Wilton 4-3.

“The FCIACʼs are by far the toughest division in the state,” said Gebauer. “I know for a fact that four teams in the FCIAC have all gotten stronger.”

The rival Rams are included.

“New Canaan is the obvious No. 1 team with Greenwich and Staples following,” Gebauer said. “Then Westhill, Wilton. Trinity Catholic has a new young player so it is a very strong division for girls tennis.”

Darien should not fall behind.

“I believe we can be competitive,” Gebauer added.

“Alex will be tested. Itʼs not easy playing No. 1 in this division. But she is a competitor. She will have some good matches.”

Itʼs down the order that Darien will look to make its mark.

“The younger players and the No. 3 and 4 spots at singles and doubles are going to be crucial to our overall success,” Gebauer said. “Our goals will be to qualify for FCIACʼs and do as well or better in the state tournament as last year.”

Gordon, Harmer, Taylor and Rawden lead up to Class L

By Steven Buono

Tops in ’10: Boys Tennis

Captains Britt Gordon, Reilly Harmer, Charlie Taylor and Louie Rawden lead the Wave up into a new realm at states.

After winning Class M three years running a fresh challenge presents itself as the DHS boys tennis team climbs up to Class L this year.

The Wave loses six players from the 13 on the squad last year when Darien was

14-2 in the FCIAC, falling to New Canaan in the tournament semis.

“You know, since Iʼve been here weʼve kind of never been strong in the middle,” said Darien coach Tom Stepkoski in his third year as coach.

“Weʼve generally had strong 3-4-5 players and strong doubles.”

That has not changed.

“I would have to say that this year we are going to have

Times Sports Editor

to rely on that even more,” he said. “Because the kids that remain just to play singles are so close in ability that who ever decides to step it up and go out at No. 1 is going to be very close in ability to the No. 2 player, who in turn is going to be very close in ability to the No. 3 player.”

See where this is going?

“I guess what I am saying is that not much is going to separate our 1-through-5,” Stepkoski said. “So I guess if we are going to win our matches, then most of our matches

Following up on best season yet

By Steven Buono Times Sports Editor

Wave girls golf had its best season ever last year and is expecting more of the same.

Even though Darien loses two strong players in Claire Baldwin and Meg Ardery to graduation.

“However we have a good strong nucleus coming back,” said Wave coach Brian Zeyer.

“We have captain Stephanie Ko coming back and captain Kendall Kyritz. And those will be the two strongest players I believe.”

Ko particularly was outstanding in 2009.

“Ko is a very strong player and Kendall has a very strong work ethic,” Zeyer added.

“Sheʼs been out playing and practicing whenever she can.”

But there is plenty of support.

“Nicole Granath has played very well so far,” Zeyer said.

“And a new girl, (freshman)

are going to have to be won down in the lower end.”

The conferenceʼs contending teams will as usual be top heavy crews.

“Because the No. 1 players in the FCIAC, they are usually USTA — the No. 1 and the No. 2,” Stepkoski said. “And right now we donʼt have ones and twos.”

While the past couple of seasons Stepkoski has determined his No. 1-2 players right away, this year things could slide around offering opportunities for promotion.

“Itʼs wide open, we are going to be picking up like five new kids,” said Stepkoski. “We kind of know who is going to be playing singles, but right now wide open is doubles. We have no idea.”

Rather than wide open Darien had a shut down doubles pair that went undefeated last season.

“Now we only have half of that team coming back,” Stepkoski said of Taylor. “And heʼs already indicated to me he might want to do singles.”

Coming back in addition to

the senior captains are Dennis Connetta, Sam Jackson and Miller Schweizer.

Darien was seeded No. 3 in the FCIAC tournament in 2009. This year it will strive to finish in the middle of the pack.

“Itʼs going to be a tough year,” Stepkoski. “And what makes it even tougher is (being) pushed into Class L. “Itʼs going to be a real challenge, but something that weʼre looking forward to.”

Tops in ’10: Girls Golf

Zeyer. “Or, exceed it.”

Last seasonʼs success seems to be feeding the fire.

“The girls work ethic is a lot stronger than last year, and last year it was good,” Zeyer said. “Itʼs just this year, itʼs like they are going over and beyond right now.”

Darien went 10-7-1 led by Ko who had a low round last season of 38 and medaled multiple times. Kyritz had a low round of 41. Both girls

accomplished their low scores at Long Shore.

“We are looking for big things from these girls,” Zeyer said.

The Wave has a large squad including Nell Thalhmer and Kristen Keene, both seniors, juniors Elizabeth Billeter, Perrin Brown, Caroline Carmichael, Molly Marren, Sarah Suckow, and Corinne Teschner, and sophomores Lily Boe and Juli Flynn.

Izzy Lee, she has been very solid.”

Darien was second in the FCIACs and made states for the first time as a program last season.

“By what weʼve seen so far on the course — itʼs been a rough start with all the rain and also that storm — hopefully weʼll be able to (do as well as last season),” said

We’re your team’s best advoacate:

Call your scores and results in to 203-268-3002, and we’ll spread the news

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Page 7C

THE DARIEN TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2010

O’Donnell tees-off on 21st season as Blue Wave coach

By Steven Buono Times Sports Editor

In what is Tom OʼDonnellʼs 21st season as coach, Darienʼs boy golfers can boast of some impressive experience of their own.

Tops in ’10: Boys Golf

The know-how begins, after OʼDonnellʼs extensive record, with senior captains Sean Fahey, Tim Westcott and junior Andrew Winter.

“We start this year with three highly experienced and capable returning varsity players,” said OʼDonnell. “Most impressive last year was their postseason performances.”

At the FCIAC championship Winter shot an even par 71 (T4) and Westcott and Fahey each shot four over par 75 — all DHS career best 18 hole rounds for all three.

Winter (75) and Westcott (78) also played well at the state championships says OʼDonnell.

And DHS returns four players with significant varsity experience other than the captains in Chris Carmody, Brian Curry, James Burgoyne and Freddy Weber.

The Wave went 11-6-1 last regular season and was sixth at the FCIAC Championship tournament. At states the boys were fifth in DIII. Lost to graduation are Christian Freeman, Zach Yezzi, J.D. Juterbock.

Last season Fahey led playing in 11 of 13 matches with a 41.91 average and shooting a 37 as his low.

Westcottʼs low was 39 going in 11 matches shooting 41.64 while senior Weber shot 44.25 over four matches, his low round being a 42.

Winter averaged 42.63 over eight matches firing a low of 39. Also with a low 39 was Carmody who averaged 43.0 over five matches, low of 40, while Burgoyne, a sophomore, shot 44.5 over four matches with a low of 40 as well.

This wonʼt be an easy season for anyone, but maybe a few, none of them from town.

“Greenwich will be the

“We may not have anyone’s preseason pick for player of the year but we do have seven players on the roster that return with considerable varsity experience.”

Tom O’Donnell league prohibitive preseason favorite as they return the FCIAC ʻPlayer of the Yearʼ David Pastore and four starters off of last yearʼs FCIAC Championship team,” OʼDonnell surmised.

“However Staples and New Canaan both return several league All-Stars and will be expected to challenge Greenwich — if anyone can.”

Darienʼs numbers are its best friend.

“We may not have anyoneʼs preseason pick for player of the year but we do have seven players on the roster that return with considerable varsity experience and three who have proven that they are capable of playing extremely well when it matters most in the post season,” said OʼDonnell of Fahey, Westcott and Winter.

“We will put five competitive players into each match and that means that there will not be an undue burden on any one of our players to carry the team by themselves.

“And that should allow the boys to just relax and go play.”

It could mean that they go to the top too.

“I think that our chemistry, potential, balance and confidence in each other will serve us well,” said OʼDonnell. “If we can improve throughout the season and peak at the playoffs like we did last season then I believe we may just be right there with the big boys by the end of the year.

“I am really looking forward to this season and to working with this fine group ON COURSE — Wave boys golf captains are (from left) Andrew Winter, Sean Fahey and Tim Westcott.

(Darien Times/Steven Buono photo) of young men.”

Kaczmarek: ‘We can have a monster season if things fall into place’

By Steven Buono

Tops in ’10: Boys Outdoor Track

“Darien boys track is back and hungry for victories,” says Wave coach Tyson Kaczmarek, in his seventh season. “After the graduation of a large senior class, many of the returning Blue Wave athletes have stepped up to fill the gaps left behind.”

Finishing second in the FCIAC East Division, Darien was sixth at the FCIAC meet and third in Class MM — 46th at the state open meet — in 2009.

Darien went 13-4-1 last season.

“I think we can have a monster season if things fall into place,” Kaczmarek said. “I am real excited to see what this team is capable of.”

The teamʼs strength will lie with its jumpers according to Kaczmarek who jumps out to 78-23-3 career as Wave coach.

“Juniors Kevin Keller and Stockton McMullin will lead

the team,” said Kaczmarek.

“Both cracked the 21-foot mark for the first time indoors.”

And each added over one foot to their personal best from last year.

A captain, McMullin is what his coach labels a big time jumper as is plain with his FCIAC title in the long jump indoors.

“He should be an outstanding long jumper and triple jumper,” said Kaczmarek.

“And he will also sprint.”

He was all state sprinting indoors.

Keller, all state and All New England indoors — setting five new records indoors last winter — will be outstanding in the long jump, triple jump and 400 says Kaczmarek.

Joining the two will be Brent Eppley who was third at the FCIAC meet behind Keller and McMullin indoors, going 20-10.

Eppley was also all state.

Times Sports Editor

“All three will contend for the FCIAC long jump crown outdoors as well as the triple jump crown,” Kaczmarek said.

Captain and senior Jake McCauley is back from injury during the indoor season.

“McCauley is out for revenge,” Kaczmarek said.

“He is looking to run 4:25 in the 1600 and 9:40 in the 3200.”

Senior Alex Reynoso returns as a solid distance runner going 4:39 in the 1600 and 2:05 in the 800 as a junior.

Kaczmarek thinks he should be the top middle distance guy on the team.

Captain, senior Eppley is another jumper good for high points.

He has a personal best in the long jump of 20-10. And he will also help in 100, 200, 4x100 and triple jump. He is known as a dedicated and hard working contributor.

Senior captain Sean Gill is in on the hurdles and sprints and the teamʼs top hurdler.

“He has much improved leg speed from last year,” said Kaczmarek. “He should be a big threat in 300 hurdles.”

And Gill is expected to help fill out the 4x400.

Senior Jack Bushell is solid in the 200 and 400 and too is slated to fill out the relays Junior John Conley, an all conference cross country and indoor track standout went sub 4:30 in the 1600 for the first time indoors.

Senior captain Walker McKeough had his best indoor season ever with a 39 foot performance in shot.

“Add in his best event outdoors, the discus, and he should have a big season,” Kaczmarek added.

Peter McDonough, a junior, is all state indoors. Outdoors it is thought he will be solid in the 400 and 200.

“Lots of potential,” said Kaczmarek.

Joining the team, senior Wes Blummer in the sprints and jumps, senior Stevenson Bone, sprints and javelin,

senior Andrew Kristof, javelin, senior Mikel Marku in the throws, senior Brandon Wong the hurdles, senior Mike Lee at jumps, sprints, junior Charlie Lacy sprints, junior David Watson distance, junior Matt Gentile distance, junior Jared Murphy throws, junior James Shanley throws, sophomore Charlie Baird distance, sophomore Michael Johnston distance, sophomore Will DeRocco pole vault, sophomore Michael Coe distance, sophomore Reed Coots throws, sophomore Matt Pik sprints, freshman Spencer McMullin jumps, freshman Ryan Mahoney distance “McMullin also returns to anchor the teamʼs sprinting as the best 100 meter runner on the team,” said Kaczmarek.

“Eppley will help in the 100 and 200 while Keller is the teamʼs best 400 meter runner.”

Joining the three will be fellow all state athlete McDonough who should fill out the 200 and 400.

In addition seniors Jack Bushell and Bone will add depth to the sprints.

“Newcomer Blummer has already established his role on the team as being willing to do whatever is necessary to help the team win,” said Kaczmarek. “Hopefully he can fill in the 400 and 200.”

Gill will be the teamʼs top hurdler and also see time on the 4x400.

Blummer and Gill will also high jump along with senior Lee. “Lee, who has great explosion, will be a huge acquisition for the Blue Wave in his first season of track,” Kaczmarek said.

The distance runners are anchored by McCauley and Conley.

McCauley, who was injured during the second half of the season has improved and is ready to step up to the role he filled during cross country Kaczmarek feels.

See TRACK on page 8A

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Page 8C

THE DARIEN TIMES, THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2010

COME OUT SWINGING — Darien has plenty of hitters again this season, and several are displayed here, with senior Michele Piccaro ready to unload (top left), and letting off a little steam at a bad call (middle), while Nicole Buch rounds on a pitch (top right), Courtney Bell looks to make a pitch (bottom left) and Kelly Fahey contemplates her time at bat.

(Darien Times/Steven Buono photos)

Jessica DeMaio takes over for graduated cousin on mound

By Steven Buono Times Sports Editor

Darien knocked it out of the park as a program in 2009.

“We are kind of a retooled team. We are looking for our hitting to carry us.”

Nick DeMaio

Tops in ’10: Softball

But this season sees five knockout Wave softball seniors moved out with graduation, so, can Darien do it all again?

“Well, you know, all the seniors...itʼs tough to replace these kids,” said Wave coach Nick DeMaio. “They were big guns for us.”

The biggest might have been starting pitcher Christina DeMaio, a multi-season stalwart on the mound that helped

lead DHS to become Class L runner-up in ʼ09.

“And so we are kind of a retooled team,” said coach DeMaio whose team was also ramped up by solid hitting underlassmen last year. “And thatʼs what we are pretty much made up of.”

Captains are sole senior Michele Piccaro and junior Nicole Buch.

Around the horn and more

so far this preseason, last seasonʼs first baseman Courtney Bell has moved over to third while standout Buch is at shortstop.

Olivia Gozdz, who hit the ball real well in ʼ09 and played centerfield, moves in.

“Sheʼll be splitting her time between catcher and centerfield,” said DeMaio.

Kelly Fahey, a left fielder last spring, takes first base

and will see time in left field as well.

“Sheʼll be going back and forth a bit,” DeMaio said.

Jessica DeMaio, the coachʼs niece, is starting pitcher.

Second base has Emily Blosio on station while the corner outfield is still “kind of up for grabs” DeMaio said.

The bench is healthy with two freshmen joining the team in Emma Hamilton and Emily Moscatello with both likely to see playing time in the outfield.

“Along with sophomore Meredith Ott they are out there trying to win some playing time,” said DeMaio.

Sophomore Katie Vodola is looking to play outfield too.

And Darien has juniors Shannon Burke and Samantha Burke available for action.

Sophomore Kelly Nicoletti is a back-up pitcher.

On the hill, DeMaio is not really comparable to her cousin, now pursuing a music degree at college.

“We are just asking her to keep us in the game,” said coach DeMaio.

But Jessica DeMaio has many strong points.

“Sheʼs got a nice variety of pitches,” said the coach.

“She throws a drop, fastball, change-up.”

Darien was savage at the plate last season. And the bats should chop up the opposition this spring just the same.

“We are looking for our hitting to carry us,” DeMaio said.

“And our defense, especially our infield, is very solid.

Darien will need to get it done with only itʼs captains representing the senior and junior class.

“Everybody else are freshmen and sophomores,” said DeMaio.

Even coming close to what Darien did last season would leave the Wave with one of its better seasons all time.

Darien was 17-3 in the regular season, an FCIAC semifinalist and overall was 21-5.

“So we are hoping to be in the mix even though we lost a lot,” DeMaio said.

Track: Keller, McMullin, Eppley out in front for deep Wave squad Continued from page 7C Conley is looking to improve on his 4:29 1600 from the indoor season.

Reynoso joins the group as the teamʼs top 800 runner.

“Underclassmen Charlie Baird, Johnston, David Watson, Coe and Gentile will provide excellent depth in dual meets along with freshman

Ryan Mahoney,” Kaczmarek said.

McKeough leads a group of experienced throwers — a group that has been together and trained together for most of the last three years and is expected to see huge improvements this season says Kaczmarek.

Joining McKeough are Mikel Marku, Reed Coots, James Shanley and Jared Murphy.

Andrew Kristof returns as the teamʼs top javelin thrower.

Pole vault duties will be handled by Will DeRocco.

“We have the potential to be a very, very good team,” said Kaczmarek. “We want to take it one meet at a time. We are a little inexperienced in places, but that can be a good thing sometimes.”

Darienʼs got a fully fired up stable of leaders.

“Keller, McMullin and

Eppley are workhorses,” Kaczmarek said. “They deserve every bit of success they get. They are three great leaders for our team, they have big goals set for the season and we want to accomplish them.”

And there is more leadership coming from newcomers migrating over from other major sports.

“What is interesting about our team is our new tal-

ent,” said Kaczmarek. “Wes Blummer and Mike Lee come from basketball. Both have raw ability for track.

“There is a lot of potential there.”

Distance runners are doing just that in the off season.

“The distance guys are solid,” said Kaczmarek. “We train year round and the guys really see the benefits of it.

We excel by this season every year.”

And Darien is prepared to throw-down.

“The throwers can make a major difference for us,” he added. “We havenʼt had tremendous success in this area recently, but these guys have always been young. Now they are not. Now itʼs their time to take care of business.”

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