SPORTS PREVIEW

DARIEN HIGH SCHOOL FALL 2012

Brennan Branca returns as Darien top scorer.

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THE DARIEN TIMES, THURSDAY, SEPT. 13, 2012

GES-MAN Peter Gesualdi (No. 26) led Darien in scoring with 96 points in 2011. (Darien Times/Steven Buono photo)

Every returning starter has the capability of making a big play

By Steven Buono Times Sports Editor Only losing about eight players to graduation, and all of two football games last year, the Wave returns a mercurial contender in campaign 2012. Obviously weve got a lot of experience, said Darien coach Rob Trifone. Having been there before, often its those teams, that in tight or close situations are able to come through. The mental part of the game changes. Likely candidates for coming through, if the Wave is to break through for a title shot in November: seniors, gazelle-like leading rusher Peter Gesualdi, and a steady-as-a-tightropewalker quarterback in Henry Baldwin. Gesualdi, leading DHS with 96 points last season, scored nine touchdowns on 410 yards running and seven TDs in the air, receiving for 455 yards. Baldwin threw 129 completes in 228 attempts for 1,884 yards, averaging 188.4 per
Football 2012

game and firing a Wave record 27 touchdowns as Darien went 8-2, losing to Staples in a snow storm and New Canaan in the holiday finale, in 2011. But the Wave will need to crush those creeping mercurial inclinations, should they appear, to go long this fall. And its happened already. Hillhouse High school from New Haven came down here, said Trifone. Now, they are supposed to be very good again just about every year they are in the state final. And I told my kids: here comes a perennial power, lets see how you do. They did not do so well, not at first. First half of the scrimmage it was 14-0 Hillhouse, said Trifone. And we were slopping around, not being real physical. Then Darien went from slop around to turnaround. I had a few choice words OK, words

of encouragement during half-time of the scrimmage he said. And we finished out 1414 and (Hillhouse) gained seven yards in the second half, totally. The combustibles are there. This season will be about setting them alight. Theres so much that goes into team chemistry, said Trifone. And attitude and experience. And in a physical sport, theres a little more emphasis on that chemistry and attitude and stuff like that. The sooner that chemistry produces a consistent spark, the better Trifone will like it, and the better the chances for something explosive happening for the Wave. I said, I dont mind motivating young men, Ive been doing it my whole career, said Trifone. But, this is a veteran group. Do you need me, to step in, and get you motivated to play a perennial state power? Or, can you motivate yourself for the challenge? The answer was in the asking. It was a very good lesson. They were two

totally different teams from the first half to the second half. You wouldnt know either of them. You play like the second half, I think we can play with anyone. Darien has eight back from last year on defense and the same number on offense. Offense Junior Alex Gunn is at center, while at guard therell be experienced senior Ben Sickinger. At tackle is an experienced dynamo in Matt DAndrea, junior Tommy Gasparino is at guard and Nick Kunze up from JV at tackle as well. People are going to know who Matt DAndrea (6-1, 278) is, and Nick (Kunze), for what its worth, is 6-2, 270, said Trifone. The entire backfield returns with QB Baldwin, Gesualdi and another ace in Ian Vanderhorn 208 yards on 31 tries rushing in 11 as halfbacks. Christian Bogner, who rushed for 412 yards See FOOTBALL on page 6D

THE DARIEN TIMES, THURSDAY, SEPT. 13, 2012

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CAPN KAT Captain Kat Huber is a key returning midfielder. (Darien Times/Steven Buono photo)

Strength in numbers: These girls can breathe a little bit

By Steven Buono Times Sports Editor You might think Darien was through with counting its blessings, or counting anything at all after the halt to its half-decade of constant additions to FCIAC and state titles, and consecutive games won, last fall. But it is not. There are just too many new and returning blessings for Wave field hockey to ignore. I think the theme this year is just, strength in numbers, said Darien coach Mo Minicus, who loses four starters in this her 13th year. We have a lot of depth. A lot of solid players. It showed immediately in preseason. We played Rye High and I rotated everybody, Minicus said. Everybody played. Big numbers and solid in skill is DHS 2012, back as a contender to pick up where it left off in 2010. I think its a combination success
Field Hockey 2012

breeds success, said Minicus. Captains are offensive midfielder Kat Huber and Lexi Perticone, a forward. And they are both looking great, said Minicus. Hollis Perticone is at midfield, and a potential potent scoring catalyst. She sets the ball up really well, said Minicus. Shes got excellent hand-eye coordination. Rising sophomore Erica Osherow, up from jv, looks strong with skills sharpening she could be on corners lots this season, giving Darien a 1-2 punch with Huber. Seniors include forward Sam Wright, Maggie Wells at midfield, forward Paxton Voigt back from knee injury her sophomore off-season, Lydia Ruhlin, Mara Donoghue, former forward Cammie Lattimer at defense. Junior Jackie Brokaw has impressed as well in preseason, Sloane Bessey returns as a solid

midfielder. Claire Culliton and Libby Feingold return for depth at forward. Kyla Johns is a sophomore expected to play and Mollie Riegel should surprise many an attacker approaching the Wave net this fall. In goal, theres experience with junior Danica Hornick. And then there is the high charge in the depth provided in bulk by Hornick, Osherow, Johns, Brokaw, Bessey, plus Kelsey Bumgardner, Allie Parsley, Katie Shanahan, Cassidy Stauffer and Eliza Wisinski all good people ready to step in. Go-to defensemen include Brokaw, Riegel, Lattimer. Go-to goal-scorers? Said Minicus: We have so much depth at forward.. But I would say, Lexi, Hollis, Erica... There will be more. And Darien has a, go-go midfielder, in fireball Huber. The Wave was 19-2 last year after graduat-

ing 13 and returning only one. That winning 19 was a disappointment is a testament to just how tremendous a run the programs had. It really was a successful season, said Minicus. Just given our history it was unfortunate that (people) thought it was a disappointing season. The Wave lost to Staples 1-0 in the FCIAC semis in 2011, and fell to Wilton in overtime at semis in states. We have the talent, we just need to get the chemistry, said Minicus. That takes time. Time, between the end to the massive championship trophy harvest last fall, and now, gives everyone a fresh start. And I think the girls are excited too, added Minicus. In a way, the way last years season ended, these girls come into the season with a sense of relief. Theres no pressure keeping up the titles, or the game-winning streak. A fresh start means needed fresh air. These girls can breathe a little bit.

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THE DARIEN TIMES, THURSDAY, SEPT. 13, 2012

HIGH BALL Emily Stein (No. 9, right) is up for a steal in 2011 action. (Darien Times/Steven Buono photo)

Gilbert, Hamill, Budd set tone for deep Blue Wave

By Steven Buono Times Sports Editor Darien girls soccer largely roars on junior jets. But not entirely. We return a junior class, where, a lot of the girls have been good soccer players, said second-year coach Leigh Parsons. A lot of players who have been involved in the program. And with several strong seniors who have been on the team all along, the Wave has some options. We have a good team coming back, so it looks good, Parsons said. Darien loses fine players to graduation in Marieke Bravo, Leslie Yuen, India Tibbets and Katie Dee. But weve had a few freshmen come in who look really good, added Parsons. We have a lot of girls stepping up, so its looking positive. Coming back are nearly 15 players, many with experience including seven seniors.
Girls Soccer 2012

I think the biggest thing is, I think we are going to have some depth, Parsons said. Captains include seniors Vanessa Budd, Parker Hamill and Kristy Gilbert, who should be a force. They have really set the tone for where we want to be this year, Parsons said. Its a positive start so far. Weve looked good in our preseason, but its a slow progress. Gilbert is at left midfield, but she might end up anywhere, as with the rest. Thats the thing about these captains, they can play in different positions, Parsons said. Were fortunate. Budd will line up on the right and Hamill has been playing in the back so far, shoring up the defense with Yuen no longer there. Parkers looked very good at the back so far in preseason, Parsons said. Darien will need to be both cohesive and consistent with the considerable talent it has, if

it is to make a go of being a contender. Said Parsons: I think any team we play against, its just, if all of the girls are on the same page with one common goal, contributing in one way or another to the team, then we could have a very good season. Junior Phoebe Taylor returns to the net with a season of experience. And a freshman, Kate Fiore is coming up behind her. She looks like she is going to be one for the future, Parsons said. Junior Dillon Schoen should shine on offense as she did in 2011, when she often scored big goals. Shes had a strong preseason, so she is looking good, Parsons said. We are lucky where we have a few good forwards. Dillon is going to be an important player for us. Versatile Julia Black and Emily Stein in midfield? Big seasons are expected from them too. Physical junior defenseman Ellie Bennett should create a storm of opposition to upset

opposite forwards in the backfield. The constant refrain is that only crosscurrents will flatten the Wave. If we all click and keep pushing each other, we can have a very good season, Parsons repeated. Its exciting. Among the freshmen making the team, Daphne Budd, Erin Karczewski, Katie Cronin. Darien finished fourth in the FCIAC in 2011 and 16th in the state tournament going 9-4-3 regular season. We had a good year, but each year we can build upon, a little bit more, Parsons said. Rockin the roster On the roster at the start: Vanessa Budd, Elizabeth Forelle, Gilbert, Karoline Glad, Hamill, Caity Lowden, Caylee Waters, Bennett, Kellyn Berrigan, Black, Haley Close, Kelly Karczewski, Schuyler Platt, Morgan Sawitsky, Schoen, Alexa Sheldon, Stein, Taylor, Lisa Travaglini, Kendra Fitzpatrick, Elizabeth Fucigna, Daniela Dunn, Daphne Budd, Cronin, Erin Karczewski.

From left, Kristy Gilbert, coach Leigh Parsons and Vanessa Budd look to spark up a winning season for DHS. (Darien Times/Steven Buono photos)

THE DARIEN TIMES, THURSDAY, SEPT. 13, 2012

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NEW CAPTAINS CREW 2012 Blue Wave boys cross country captains are (from left) Marshall Huffman, Peter Kreuch, Brian Davey, Andrew Xiong and Sean Lee.

Kaczmareks 10th year looks to be as winning as the rest

By Steven Buono Times Sports Editor Practice has gone really well, said Wave boys cross country coach Tyson Kaczmarek, who heads into his 10th year in charge. We are excited for the season particularly FCIACs and states. I know we can run well when it matters most. Over the course of a decade Kaczmarek has gone 137-15, seeing the team rise to the challenge most often when it did matter the most. Last season the Wave was second in its division, second at the FCIAC Championship meet, and won Class L. Darien was sixth at the open and 10th in New England. The Blue Wave lost four of its top seven runners but return a deep team. The one concern is experience. Top returning runners: Kaczmareks take Captain Marshall Huffman: the junior
Boys Cross Country 2012

returns with a year of track experience under his belt and will be a dangerous runner. Captain Brian Davey: the junior has really stepped up as a leader and is expected to make a big impact. Captain Peter Kreuch: injuries are finally gone from last year and the junior has looked great at practice. Captain Andrew Xiong: the senior will add depth and is a talented runner. Captain Sean Lee: also adding depth to an already deep team the senior has looked good in practice. Alex Ostberg: the sophomore came into the season in great shape and should be one of the top runners in the FCIAC. Colten Appleby: very talented junior who should make a major difference on the team. Alex Rayhill: the junior had an excel-

lent summer of running that has him in the top seven mix. Ben Olsen: the junior is ready for a breakout season after one year of running. Arthur Cassidy: the sophomore has looked great in practice and can make a big impact for the team. Timmy Grozier: a very talented sophomore looking to be injury free this year. Jack Sparkman: the junior has also looked good in practice and will add depth. Top newcomers include: juniors Mickey Conroy, James Farrington, sophomores Aidan Loh, Brendan Triano, Carter Scott, and freshmen Jack Murry and Jack Consolini. As a whole, we are inexperienced, Kaczmarek added. The guys will be in tough positions all year and will have to step up for us to be a competitive team. The team is led by Ostberg, after running 4:35 in the 1600 and 9:41 in the 3200 last year.

He is primed for a monster XC season, Kaczmarek said. Alex is running well. He has all the tools to be a very, very good runner. The host of juniors make up the teams core. After three strong months of summer training, I feel confident that we will perform as well as last year, said Davey. Kreuch added: We will face many strong teams at both the FCIAC and state levels. The competition will be tough but we are confident in our teams ability. We have a solid group of young athletes, said the decade-long coach. I like how they are developing as a team. While we lost four outstanding seniors to graduation, our expectations for this year are very high, said Lee. A lot of the younger runners have improved dramatically over the past year, and I cant wait to see the results of their hard work.

STATE CHAMPS Darien, off to the races in 2011 (abov), has seen many run off to new college horizons in 2012.

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THE DARIEN TIMES, THURSDAY, SEPT. 13, 2012

CHASING THE GRAIL ON THE TRAIL Darien High girls cross country captains (from left) Ellen Bauer, Sarah Colon, Grace Loh and Katie Farren lead the Wave.

Wave will chase Ridgefield, but the rest are likely to chase the Wave
By Steven Buono Times Sports Editor Wave senior captains are Grace Loh, Sarah Colon, Ellen Bauer, Katie Farren. All four have run girls cross country and track since their freshman year. Our major strength is the experience the four senior captains have brought to the program, said Darien coach Steve Norris. They compete year round and are entering the fall season with improved winter and spring track times. The younger girls have followed their example by embracing the sport for two or three seasons. Darien went 15-2, losing to Wilton and
Girls Cross Country 2012

Greenwich last season. The Wave was fifth at FCIACs behind Ridgefield, Greenwich, Wilton and Weshtill. At states the Wave was fourth in Class L behind Wilton, Pomperaug, E O Smith. Darien loses to graduation: McKinley Stauffer who was the teams fourth runner and Second Team All-FCIAC last year, Meredith Ott who was sixth runner, and Class of 11 captains Emma Davis and Katie Donovan. Loh finished fourth at last years FCIAC championships and improved on that last spring, running a 5:07 1600m. Colon was our second runner with a best 3200m track time of 11:57, said Norris.

Bauer was our third runner and second team all FCIAC, Farren was our fifth runner with a best 3200 time of 12:38. Sophie Long was Dariens eighth runner last season. Claire Walker returns with greatly improved spring track times, Norris said in wrapping up the seniors prospects. Junior Alex Ford also enters her third cross country season with improved spring track times, he said. Johnston unleashes her speed Sophomores include Anne Johnston who had Dariens best track 3200m performance with a time of 11:26, and Elisabeth Lowe, with a second in the 1600m with a time of 5:22. In FCIAC dual meets there are a few teams such as Staples, Westhill, and Warde which

have the potential to take a couple of top places against us, Norris said. However, we should ultimately prevail with our depth. Darien starts on a rough track. Our toughest meet will be our first, against Ridgefield at Ridgefield, said Norris. They are defending state open champions and have sustained no graduation losses. Ridgefield is last years league champion and the favorite closer to home too. Darien is the only school with a shot to unseat them, said Norris. At the Class L meet strong teams are Pomperaug of Southbury, Wilton and E O Smith. We are preseason favorites, Norris added.

Football: If you compare the 2010 team to the 2012 team I think there are a lot of similarities
Continued from page 2D on 88 carries last season, is at fullback. Bet on it being a big year for Bogner. Where we start to lack experience, but have some talented kids, is out at wide receiver, Trifone said. We graduated a lot of our tall trees, so at wide out right now we have senior Jackson Whiting, who has done very well. On the other side there is Kyle Gifford, a junior, and Graham Lesko, a senior, both battling for the job. At tight end is a 6-3, 210pound senior in Jack Bennett, who played as an underclassman, left the game, bulked up, and is a welcome addition this year. Senior C.J. Rai is back as kicker, and expected to be equal to the task of taking over from high scoring Chris Smith (Class of 2012). Daly Hebert will be called on as well. Will Lochtefeld (6-1, 240), second in sacks for DHS last season, returns. And they can move too, Trifone said of Lochtefeld and DAndrea. Nose guard, up from JV, and joining them is Chris Hammernick. Behind them, linebacker Andrew Malley, who started every game last year and Matt Brown (6-2, 205) who is looking to do that this season. The entire secondary returns. Brian Weigand is at one corner, Whiting at another. Gesualdi and Vanderhorn, last year at safety, are there again. Once more, four guys that have been there, done that, said Trifone. That gives you the experience. Wave captains are Baldwin, Gesualdi, Vanderhorn, DAndrea and Malley. New to the lineup junior Myles Ridder at outside linebacker, corner John Reed, who did play some last year and had a couple of interceptions as a sophomore on varsity, and senior Theo Frelinghuysen, who played when he was younger, left the game, and like Bennett, came back bigger and stronger. And he is doing a nice job, said Trifone. He helped our depth and is definitely going to get varsity snaps. Back-up quarterback is Silas Wyper. Every returning starter has the capability of making a big play, said Trifone, not relying totally on Gesualdi, Baldwin and change. Thats what a veteran team gives you too. A pretty accurate survey of the league Dariens schedule is promising. Promising just what, though, is not an easy guess. Heres the reality, said Trifone, with, apparently, one and only one gigantic iceberg in the offing in top-rated Staples before Turkey Bowl. Heres a pretty accurate survey of the league. Staples probably returns the best team that Marce Petroccio has every had. Are all the Wreckers back from the All Hallows Eve-eve whiteout wipe out game at Westport, where Darien lost 42-23, ruining its postseason shot last year? Every one of them, said Trifone. Marce and I kind of kid one another. Because he knew that I had a lot coming back. But ironically, hes got more. And everyone knows that, its not a secret. Marce has the best team, or equal to the best team, hes ever had. Staples visits the Wave in week seven, Oct. 27. Darien opens up at Ludlowe 7 p.m. on Sept. 14, then has its home opener vs. Warde 1:30 p.m. Sept. 22, followed by games vs. St. Joseph, Danbury, Trumbull, Wilton. And New Canaans New Canaan I dont care what they say, said Trifone. We just did a (five year) study to determine who has the highest winning percentage (in the FCIAC) and guess who was No. 1? Rams, is the correct answer. Staples was two, and three? The good old Blue Wave, said Trifone. He wont call them sleepers, because, basically, if you snooze against them, you lose. Theyre far from being sleepers these are teams that are going to surprise people, said Trifone. Surprise people, either, upsetting major teams, potentially including ourselves, and or just (have) great records that you dont normally see. One is St. Joes. Last year they were a year away, he added. Thats why they are kind of under the radar. So thats game three for us. Theyve got speed, theyre big, theyre going to be very good. Dariens felled foe from its FCIAC title year of 2010 is back up off the mat. You are going to hear Trumbull roaring again, he said. Trumbull had a rough year last year, and people are kind of counting them out. And Im telling you right now, dont. Theyre very motivated by their down season last year. Trifone adds that none of the not-sleepers are in Staples category. But, Trumbull is good Wilton is good, he said. Wilton will cause problems for everyone. They return a good wide out and an enormous line. They have three kids over 300 pounds. And again, maybe (its) one of those teams that a year ago was 5-5, are 6-4 or what ever the heck they were it gets deceiving. And it gets strange. The last one, and most people arent going to believe this, yet, is Trinity, said Trifone of the team that tends to be quickly checked in the win column for DHS every year. Trinitys running back (Shaquan Howsie) last year hurt his ACL and didnt play. He started for them as a sophomore, in the backfield. And as a sophomore was one of the best running backs in the league. Hes legit hes 215 pounds and you cant tackle him. You can make out a faint echo of Dariens last championship year, but the sound wont rebound in the same way. If you compare the 2010 team to the 2012 team I think there are a lot of similarities, Trifone said. I think the difference is, in 2010, the league was a little down, and we were up. And now? The leagues not down this year.

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LOTS OF LIFE IN RILEY Captain Riley Sousa takes the floor the top setter, above, while captain Kelly Kosnik is set to serve up a storm below. (Darien Times/Steven Buono photos)

Sousa, Kosnik captain spikers as newcomers take center stage

By Steven Buono Times Sports Editor
Girls Volleyball 2012

years crop sees many hit the floor as first-time Darien girls volleyball comes back strong regular starters. Seniors include Kathleen Burke, Lauren with two motivated, experienced senior capPryor, Brittany Osborn, Taylor Cockerill (5tains in Riley Sousa and Kelly Kosnik. But the Wave loses five to graduation, most 10) and Callan Clasby. Juniors are Mckenna Stevenson, Nicole of them with large sneakers to fill, while this

Schmidt, sophomores Celia Martzolf, Claire Naughton (5-10) and Keli Reyes. And joining as a freshman is Isabelle Taylor. Defending league champ Laurie LaRusso coached Darien went 23-1 last season, only losing to Southington 3-1 in the state semis. Last season Sousa, 5-foot-8, had 177 assists, 95 digs and 53 kills.

Kosnik, the same size as Sousa, made 119 kills, serves 32 aces and had 49 digs. She averaged 2.1 kills per game. Osborn had 67 kills, 47 aces, 86 digs last season. Darien began the season hosting Trumbull Sept. 12. The Wave looks likely to keep its FCIAC crown.

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THE DARIEN TIMES, THURSDAY, SEPT. 13, 2012

JUMPIN JACK CATCH Jack Fisher makes the stops for DHS. (Darien Times/Steven Buono photo)

A work in progress, but they are coming along quickly

By Steven Buono Times Sports Editor The year 2011 was the Waves best, making it to the FCIAC semis and charging into states. This year, while Darien retains one big reason it did so well, so suddenly last season, in first year coach Jon Bradley, it loses another factor in its 2011 success. Gone to graduation is the whole of the defense. Darien loses six starters, and 16 varsity roster players in all. Eleven players return. Its always going to be tough in this league and our mission is to try and make the state tournament, said Bradley. Anything beyond that will be a bonus. Thats our first stop.
Boys Soccer 2012

But is there a remedy for the exodus at defense? We just work hard and have our defense organized, and theyre a work in progress, but they are coming along quickly, said Bradley. I think our defense is going to surprise a few people. You just keep plugging away. And Marcus Iqbal, Graham Helgans, Jonathan Gill, Nick Vilter, Josh Zavala, Alex Gunya plug the back gap. I think the main strength about them is going to be about their character, said Bradley, not just of the defense, but the entire roster. And its going to be about how quickly they can get together as a team. Because we know we dont have 11 individuals who can beat anyone.

Up front Darien can offset the losses at the back though, with a potent scoring potential returned in Brennan Branca, Spencer McMullin and Ben Highton. We scored a lot of goals last season and the best form of defense is attack, said Bradley. So we are going to go at teams and try to score some goals. At midfield Darien rotates in the Branca, McMullin, Highton, playing at forward as well, and the Wave has sophomore Henrik Stockinger and Chris Chiamulera. Beyond that, the cements still wet. At the moment Im not too sure, were just trying to find our feet, Bradley said. Well get the right players in the right places. Darien retains enough to make a go of it, but there is no getting around it being a big turnover year. We lost a lot of kids, Bradley added.

Bradley brings up three freshmen including Andrew Mathew, Jack Kniffin, Bart Dziedzic. And we could have up to three of them starting, said Bradley. The season is in good hands in goal, with the return of Jack Fisher, excellent in Dariens run last season. Obviously we are looking to him, said Bradley. Hes a captain and keeper, so we are looking for leadership from him to help the defense get together. McMullin, Branca and Highton, with Fisher, captain the team. Darien was 14-4-3 last fall finishing up in the state quarterfinals, losing both at states and in FCIACs to the eventual title winning teams in Bunnell and Trumbull respectively. If they can gel together as a unit, then nothing will surprise me this season, Bradley said.

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BOARD MUCH Leader of the divers Caroline Ashcraft gathers her thoughts, concentrating between high scoring splashdowns last season. (Darien Times/Steven Buono photo)

Eleven freshmen join Orem, Leunis, Ashcraft, Treesh captained Wave

By Steven Buono Times Sports Editor Darien graduates about 10 swimmers, but still, the team has grown, and from the bottom up. I have a very strong freshman class of 11, said Wave girls swim-dive team veteran coach Marj Trifone. I only have five seniors on the team. They include captains, diver Caroline Ashcraft, and swimmers Olivia Leunis, Caroline Orem and Claire Treesh. Leunis does breast stroke and IM, Orem swims IM and backstroke, Treesh the back. Senior Francesca Milewski is sprint freestyle. I have a junior group of 13, said Trifone. And that group is really strong too. All resulting in, what? I think that we are going to have a great dual meet season, Trifone said. We have three big meets, New Canaan, Wilton and Greenwich. And we have all three of them this year usually you just have two of the three. Darien is in Class L come states, always
Girls Swim-Dive 2012

the event the team prepares for starting with day one. We are very deep in events this year, said Trifone. We will swim against New Canaan, Wilton, Cheshire. So, we have the hardest division. In the LL its only Greenwich. Wilton moved up to L. Obviously that is going to be an ultra competitive meet, Trifone said. Who is swimming where? I do think its a tough call with the lineup this year, added Trifone. Because in so many cases theres a lot of people that are very close in time. Likely assignments do include Amanda Bieler in the sprint mid-distance free, and the above mentioned senior match-ups. My team in general, there are quite a few kids that are very versatile, Trifone said. Caroline Orem is very versatile, Courtney Ferreira, a sophomore very versatile I think Elizabeth Kearney, Olivia Leunis, Julia Stobbie. So I think I have a good group that can kind of go in a lot of different events.

Freshman Lauren Rutledge looks good in the sprint freestyle, Trifone added, and Maggie Orem should produce points as a freshman as well. Diving: Ashcraft captains the plank With standout Lizzie Fitzpatrick off to private school Caroline Ashcraft returns as leading diver. We have a much smaller squad than any year since I began coaching at DHS, with only five divers, said Darien coach Shannon Eagan. However, all five divers train year round, with very (serious) programs and all but one, our freshman Jenny Schrenker, are returning and therefore bring experience. Returning divers include Molly Klein and Olivia Piazza. Having been there before is all when casting your fates to the bouncing board. The experience is obviously invaluable in terms of containing nerves and maintaining composure during big dual meets, like Greenwich and New Canaan, as well as competing during the Championship season, said Eagan. The Darien swim-dive team should find

plenty of points per usual from off of the board. I am looking forward to a successful dual meet season, Eagan added. New Canaan will certainly be the toughest competition for the divers as they have three very strong girls. I am hoping that point-wise, we can contribute positively in each meet in order to help the swimming and diving team achieve all of its goals for the season. On the team The Wave roster includes seniors Olivia Leunis, Caroline Ashcraft, Francesca Milewski, Caroline Orem, Claire Treesh, juniors Lia Barsanti, Amanda Bieler, Victoria Chao, Jessica Chen, Natalie Grune, Elizabeth Kearney, Molly Klein, Olivia Piazza, Sam Schrenker, Jessica Selensky, Megan Slaughter, Julia Stobbie, Michelle Wall, sophomores Megan Baird, Maddie Burke, Mackenzie Coughlin, Courtney Ferreira, Maggie Haddad, Maddy Hauben, Emily Nixon, Kyla Pech, Helen Watson, freshmen Belle Stobbie, Morgan Desautelle, Caroline Weeks, Becca Maroney, Lauren Rutledge, Jenny Schrenker, Maggie Orem, Murphy Grady, Paige Cleary, Hannah Vogel, Elizabeth Ferguson.

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THE DARIEN TIMES, THURSDAY, SEPT. 13, 2012

RAISING SPIRITS Sophomore Kristyn Breden brighten spirits with Wave cheerleaders as summer fades to fall. (Darien Times/Steven Buono photo)

Cheerleaders continue to grow as a team

The Wave is led by seniors Ali McGarey, Izzy Lee, Kelly Manhart and Jennifer ONeill. Lee, Manhart and McGarey are captains. coach Lauren Moore on the eve of the new Juniors include Andrea Tishman, Kayla I am looking forward to my third year season. Its very difficult with no feeder pro- Breden, Julia Rae Hodenfield, Julia Westerman, coaching and hoping to continue to grow the gram in town, but the girls have continued to Kelly Brustman, Francesca Cara, Meredith cheerleading program here in Darien, said grow as a team! Crafford. By Steven Buono Times Sports Editor
Cheerleading 2012

Sophomores are Kristyn Breden, Rose Armstrong, Megan Whittier and Annie Trask. Six freshman join in with roster additions of Alexis Wagoner, Christen Carnes, Katie Conn, Taylor Conrad, Victoria Pulvirenti and Savannah Chaput. Moore is assisted by Ashley Lowney.