RCDS Spring Sports Preview
Championship Missions Bloom With Spring at Rye Country Day

One could make the argument that each of Rye Country Day’s spring teams is a contender for a championship in its respective sport. And, not unlike the Wildcat squads whose seasons are just getting underway, the argument would probably be a winning one.

Girls’ Lacrosse

To reclaim the NYSAIS State Championship they won in 2007, head coach Georgette Summers has set an immediate goal for her Wildcats.

“We need to have a stronger start to the season,” said Summers, whose team was ousted in the semifinals last year. “We have to play well and win against all NYSAIS opponents. With continued skill development and team play, the girls will be working to play their best lacrosse in each and every game.”

Rye Country Day has the roster to improve upon their 2008 finish. The team returns five seniors and six juniors, with captains Rebecca Diefenbach, Regan Lengsfield, and Jena Goettisheim at the helm. Coach Summers likes the ambition, work ethic, and competitive nature she witnessed at spring training in Florida.

“Regan and Jena are homes and will direct and lead our offensive group,” said Summers. “Becca has perfected her draw so she'll be playing center, defense wing, and offense wing for us this season. They are talented and spirited, and set a wonderful example for the younger girls on our spring training trip.”

Boys’ Lacrosse

When other teams game plan Rye Country Day, the two-pronged attack of Cody Levine and J.P. Garry will be at the top of their notes. The senior captains combined for over 100 points in 2008, and are likely to be at the forefront of a Wildcat team attempting to better their 8-11 record from a year ago.

“I expect Levine and Garry to perform at a high level each and every game,” said head coach Matt Rosolen. “They have a wealth of talent and experience and should be able to cause some match-up difficulties for opposing teams.”

John Walsh is Rye Country Day’s other captain, and – along with the team leaders – Rosolen expects Harry Razook, Chris Seter, and Joe Kaplan to be among the upper echelon of Wildcats. Another impact player will be junior goaltender Chandler Grinnell, who takes over in net for John Herbster, one of only two players lost to graduation.

“He worked hard in the off-season, and his athletic ability will help us greatly in clearing the ball,” said Rosolen. “His ability to make the big save gives the whole team confidence.”

The Wildcats want to win the FAA League title and play for a Metro League championship this season, as well as give the cross-town Garnets a run for their money in Rye’s annual Mayor’s Cup. To do it, they’ll be counting on the experience a host of current juniors and sophomores gained on last year’s young team.

Softball

Any success the FAA regular season co-champions have will begin on the mound with senior captain Jolie Berke. Berke, the 2008 team MVP, pushed the Wildcats to an 11-3 record by posting a 3.43 ERA with 82 strikeouts in 96 innings of work. She was also a menace with the stick, knocking in a team-best 11 RBIs while compiling a .370 batting average.

Anna Whitehouse and Rachael Jelley join Berke as senior captains. Whitehouse is a four-year starter at first base, and Jelley – who possesses one of the best all-around games in the FAA – has three years’ starting experience in center field. Other returning players include senior outfielders Kim Cunningham and Lindy Knight, junior outfielder Alex Sabatini, sophomore catcher Kim McKoy, and sophomore infielders Jessica Hanway and Elexa Antweil.

The Wildcats lost just three starters – albeit important ones – to graduation, so they feel they can defend Rye Country Day’s first softball League title, as well as go further than last year’s semifinal exit in the FAA tournament.
“Losing several seniors will impact our offensive performance, but the coaches are confident the players stepping in will be able to produce runs as well,” said head coach Wendy Haft. “We will be doing it in a different way.”

Baseball

Euphoria was the prevailing feeling on Rye Country Day’s baseball diamond late last May, as the Wildcats erased a 4-0 deficit to defeat St. Luke’s 5-4 in extra innings for the team’s first FAA tournament championship. Rye Country Day ended the season a sparkling 20-3, and forged memories to last a lifetime.

Nine seniors graduated from that team, but the championship mentality still presides. If the Wildcats are to repeat in 2009, they’ll rely on the arm of junior pitcher Zach Tax, and seniors Marco Blasetti, a clutch-hitting outfielder, and Sean Bryant, their electrifying catcher. All three are captains.

Boys’ Tennis

Having graduated nine of their 13 players, the Wildcats are looking to a handful of returnees and many new faces to serve the team. The captains are seniors Jordan Kemp, the No. 3 singles player last year, and Joey Connor, a doubles specialist in 2008.

“Jordan has a great attitude and is strong on the court, and Joey had a terrific training camp at Saddlebrook – I see him fitting right in as a singles player,” said head coach Gil Castagna. “Although we’ll be young, there is some nice talent in the program. We look forward to a successful season, and our senior captains will help lead us along the way.”

Also returning are sophomores Paul Fanto, a singles player, and Brenton Howland. The old guard from 2008’s 9-3 team will be mixed with up-and-coming talent like Robert Halperin and freshman Zach Needle. Needle was undefeated in the Middle School program over the last two years.

Girls’ Golf

The Wildcats finished 8-4 last year, and could be equally strong this year if it’s up to senior captains Amanda Cole, Grace Konopka, and Carole Mariani. Head coach Bob TeCarr says it will be their responsibility to groom a group of very young, but very talented players.

Senior Marni Aronson and sophomores Lauren Schumaker and Samantha Coughlin return as well. The rest of the team will be comprised of a group of upstart eighth and ninth graders TeCarr is counting on to have long and celebrated careers at RCDS.

Boys’ Golf

One thing these Wildcats never do is aim low. The boys have already decided they’ll accept nothing short of a fourth consecutive NYSAIS State championship. They also want to take back the FAA title they relinquished in 2008 after winning it the year before.

Senior Conor McDade takes over the reins as captain, bringing enough experience to fill the sand traps in Eleanor’s Teeth, the signature hole at Apawamis – Rye Country Day’s home course.

“He has been a solid leader of the team both formally at meetings and informally within the school day,” said head coach Maryanne Lynch. “He has had captains meetings and has given his viewpoint on sportsmanship and what it means to be a member of the team. He encourages the younger and less experienced players and will continue to be a leader throughout the season, play in one of the top positions, and be the catalyst for the team in tabulating team statistics.”

The Wildcats lost three starters, two to graduation and one to a transfer, which Lynch said was a lot for one year. However, the team does return Colin McDade, Conor’s younger brother, as well as Joe Barber and Brian Starker.

Sailing

Eleven students make up Rye Country Day’s sailing team, which was made a varsity sport five years ago.

“There had been some activity previously, but it was not as well organized as it is now,” said new head coach John Bainton. “It was started by students who wanted to continue their sailing competitiveness during the school year and prepare for college sailing.”

Practice is held at Larchmont Yacht Club, and the Wildcats compete in the Mid-Atlantic region. Most regattas are held between New York and Annapolis. Captains Teddy Mark and William Gleysteen will lead the team. Gleysteen and fellow teammates Andrew Mollerus, Charlie Krause, Thomas Dunn, Michael Ince, and Reid Secondo all attended the team’s spring training trip in Miami at Sail Laser’s training center located within the U.S. Sailing Center. The team practiced for five days on Biscayne Bay, sailing in club 420 sailboats to prepare for the upcoming season.

The Wildcats, who are also assisted by Ben Kulas, a RCDS history teacher with experience and passion for the sport, have set a goal of qualifying for the High School Sailing National Championships.