Four Williston students signed letters of intent to play college sports. Caitlin Keefe will attend Bentley University and play lacrosse. Duncan LeXander will attend Presbyterian College and play basketball. Ian Ostberg signed to play baseball at Quinnipiac University. Brian Sullivan will play lacrosse at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Read more about their athletic careers by clicking on the links:

Caitlin Keefe story and photos

Duncan LeXander story and photos

Ian Ostberg story and photos

Brian Sullivan story and photos

Early exposure to baseball helped Ian Ostberg craft not only skill at the game, but a love of getting better. He recalls that he played ball in the yard with his father for as long as he can remember, and started on a league at age 6. Over the years, he has worn the uniforms of the Northampton Legion and a summer program called AP Academy. But he’s been a Wildcat for his four high school years, and on November 16, he signed a letter of intent to play baseball for Division I Quinnipiac University, where, keeping it feline, he play as a Bobcat. Continue reading →

Four-year senior Brian Sullivan has signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Massachusetts Minutemen men’s lacrosse team. Sullivan, who has been playing lacrosse since fifth grade, has seen action in league play in South Hadley and for the Northeast Select Lacrosse League and Warrior Elite clubs.

Sullivan said he loves lacrosse because it is “a fast paced and unique” game.

“Brian is one of the most prolific scorers we have,” said Coach Christopher Dietrich. “He’s fast and he has a strong shot. He was a key part of our 2015 WNESSLA Division II championship.”

“I’m very excited and proud of Brian,” said his mother Brandy Sullivan. “With talented coaching he has grown into a strong force on the lacrosse field. I’m looking forward to a successful spring season to finish his Williston career,” she said.

When Caitlin Keefe ’17 was a second grader, her father James Keefe, initiated her into the game of lacrosse by handing her an “old cut-down guy’s stick,” and started coaching her. The early intervention payed off, and on November 16, Caitlin signed a letter of intent to play lacrosse for Bentley University.

Her coach, Jennifer Fulcher, describes Caitlin a fearless and tough competitor and a creative and impeccable scorer. “Her shot is strong and accurate and she is dangerous around the cage even under high defensive pressure,” Fulcher said. Continue reading →

David Fitch ’17 – Varsity Boys Water Polo

David has had a great start to the season for the boys varsity water polo team this fall. This past week he led the team at both ends of the pool. On Saturday, against Suffield Academy, David scored 5 goals and racked up 4 assists on the offensive end of the pool. Defensively, he added 4 steals and 3 field blocks. David has shown great leadership in and out of the pool it is clear he takes pride in aiding the development of the younger players on the squad. David will continue to be a big part of the Wildcats success this season. Continue reading →

At a recent assembly, Athletic Director Mark Conroy discussed the code of ethics that all Williston teammates (and spectators!) must adhere to. Williston abides by the rules established by NEPSAC, the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council, an association of nearly 170 independent schools throughout New England.

“Fair or unfair, a school’s good name or reputation is often times derived from its athletic program because athletics are played on SUCH a public stage,” he said. Williston will compete in over 600 games during the year traveling throughout the northeast and hosting schools from all corners of New England and beyond. “Because of this,” he said, “I believe that our students have both a privilege and a responsibility to represent our school with the highest ideals of sportsmanship when our they pull on that blue and green jersey every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon.” Continue reading →

Jared Freilich of Worcester, a starting pitcher on Williston Northampton School’s Varsity Baseball team for one year, has signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Kentucky this fall.

“Jared worked very hard in the fall and winter preparing for the season,” said his coach, Matthew Sawyer. Freilich had a back injury several years ago and needed to condition to prepare for play. “Then, he worked at his mechanics and now uses his 6’5” frame very well,” Sawyer added. Continue reading →

Williston’s two most prestigious senior athletic awards, the George Denman Bowl for boys and the Alumnae Bowl for girls, were awarded to five Williston seniors at the conclusion of last Friday’s athletic ceremony.  The prizes are awarded to seniors whose contribution to the athletic program have been characterized by exceptional achievement, faithful participation, and loyal devotion to the best interests of the school.

This year’s Denman Award was shared by three exceptional senior boys.   Michael Dereus was the first mentioned recipient.  He has been a terrific two-sport athlete during his two years at Williston.   During the fall, Dereus was an outstanding receiver for the Varsity Football team, averaging over 20 yards per catch, while totaling a school record of 19 touchdown receptions in the past two years.  He was named all-league both years and All-New England as a senior.   During the spring season, Mike brought his great speed and athleticism to the track and field program where he captained the team.  He was undefeated in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes, breaking the school records in both events.  At the NEPSAC championships, he was named the Most Outstanding Male Competitor of the meet.  He is regarding by his coaches as a tremendous team player, whose work ethic and self-less approach made him a exceptional young man to coach. Continue reading →

Friday’s athletic assembly concluded by recognizing Williston’s graduating student-athletes who will compete for their respective college programs in the coming months. Below is a list of Wildcats bound for NCAA competition during the 2016-2017 academic year.

Patrick Beaton – Football & Baseball, Bates College

Delaney Belinskas – Ice Hockey, Boston College

Zachary Bernstein – Baseball, Bates College Continue reading →