Athletics News
All about the Wildcats

Athletes of the Week

Leave a comment

Abigail Touhey ’22- Girls Varsity Track

Abigail has started off strong for the Wildcats this season. On Wednesday, Abigail ran the 1500m, running a quick 5:45. She raced side by side with her teammate the entire three and three-quarter laps, and had just enough of a kick to nab the win at the finish line. On Saturday, at the competitive Deerfield Relays, Abigail was the anchor leg of the distance medley relay. She got the baton in a tight three-way race, but after just a lap, it was just her and a girl from Andover. Abigail ran a courageous and tough race, helping the team earn a well-deserved 2nd place in the junior DMR, running a 5:51. Continue reading →

Posted in: Athletes of the Week

Command Center: Jordan Strum’s Pitching Power

1 Comment

By Matt Liebowitz

Jordan Strum’s fastball makes a mark—on the opposing lineup, who one after another leave the box dejected, bat in hand; on the catcher’s glove, which it hits with a satisfying and resonant smack; and on her coaches and teammates, who show the confidence of playing behind such a force on the mound.

Jordan’s fastball, most of all, makes a mark on Jordan. Her arsenal of pitches, which also includes a change-up, drop curve, screwball, and “riseball,” is, in a way, Jordan’s armor on the softball field. Continue reading →

Posted in: Athlete Profile

Athletes of the Week

Leave a comment

Gabby Jones ’18 –Varsity Softball

Gabby has been on fire during the start the season for the Wildcats. This week alone she accumulated 4 hits, including a homerun and a double, 4 runs scored, and 5 RBIs against Marianapolis Prep. She continued her dominance against Westminster, as she went 2 for 3 at the plate with an RBI, and again against Berkshire where she muscled another 4 hits, 2 of which were doubles, 3 runs, and 4 RBI’s.  An outstanding 3 game week for the junior. Defensively, she played both short stop and 3rd base for the Wildcats, demonstrating her versatility in the field. Gabby has a work ethic that is second to none and always encourages her teammates to give their best effort on and off the field. Continue reading →

Posted in: Athletes of the Week

JT Chamberlain Fulfills Longtime Dream, Signs to Assumption College Hockey

Leave a comment
JT and parents, Judy and John Chamberlain

By Matt Liebowitz

JT Chamberlain’s dream has come true. And like any sought-after goal, his took a long time, a lot of early mornings, persistence, and patient, proud parents.

On Wednesday, April 12, JT formally committed to play hockey next year for the Greyhounds of Assumption College in Worcester, MA. JT, a Williston Northampton senior and forward for the Wildcats, has been anticipating this since around the time he could lace up his own skates.

“It’s awesome,” said JT, 19, who plans to study sports management. “I’ve been waiting for this since I was five years old.” Continue reading →

Posted in: College Signings, NCAA Commitments

A Lifetime on Skates Leads Nick Schofield to a Skyhawk Slot

Leave a comment
Nick Schofield ’17

Nick Schofield, who on April 12 signed a letter of intent to play hockey at Stonehill College next fall, recalls a proud moment in the rink. It lasted only 10 seconds, but it made the difference in the game. Playing Millbrook School at Williston’s Lossone Rink this winter, the teams were tied, and 17 seconds remained on the overtime clock. Before the face-off, Nick told his defenseman he would take possession of the puck back and pass it to him. “’We are going to get it and win this game,’” he told his teammate. “The puck dropped and I won the draw back and we executed,” Nick said. “I scored the winning goal with seven seconds left, and it is a moment I will never forget.” Continue reading →

Posted in: Athletics News, College Signings, NCAA Commitments

Athletes of the Week

Leave a comment

Mason Balch ’18- Boys Varsity Lacrosse

Mason had a fantastic week for the Wildcats varsity lacrosse team. On Wednesday, he contributed 4 goals and 3 assists in a narrow loss to Albany Academy. His great play continued on Saturday as he finished the day with 3 goals and 5 assists in a league-opening win against Gunnery. His 7 goals and 8 assists lead the team in both categories. Mason’s team first mentality and tireless effort to perfect his craft provides a great example for everyone on the team! Continue reading →

Posted in: Athletes of the Week

Ian Ostberg Receives Dr. Frank L. Boyden Award

Leave a comment
Ian Ostberg with the Dr. Frank L. Boyden Award

Williston Northampton School senior football captain Ian Ostberg received the Dr. Frank L. Boyden Award at the annual National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame scholar-athlete dinner held at the University of Massachusetts on April 9.

Over 500 in attendance saw the Florence, Mass., native become the 18th Williston recipient of this prestigious award, given to the top prep school football scholar-athlete in western Massachusetts, and the sixth Williston recipient in a row. The Boyden Award has been presented since 1962.

As a football player, Ian had a tremendous career at Williston. As a sophomore, he started at safety on a Super Bowl team. As a junior, he took over the reins at quarterback and had a tremendous two-year stint rewriting the school record book both in season and career totals. In 17 starts during his career, he threw for a remarkable, record-setting 4,310 yards and 45 touchdown passes. Continue reading →

Posted in: Dr. Frank L. Boyden Award

Water Polo Brings Out Abbie Coscia’s Inner Warrior

Leave a comment
Abbie Coscia ’19

By Matthew Liebowitz

The first time Abbie Coscia’s mom saw her daughter play water polo, she was horrified.

“She screamed, ‘That girl’s drowning my daughter,’” recalled Abbie.

Her grandfather, who Abbie cited as one of her “biggest supporters,” saw things differently, even from the first time she jumped in the pool as a seventh grader.

Well, maybe not right away. Water polo is, notoriously, a brutally hands-on sport.

“When I was a little seventh grader, he might have been worried,” Abbie said. It didn’t take long for her grandfather, who also played, and now regularly sends her tips and texts after games, to realize Abbie’s prowess in the pool would outdo any fears he had for her safety. Continue reading →

Posted in: Athletics News

Winter Sports Awards and Academic All Americans

Leave a comment

The winter sports season is fading in the rearview mirror, and with spring storms leaving traces of snow around campus, it’s hard to believe winter sports are becoming a dim memory. But Athletic Director Mark Conroy wanted the Williston community to remember some exemplary sports achievements during the winter term and expanded the list of recognition-worthy students he offered in March.

JV Swimming
Most Valuable Player Award — Alan Martin ’20
Most Improved — Rachel Burke ’19
Sportsmanship — Toshiki Ayabe ’18

Girls varsity hockey players during its pink in the rink game
Girls varsity hockey players during a “pink in the rink” game

Girls Varsity Hockey
Most Valuable Player Award — Danielle Marquez ’18, Marielle McHale ’18
Most Improved — Madison Cardaci ’20
Sportsmanship — Alexis Ryan ’17 Continue reading →

Posted in: Athletics News

Fight and Flight: Mercier’s Record-Shattering Diving Success

2 Comments

By Matt Liebowitz

Gabby Mercier '17 and teammate Natalie Aquadro '17
Gabriella Mercier ’17 and teammate Natalie Aquadro ’17

Gabby Mercier made an indelible mark on Williston’s diving program this year. She broke the school record for the six-dive and the 11-dive events; she broke the pool record for the 11-dive event; she broke her own NEPSAC Division II 11-dive record; and she set the 11-dive New England Open record, landing the highest score of all time in NEPSAC history.

If the stats seem overwhelming, how about a more succinct encapsulation of Gabby’s four years of outstanding accomplishments from Williston’s Athletic Director, Mark Conroy: “She’s arguably the greatest diver in the school’s history.” Continue reading →

Posted in: Athletics News