While in past years, varsity teams have been optimistic about the start of the season, this year the uncertainty is palpable. Unanswered questions linger about new coaches, injuries, and captains. Here are the most important things you need to know about Fieldston sports going into the school year.
Football
Last Season: 2-4
Players to Watch: Malik Thompson, Henry Miller
Replacing eight seniors from the graduating class of 2013 will be hard for this Eagles team. With only one sophomore on the roster and a small group of freshmen, the team will have to work extra hard on the field. “We need to be in much better shape for the season,” says running back Jack Upton (V). Sam Healy (‘13) left big shoes to fill at the quarterback position; all eyes are on junior quarterback Henry Miller (V) who will start the season opener on September 7th against Christ the King.
Miller commented that he is, “taking control in the huddle and… setting high expectations for myself and others.”
Malik Thompson (VI) who has taken reps at the running back, cornerback, and the receiver position, is also said to be an emerging force. Thompson said practice during preseason led to his improvement as a player. “I’m much wiser in terms of the way I play the game. I find it easier to position myself at the right place to make the play,” he said. Thompson also said he was humbled to be elected team captain. “It’s a special feeling when you know the guys around you have chosen you as one of their leaders.”
While Fieldston football has some questions about the depth of their roster, the team has high hopes with leaders like Henry Miller and Malik Thompson.
Volleyball
Last Season: 13-4
Players to Watch: The TEAM
With a stunning record, there are high expectations for this team in the coming season.
“The mentality is that we always expect to win, and losing should come as a surprise,” says Danielle Sutton (V).
The team does not expect to lose, and hasn’t thus far. Beating Poly Prep in a pre-season scrimmage, they look prepared to repeat as state champs this year.
This team has talent, but what separates them from others is teamwork. The bench matters just as much as the players on the court. You can be sure that if someone makes a mistake during a match, it’s on the team and not the individual.
Girls’ Soccer
Last Season: 10-8
Players to Watch: Livi Block, Hanna Kaeser, Chloe Chasanoff
With star talent from the captains, this Eagles team has many people betting on them to win the Ivy League. Captain Livi Block (VI) said, “I hope to lead by example… my responsibilities shouldn’t just be demonstrated on the field but in all aspects of our school life because we’re not just playing for the team; we represent the entire Fieldston community.”
Other team members said team chemistry will play an important role in their success during the season. “There are certain things that need to happen in terms of the team dynamic. We need to be a team that works well with each other. We need to click on the field, and that means it needs to be less about the individual and more about the team as a whole,” said Dalia Wrocherinsky (V).
The captains may have superb leadership skills, but their talent on the field is not lacking either. With Block’s vision and speed, and Hanna Kaesar’s lethal shot, the Eagles are constantly intimidating defenders. The final captain Chloe Chasanoff also adds a spark to the offense with her ability to score from extreme angles. As Block observes, “her signature pull back move always fakes out the defender.”
Boys Soccer
Last Season: 5-10
Players to Watch: Damian Hardung, Connor Stephens, Declan O’Connor, Ben Gottschalk
Boy’s soccer has thrived under new coach Seamus McDaid, with an impressive 8-0 victory over Riverdale Kingbridge Academy in their first scrimmage.
“[McDaid’s philosophy] focuses on ball possession and passing more than the physical aspects of the game,” says sharp shooter Declan O’Connor, form V.
With the addition of junior Damian Hardung, form V, from Germany, the Eagles have found a new source of speed and quickness. Only standing at 5’7 at the right mid position, Hardung is usually the smallest on the field, but as Ben Gottschalk, form V, notes, “he has great touch, and he is great at winning the ball back, which creates many opportunities.” The rest of the juniors on the Eagles will complement Hardung’s talents, especially midfielder Ben Gottschalk. Gottschalk, along with Handung, has finished first in all the sprints and long distance runs proving to be extremely fit for this year’s season.
As O’Connor says. “The best part of Gottschalk’s game is just his natural athleticism and speed,” which will pair nicely with “Handung’s endurance, and the fact that he is one of the few people who will use his weak foot.” This along with O’Connor’s shooting expertise, and Connor Stephens’s strength and overall presence at the defensive end, will make this Eagles team a force to be reckoned with.
Cross Country
Players to Watch: Ben Fitts, Ezra Hornick
Until this year, kids “were running cross country just to get out of gym,” observed by sophomore runner Zaj Vidal-Burgie. However, with Head Coach Keeling the team has a new attitude, and is “learning things about running that they never knew before,” says Vidal-Burgie. Ezra Hornick also commented on Coach Keeling saying, “she is very tough, and is most famous for her ab workouts. She deserves a lot of credit for improvements.”
While there has been much enthusiasm this preseason, there have also been disappointments. One of the best runners on the team, Ben Fitts, form V, suffered a compound fracture on his foot forcing him to watch from the sidelines. This will put pressure on Ezra Hornick, form V, to carry the load. Hornick is currently the fastest on the team running a 4k in 16:30 through the back hills and flats at Van Cortlandt Park. You can attribute Hornick’s improvement to his intense workout consisting of 400 crunches, 100 pushups, and four 800m runs.
Field Hockey
Last season: 12-3
Players to Watch: Seniors
Looking to repeat previous years’ success the Eagles are dedicated and serious about this upcoming season. With only one underclassman (Carmen Cee) the Eagles have many veterans with a lot of experience.
“The seniors especially want to leave the team with pride, and to see our team put up the banner again,” says Sydney Beres, form VI.
The team has many goals including repeating as AAIS tournament champs. Winning states will be a harder task, but this core of seniors is determined. Seniors hope to leave a legacy and distinguish the team and leave their mark on Fieldston history.
Girls’ Tennis
Last Season: 0-14
Players to Watch: Emma Kassan
After a challenging 2012 season, the tennis team is in the rebuilding process. After the departure of head coach Narasimhan Narayanan, the Eagles found the perfect replacement in Coach Mike. “He has really focused on motivating our team to step it up this year,” says Tally Wick, form V.
Varsity spots didn’t come easy for juniors or seniors this year, and spots that usually went to upperclassmen because of their age are now going to underclassman because of talent. Playing number one singles this year is sophomore Emma Kassan, form IV. The team has high hopes for the coming season.
