2019 Spring Sports Wrap-up

Awards and successes marked the final athletic season of the 2018-2019 school year.
Another sports season concluded with successes and awards in every sport. Ten track and field athletes competed in the CIF Finals, the girls’ varsity lacrosse team advanced to the playoffs for the first time in several years, and four members of the boys’ varsity tennis team were named to the CIF All-League first team. Along with traditional successes, all of the teams experienced success on the second scoreboard—a reflection of the character skills we strive for. All of the coaches commented on the impressive levels of cooperation and teamwork the teams shared.

Athletic Director Peter Fagan recapped the season:

I can’t believe I’m writing about the end of the 2019 spring season. It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming the kids back on campus for our annual preseason. Looking back, it’s been quite a year! We saw some great games throughout the fall and winter seasons, some disappointing endings, and many personal achievements. This spring season was no different. All of the teams were competitive against their opponents and had some memorable games. The girls’ lacrosse team fighting to the end of a triple-overtime loss, but avenging that loss with a convincing play-in victory to secure their first playoff berth in 5 years. The boys’ lacrosse team finishing second place in the Channel League with two strong victories over Cate. The boys’ tennis team qualifying for the postseason and finishing second in the strong Tri-Valley League. And, the baseball team narrowly missing the playoffs with a heartbreaking loss in the last game of the season. All of our teams competed with pride and determination.

We also had many personal highlights as well. Caroline Delvecchio finished her stellar high school track career with a 4th place finish in the hurdles at CIF Southern Section finals and completing a four year undefeated streak in the Tri-Valley league. Another impressive result came from Winslow ’20 with a first place win in the 1600 CIF Southern Section finals. On the baseball diamond, Preston ’19 was named league Most Valuable Player by the coaches in the league. As the year comes to an end, we will miss our many senior student athletes as they move on to bigger things. They have given us the gift of watching them grow and compete these past four years, and their efforts will not be forgotten. As always, there is nothing better than watching our athletes compete on our fields. Their passion, sportsmanship, and commitment is second to none, and it makes me proud to be part of it. That’s a wrap for 2019…..Go Toads!

Track and Field

Track and Field coach Sara DelVecchio spoke about four special seniors: Lily, Ford, Isabel, and Caroline: “Coaching them and working with them has been a highlight of my 20+ years at Thacher and as a coach.” Under their leadership, the team had notable accomplishments this year: The TOADs were the Tri-Valley League Champions and 10 athletes competed in the CIF Prelims. Two runners also experienced great success: Caroline wasundefeated in the league in both 100m and 300m hurdles from 10th grade on, holds the 100m hurdles School record, and placed 4th in the 100m and 300m hurdles at CIF finals. Winslow ’20 was the 1600m Tri-Valley League Champion; won the 1600m at the Southern Section Division 4 League Finals and at the Russell Cup. They were not the only successful Toads at the Tri-Valley League Championships: Kyle ’20 took 1st place in the boys 300m hurdles; other Toads earned four 2nd place finishes and four 3rd place finishes.

Most Valuable Player: Winslow ’20, Caroline ’19
Thacher Cup Award: Caroline ’19, Winslow ’20,
David S. Lavender Improvement Award: Sophie ’22, Winslow ’20
Spirit Award: Edward ’22 and Isabel ’19

Varsity Baseball

The varsity baseball team had an excellent season with only one loss for the year. Extending the success they experienced last year, the Toads beat every team in the league at least once. Senior captains JJ and Preston lead the team and Preston was voted the Frontier League Most Valuable Player by the league coaches. With only three players graduating, the team is looking forward to continued success as the underclassmen continue to improve and contribute.

Most Valuable Player: Preston ’19
Most Inspirational: Dash ’21, Will ’22
Most Improved Player: Teddy ’21
All Frontier League Awards
Most Valuable Player: Preston CF ’19
1st team: SS-P JJ ’19
2nd team: 3B Teddy ’21
2nd team: C Conner ’22

Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse

It was a successful season for the girls’ varsity lacrosse team, who advanced into the postseason for the first time in many years. A victory against San Marcos in a “play-in” game to secure the number seven seed in the D2 playoffs. Under the leadership of captains Maya ’19 and Grace ’19, the girls fought hard in every game. Season highlights included an 11-10 last second victory over San Marcos at home and a quadruple overtime against D2 defending champions Dos Pueblos. Every attacker scored this season; junior Sydney led the team with an impressive 55 goals. Our defensive unit was united and supportive, many times stopping league-leading scorers from notching more than a goal.

Most Valuable Player, Defensive: Lulu ’19
Most Valuable Player, Offensive: Sydney ’20
Unsung Hero: Lila ’20
Most Improved Player: Mya ’20

Boys’ Varsity Tennis

The boys’ varsity tennis team finished second in the league with a 6-1 record in league play and 6-3 overall. Highlights of the season: Eight players made it to the final day and George ’19 and Charlie ’22 defeated the number two doubles team from Cate for third place in the All-League tournament. Our doubles team of Max ’19 andJohn ’19 competed in The Ojai, a national tennis tournament.

Most Valuable Player: Max ’19
Unsung Hero: Charles Kern ’21
Most Improved Player: William ’20

CIF All-League Awards
First Team: Max ’19, John ’19, Charlie ’22, George ’19
Second Team: Wyatt ’22
Honorable Mention: John ’20

Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse

Coach Sullivan said that the boys’ varsity lacrosse team “was one of the most consistently good in recent memory.” They played their best lacrosse down the home stretch, finishing the campaign on a four-game winning streak and outscoring opponents 55-29 over those last four games. And, their results improved with each rematch: against Cate we went from a 1-goal win to a 6-goal win; against Dos Pueblos, from a 1-goal loss to a 4-goal win; against San Marcos, from an 8-goal defeat to a 4-goal defeat; and against Santa Barbara, from a 5-goal win to a 9-goal win. The team’s goal was to get better every time they stepped on the field, and the boys proudly accomplished that this season.

Most Valuable Player: Michael ’20
Unsung Hero: Charlie ’19
Most Improved Player: Richard ’20
Team Spirit Award: Jackson ’20

Girls’ JV Lacrosse

The girls’ JV lacrosse team was a “terrific group.” From the very first practice, the coaches were impressed by the eagerness and coachability of each individual. Their positive spirit never faltered throughout the spring. The athletes were quick to recognize the achievements and improvement of their peers on the team, and through it all, the group remained positive and focused on having fun and daily improvement. The team was particularly proud of their win against San Marcos on the road and how well they played in the second half of each game as they adjusted to the challenges from the first half.  

Most Valuable Player: Dechen ’21
Most Inspirational Player: The whole team!
Most Improved Player: Lizbeth ’21

Boys’ JV Lacrosse

Boys’ JV lacrosse ended their season with a 5-3 record. They started the season strong with a win against Cate in the first game of the season. After a two game falter, the team went on a four-game win streak. They were particularly proud of a hard-fought rematch against previously undefeated San Marcos.

Most Valuable Player: Jake ’20
Unsung Hero: Lawrence ’22
Most Improved Player: James ’22

Boys’ JV Tennis

The boys JV tennis season was a successful endeavor both in the game scores, but also in sportsmanship and camaraderie. The roster this year was essentially made up of all new faces, including many seniors who were out for the first time. Many of these seniors came with athleticism and previous tennis experience that helped the team finish the season with a 4-0 record.

The team’s goals this year were to appreciate the opportunity of playing tennis in one of the most beautiful places on earth and to support each other in the pursuit of being their best selves every day. Whether it be in our official matches or mini-tournaments during practice, all players bought into that mission. Coach Popa said, “It was appropriate that at our last day of practice we finished our season with members of our team happily volunteering at the Many Meals meal service in Santa Paula. Overall, this was a great season.”

Most Valuable Player: Evan ’19
Most Improved Player: Jae ’21

A special thanks goes out to all of the coaches, team managers—and especially to our Athletic Director Peter Fagan—for their dedication to the teams and the Toads who comprise them. Students have made it home, but before we know it, student athletes will return to campus for pre-season camps in August.
Back

More About Thacher

Interested in learning more about Thacher? Sign up for a virtual visit here.
Notice of nondiscriminatory policy as to students: The Thacher School admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other School-administered programs.