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SPRING SPORTS 2009

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Baseball by Billy Cannon, Head Coach

The Hillers opened the 2009 campaign with lofty expectations and goals. Having won the conference the last three years in a row, the team desperately wanted to keep the momentum going. Playing in the newly renovated Ruly Carpenter Stadium also provided the team some added inspiration. Led by captains Kyle Anderson, Charlie Glick and Max Friedman, the Hillers fought to the end, coming just short of their goal. The team completed the season with an overall record of 14-6, 10-2 in the Independent Conference.

Highlights of the season include the first home run ever hit in the new stadium by junior captain Max Friedman against Sanford; senior captain Kyle Anderson’s two complete game shutouts against Friends and Sanford; junior D.J. Park’s pitching victory against #2 ranked St. Elizabeth;

Post Season HonorsBaseballKyle Anderson 1st Team All-Conference: Pitcher and CatcherMax Friedman 1st Team All-Conference: Outfield 2nd Team All-Conference: PitcherAndrew Kreshtool 2nd Team All-Conference: 2nd BaseEvan Kreshtool 2nd Team All-Conference: ShortstopMichael Kreshtool 2nd Team All-Conference: OutfieldSean McCloskey 1st Team All-Conference: OutfieldD.J. Park 1st Team All-Conference: Utility

Girls’ LacrosseKatie Applegate Honorable Mention All-American; 1st Team All-State; 1st Team All-ConferenceGaby Dressler 2nd Team All-ConferenceLindsey Edinger 2nd Team All-ConferenceMary Hobbs 1st team All-American; 1st Team All- State; 1st Team All-ConferenceCaroline Holliday 2nd Team All-State 1st Team All-ConferenceMeghan Lyons 1st Team All-ConferenceLexi Saunders 2nd Team All-ConferenceEmily Schuckert Honorable Mention All-American; 1st Team All-State; 1st Team All-ConferenceTaylor VanSickle 2nd Team All-Conference

Boys’ LacrosseTrip Ashley 2nd Team All-State; 1st Team All- ConferencePreston Boyden 2nd Team All-ConferenceEvan DeDominicis High School All-American; 1st team All-State; 1st team All-Conference. Jake Graham 1st Team All-ConferenceDemetrius Murray 2nd Team All-ConferenceRipley Nielson 1st Team All-ConferenceChas Robino 2nd Team All-ConferenceMax Timmons Honorable Mention All-Conference

Girls’ TennisSarah Garland All-State - 1st DoublesAnnie Hobbs All-State - 1st DoublesLucy McMurry All-State - 3rd Singles

Girls’ SoccerJordan Bills 1st Team All-ConferenceZoe Blake 1st Team All-Conference 2nd Team All-StateElise DeDominicis 2nd Team All-ConferenceGracie Firestone 1st Team All-Conference; All- Conference Player of the Year; 1st Team All-StateChristina Freibott 2nd Team All-Conference; 3rd Team All-StateChristie Pletz 2nd Team All-ConferenceAlex Richmond 1st Team All-Conference; 3rd Team All- StateKendal Robino 2nd Team All-ConferenceChelsea Stuart 2nd Team All-Conference

Track and FieldAndrue Smith All-County 110 meter hurdles

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Schmitt and freshman Maddy Silverman set the bar high as our #1 and #2, and senior Woody Zanzinger had an excellent season playing out at our #3 position. Additionally, seniors Tim Saunders and Samir Yezdani and sophomores Critter Stott and Micheal Mistras all contributed stellar play to the #4, #5 and #6 spots. In the end, the team fell just short of qualifying for the Individuals and States, finishing at .500 for the season with a 9 and 9 record. This record does not indicate what the team ultimately achieved. Our goals were set high and respected by each of the players, new and veteran alike, and the stage is set and ready for a

phenomenal 2010 season. Come on, Spring!

Girls’ Tennis by Wendy Berkover, Head Coach

The girls’ varsity tennis team had a great year in 2009. We finished the state tournament in second place, losing by only one point to Archmere. Our team record was 12 wins and 1 loss. Junior Lucy Nutting played first singles, finishing with a 12 - 1 season. She led our team with her great skill. Senior Susanne Singer played second singles and finished the season with a record of 12 - 1. Senior Lucy McMurry played third singles and finished 13 - 0. She always executed her game plan perfectly. Lucy won four state titles in four

and the team’s gutsy come from behind victory to end the season against Red Lion.

We would like to thank all the parents, faculty and students for their support this season. The team is already looking to next year in anticipation of another outstanding season.

Golf by Rich Pierce, Head Coach

2009 was a great year for Hiller Golf. We had a solid group of players who came together and put up their best score for 18 matches. I cheered wildly on the

inside as each day the team met head on the goals discussed in March by senior captain Mike Schmitt and me. One thing that really stands out is the fact that we were determined to make this team more competitive, not only within our conference, but among ourselves as well. We knew that this was the only way to get stronger and more unified as a team. Reflecting on the season, I’m proud to say we did just that.

Inner squad matches with the younger players were always a highlight in practice. They reinforced the team’s goals which were to improve each week, breed toughness, and to care more deeply about wins and losses. With that thought in mind, the team produced some great numbers in the matches this year. Mike

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years, two at doubles and two at singles. Susanne and Lucy were our captains and led by example. They were always there helping the team with great maturity and understanding.

Our first doubles were sophomores Sarah Garland and Annie Hobbs. They were the perfect doubles team, understanding exactly what it takes to win two state titles in two years at first doubles. Freshman Darcy Dobis and 8th grader Sydney Butler played second doubles. This was their first year on the team and they fit in beautifully. With each match they matured.

We finished the year by winning the Independent Conference. We look forward to next year!

Boys’ Tennis by Deanna Nagy, Head Coach

Tower Hill boys’ tennis is again very proud to have a winning season. With a record of 10 - 4, a lot of rain and a determination to succeed, our team’s fight to be the best was a constant. All of this was accomplished by a magical blend of two 8th graders, two freshmen, two sophomores and two juniors. This diversity of social and athletic experiences came together like movies and popcorn. Their outstanding support of each other in the state tournament resulted in a very proud 4th place finish in an exceptionally strong field of boys’ tennis players.

Junior captain Will Martinez played at 2nd singles and

led the team with enthusiasm and heart while playing his best at states. At 1st singles, sophomore Nolan Bacchieri played from both the base and the net with superior athleticism and concentration. One of the strongest players in the state, he is bad news for the rest of the field for the next two years. Freshman Jason Shah, whose versatility and flexibility gave us strong backup in singles and doubles, exhibited exemplary sportsmanship and dedication in practices which pushed this team to its realized strength. Jason was the team sportsmanship winner.

At 2nd doubles, junior Brian Felzer’s lefty spin and pace along with freshman Konnor Houff’s volley winners took them to the finals of the state tournament where they provided everyone with heart stopping excitement. At 1st doubles, sophomore Noah Chodos, a rock solid player who rarely misses and sets his partner up for the winner, used his mental toughness to create wins for the team. His partner, 8th grader Chris Martinez, was lightening quick, accurate and a constant threat to his opponents. At third singles, 8th grader Ryan Bosse proved to be a steely baseline player whose consistency and willingness to battle got him to the quarters of the state final.

With all the talent and fight from this group of players, it is no wonder they had such a remarkable 2009 season.

Boys’ Lacrosse by Max Timmons and Evan DeDominicis, Co-Captains

Coach du Pont was quoted as saying, “this team amazes me, they always find a way to win,” and for most of the season, it was true. We were very proud to be the first seed in the state finals, although losing to Salesianum was tough. However, this last game cannot overshadow a season filled with memorable highlights. We established a school record 15-game winning streak which helped us win the Independent Conference outright for the first time while we went 7 -0 on our beautiful home turf. Our final season record of 16-3 was the second best in school history.

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Our defense kept us in almost every game with junior Demi Murray as goal tender and the large presence of our long poles led by senior Tyler Hobbs, juniors Trip Ashley and Preston Boyden, and freshmen Stone Lieberman and Johnny Schreppler. Freshman Stephen Kullman was always ready to back up Demi.

Our depth in mid-field allowed us to run 2-3 lines towards the end of the season and kept our competition on their heels. Junior Ripley Nielson was our face-off leader while senior AJ Carter and junior Hunter Bolling also contributed in face-offs. Our mid-field scoring increased this year with our first line of Ripley, junior Jake Graham and senior co-captain Max Timmons. Seniors Andy Esposito and Jon Gabriel, juniors Ben Keller and Blaise Taylor, sophomore Connor Trerotola, and freshmen Michael Pettit and David Kullman all contributed in mid-field.

Our attack was productive this year, with senior co-captain Evan DeDominicis, senior Tyler Trerotola, sophomores Tyler Luft and Chas Robino, and freshman Michael Pettit providing a challenge to every defense they faced. Junior Khaalid Lucas was our team manager as he rehabbed from knee surgery. Between the attack, mid-field and defense (yes, defense!) we had 16 different goal scorers and 14 players contributing assists giving new meaning to the phrase “great team effort.”

While we graduate seven seniors from the team (A.J. Carter, Evan DeDominicis, Andy Esposito, Jon Gabriel,

Tyler Hobbs, Max Timmons, and Tyler Tretotola), we leave behind a talented core of players.

Track and Field by Steve Sinko, Head Coach

The 2009 season was a strong one for the Tower Hill Track and Field team this spring. The ladies team was led by junior Kendall Cohen who again was the lone scorer at the state championships. Cohen improved throughout the season, anchoring the ladies’ relays, and advancing to the Meet of Champions in the 300 meter hurdles. Seniors Sara Adelman and Naomi Staley, and junior Remy Denner provided depth in the distance events, and senior Colleen Egan excelled in the discus despite dealing with injuries. Adelman and Staley joined Cohen as individual qualifiers for the state meet in the 1600 meter run.

The men’s squad had one of their finest seasons in recent years. For the second year in a row the team was led by seniors Justin Hicks and Andrue Smith. Even though he was hampered by injuries, Hicks defended his 100 meter state championship and anchored the sprint relays to great finishes. Smith capped his Hiller career off in grand style winning individual state championships in both the 110 and 300 meter hurdles. He also ran one of the fastest times in Delaware state history in the 110 meter hurdles in winning the New Castle County Championships in

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that event. Senior Ryan Mitchell and junior Erik Schubert joined Hicks and Smith to form a formidable sprint group, and the four raced to a fourth place finish at the state championships in the 4 x 400 meter relay.

Junior Alex Zeleny led the distance squad, which also enjoyed a fine year. Zeleny ran to a second place finish in the 3200 meters at states. He also joined sophomore MichaelMcCloskey and juniors Phil Deardorff, and Erik Schubert to score points with a sixth place finish in the 4 x 800 meter relay. Sophomore Rory Slatko was another valuable contributor to the team as he qualified for the state meet in both the 1600 and 3200 meter runs. By the end, the men’s team worked their way to an overall strong fifth place finish at states, and returned Tower Hill Track and Field to the level of prominence for which it had been known.

Girls’ Lacrosse by Wiz Applegate, Head Coach

This past spring’s 13 – 4 Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse team found themselves in the cross hairs due to its “three peat” defending State Champs legacy (’06, ’07, ’08).

Second game into the season, the Hillers dodged an early bullet with a 7 – 5 win over Friends. Seven days later, Tower Hill fell hard to a very talented Episcopal Academy 3 - 18, not having suffered such a wide loss margin since the 90s.

Behind the offensive leadership of seniors Mary Hobbs, Meghan Lyons and Emily Mackey, the team rebounded with a 7 game win streak. Senior defender Lindsey Edinger and stellar senior goal keeper Alexis Aurigemma helped the team hold ten opponents to single digit games.

In mid April, the Hillers notched an emotional 13 – 11 win over St. Andrew’s in Middletown. In early May, the Saints repaid their debt by edging Tower Hill in an 8 – 9 victory on Richardson Field. Two days later, the Hillers were firmly upended 6 – 12 by Cape Henlopen.

The State Tournament finals has been an “either” or “both” proposition … meaning “either” or “both” Tower Hill or St. Andrew’s have been in the state championship finals every year since the tournament began in 1998. More impressive

is the fact that the State Title has been won by only Hiller green or Cardinal red jerseys. In 2009, the color palate was expanded.

In the first round of the tournament, Tower Hill executed a decisive 18 – 7 win over Brandywine. This year was an “either” year as St. Andrew’s beat Tower Hill 15 – 10 in the tournament semi-finals. An 11 – 7 Cape Henlopen win over St. Andrew’s in the finals added blue to the traditional green – red scheme. Next year, with a very talented squad returning, the Hillers will strive for a large green presence in the mix.

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Girls’ Soccer by Garry Chandler, Head Coach

The 2009 girls’ soccer season may have reached the same finish line as 2008 -- a loss in the state tournament quarterfinals -- but this route was full of memorable events that shaped the journey.

Tower Hill finished the regular season with 12 wins, three losses and one tie, ranking fifth in Delaware. Along the way, the Hillers captured the Independent Conference championship by going undefeated in conference play. The conference run was highlighted by two classic overtime matches against Sanford -- the first a 100-minute show of courage that ended in a 1-1 draw, and the second a 1-0 win that made the difference in the standings. After a sharp 5-0 win against Brandywine in the opening round of the state tournament, the season came to a close in the next round on a tough 2-0 loss to A.I. DuPont.

Injuries cast a shadow from beginning to end, but especially in the first seven games. The team went 5-1-1 in that stretch, finding ways to patchwork lineups and squeeze every drop of play from those who took the field to compete. Through all of the unexpected, the Hillers benefited from the consistency of several players, including sophomores Gracie Firestone, Elise DeDominicis and Zoe Blake and junior Jordan Bills.

Firestone was one of only two players to play every game and dodge the injury bullet and she did so many little things on the field to help control pace and possession. Freshman Christina Freibott scored 15 goals in Tower Hill’s final nine regular season games, including the game-winner in a

thrilling 1-0 overtime win against Sanford. She was a factor in the playoffs, too, scoring twice against Brandywine.

After missing their junior seasons to injuries, seniors Alex Richmond and Chelsea Stuart returned in 2009 for a most memorable farewell campaign. Stuart provided a much-needed physical presence on attack, and her crafty play on the forward line led to several important goals. Richmond practically redefined the position of goalkeeper with her attacking style of play and her knack for stopping breakaways.

8th grader Kendal Robino played a central midfield role with all the poise and savvy of a varsity veteran. Robino’s last-minute goal provided the 1-0 win over Archmere in the crucial regular season finale and she assisted Freibott’s overtime-winning goal against Sanford.

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parents, teachers, coaches, students and alumni

supporting the Green and White Club’s mission:

To support and enhance athletic experiences for

Tower Hill students by generating spirit, raising funds,

providing services, and organizing and sponsoring

activities that require resources beyond the financial

and professional means of the school.

The Green and White Club is dedicated to the belief

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Tower Hill School Celebrating 90 Years of Excellence!

2813 West 17th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806

Green & White Newsletter Courtesy of the Green & White Club Editor: Beth FriedmanLayout: Nancy Schuckert