Unsung Senior Athletes, Spring 2013

    Hans Prakash served as tennis team tri-captain along with perennial all-stars Brady Straus and Michael Perel.
While he didn’t crack the top six regularly in singles or win a spot in the doubles lineup, Prakash definitely made the most of his time when he did step onto the court.
    Early in the season, he won a key match at #4 singles in a 5-1 victory over St. Christopher’s.  Then, in the VISAA tournament, he teamed with Straus at #1 doubles in the Cougars’ 5-1 quarterfinal round victory over the Saints.
    His greatest contributions, though, were intangible.
    “Through his ever-present smile, positive attitude, dedication, and hard work,” said Coach Chris Conquest, “Hans led, inspired and motivated his teammates.”

    Hannah Myers has run varsity track since the 8th grade and, despite a back injury her sophomore year, amassed a trophy case full of medals and ribbons for her prowess in the hurdles, sprints, and horizontal jumps.
    She earned one All-Metro, five all-state, and four All-League of Independent Schools medals and as a junior won the state and LIS titles in both the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdle events.
    In her final season, however, the injury bug returned, and she struggled with what was finally diagnosed as torn meniscus in her left knee that will require surgery four days after graduation.
    Nevertheless, Myers was a factor in the Cougars’ season that ended May 18 with a sixth place finish (out of 15 scoring teams) in the VISAA championship meet.
    “Hannah is a student athlete who has always held herself to high standards and gives her all to everything she does,” said Coach Beth Kondorossy.
“Even though injuries kept her from competing a lot, she always supported her teammates in practices and meets.”

    Early in his five-year varsity baseball career, Jo Wrenn was part of coach Andrew Slater’s rebuilding project.
    Over the past two seasons, he has shared with his coaches and teammates the success that emerged from their collective patience, diligence, and dedication.
    A first baseman who also pulled duty as a catcher and relief pitcher during his career, Wrenn helped the Cougars to 24 wins over the past two seasons (including 13 in the Prep League) and had three hits in a 13-7 road victory over Woodberry Forest on April 30.
    “Jo is a tremendous worker and was typically the first player to the ballpark each day and the last to leave,” said Slater of his captain.  “He was always willing and able to help work on the field and get the team together for extra work.”

    Rachel Barbieri is the type of versatile, plucky player who made her coaches and teammates smile.
    In her final softball season, she was a spark in the Cougars’ 9-6 victory over St. Margaret’s, the Scotties’ only league loss.
    Earlier in her career, when the JV needed a catcher, she accepted the challenge.  This year, the varsity needed a third baseman, so Barbieri manned the hot corner, tough duty when asked to creep fearlessly toward the batter when the situation warrants.
    She was never afraid to crowd the plate and get plunked by a pitch to draw a free pass.
    And she began many a game by singing the National Anthem.
    “Rachel will run through a brick wall if you ask her to,” said Coach Robby Turner.  “She’s not scared of anything, which will carry her far in life.”

    Bayley Wood, a three-year varsity lacrosse starter, played an integral role as the Cougars earned their ninth consecutive LIS championship.
    A defender and captain, she finished her senior season with 36 ground balls and caused six turnovers.
    “Bayley worked hard, gave  100% each and every day, and led the team by example,” said coach Annie Richards.
    “She has come up with big draw controls and great slides and has been the rock of our defense.
    “We will miss her.”

    Matthew Hourigan, a varsity golfer for four years and a team captain for two, first picked up a club when he was five years old.
    This spring, he’s played in 11 regular season matches and finished in a scoring spot (top four) nine times.  His 9-hole average (40) ranked fourth on the team.  
    His 77 in the VISAA championship this past Monday helped the Cougars to a runner-up finish.
    Hourigan’s contributions extend far beyond his performances on the fairways and greens.
    “Matt is what every coach wants in an athlete: great attitude, great leadership on and off the course, sportsmanship, and unselfishness,” said Coach Chris Williams.
    “If I had 10 Matt Hourigans on my team every year, I would be a very happy and successful coach.”

    Though Anna French has played varsity soccer the past two years, injuries limited her availability for appreciable time on the pitch.
    “But they did not limit Anna’s determination to help her team,? said Coach Bill Rider.  “From warming up the keeper to being the loudest, most ardent sideline supporter, Anna has been an invaluable personality.”
    As a junior, French, who in healthier days played attacking midfield and forward, was sidelined by a broken foot.  This past season, a severe concussion kept her out of action.
    “Anna was an important role player,” Rider continued.  “The team’s success (state semifinalist the past two springs) is a direct reflection of kids like Anna who do whatever it takes to help the win.”
                                       -- Weldon Bradshaw