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Unsung Senior Athletes, Spring 2016

5/24/2016

Today we honor another class of Unsung Seniors, varsity athletes who in their final season contributed to their teams’ success but did so quietly, humbly, and often under the radar.

Ryan McGloin has been a co-captain of the golf team the past two years. A four-year veteran, he has scored in the top four on the squad in 10 of the Cougars’14 matches. His scoring average is fourth among his teammates. His low round is 38 (for nine holes).

“Ryan has played his best golf the last few weeks,” said Coach Chris Williams. “That’s a big reason we are ranked fifth in the state and qualified for the state tournament. We’ll miss his long drives. Ryan always comes to practice with a great attitude and puts everyone in a great mood. He is the player that every coach wants on his team.”

Stephanie Webb has played varsity lacrosse the past two springs. A defender, she rarely left the field during a season in which the Cougars finished as LIS runnerup and VISAA quarterfinalist.

“Stephanie was always ready to step up and play great defense, get the ground ball, and help start our attack,” said Coach Annie Richards. “Stephanie is one of those people you want on your team for so many reasons. She has a great sense of humor and fun approach to life and lacrosse, and she knows when to be focused and work hard. She’s played so well this year, and we relied on her as a leader on defense.”

Caroline Goggins finished her spring track career with personal bests of 6:01.24 in the 1600 and 12:42.14 in the 3200.

“Caroline is a runner whose athletic abilities are overshadowed only by her character,” said Coach Matthew Richardson. “Yes, Caroline trains hard, and she is fast, but her defining characteristics are dedication, perseverance, sportsmanship, and zeal for getting the most out of life. Caroline has been an unwavering presence among the long distance runners for the last four years. She leaves behind an incredible legacy, and her ability to set the tone and lead by example has impacted a generation.”

David White, a loyal member of the distance contingent since the seventh grade, ended his career in the VISAA championship by running the third leg of the runner-up 4x800 relay team, then placing 8^th in the 1600 just 90 minutes later. A week earlier, he ran a personal best 2:01 leg of the 4x800 in the Prep League meet to help the Cougars to a second place finish.

“David’s contribution to Collegiate’s distance track program has been monumental,” Richardson said. “His love for track and field and his commitment to his teammates is apparent in the way he carries himself each day at practice. His fun-loving attitude combined with his ability to buckle down and focus on the task at hand sets the tone for his teammates. David showed tenacity and grit every time he stepped on the track.”

A three-year starter at forward, Latané Rowland served as a tri-captain of the varsity soccer team that was a League of Independent Schools tournament semifinalist and VISAA tournament quarterfinalist.

“Latane contributed two assists on the season,” said Coach Rob Ukrop, “but her most important contribution was her toughness and resiliency. She’s battled lower leg problems the last several years, but she continually pushed through her pain to lead and selflessly support her teammates. She always came ready to compete and shared her passion for her teammates and a contagious smile at training, games, and other team activities.”

Chan Perkins served as a co-captain of the tennis team that placed third in the Prep League and reached the VISAA quarterfinals.

Most of his matches were at No. 4 singles, where he compiled a 4-3 record including a big win in the tiebreaker in a 5-4 team victory over E.C. Glass of Lynchburg. He also played matches in the No. 3 and No. 5 singles spots as well as No. 2 and No. 3 doubles.

“Chan rose to the occasion as team leader,” said Coach Karin Whitt. “He helped set the standard in the weight room, had fun while on the court, and didn’t hesitate to discuss difficult issues with the team.”

Willie White has played varsity lacrosse for three seasons. As a midfielder coming off the bench, he was your prototypical hard-nosed, high-energy role model that’s so vital to success.

“Willie’s motor never idled,” said Coach Andrew Stanley. “Whenever Willie got on the field, he made things happen: whether it was tough defense, a key ground ball, or going hard to the goal. Willie was Mr. Guts. He won the weight room. Routinely, he outhustled people in the in-between moments of practices and workouts that are the difference makers at the end. He competed at a level that brought others around him up, and he did it with a toughness and tenacity that made practices better.”

Nicky DeMarco, a righthanded pitcher, struck out four, allowed just two walks, and had a 2.47 earned run average in 5.2 innings. He also picked up a win against Bishop Sullivan during the Cougars’ 13-game winning streak en route to their 22-5 record and Prep League and VISAA Championship.

“Nicky is a great teammate,” said Coach Andrew Slater. “He earned the opportunity to be rewarded through his work ethic and perseverance, and he came in and competed. Nicky’s presence and body language were always very positive. He really embraced his role. He understood that he was part of something bigger than himself.”

-- Weldon Bradshaw

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