By Lana Marie David
On Monday, November 9th, the Naugatuck Valley League (NVL) announced the cancellation of the divisional playoff games. St. Paul’s fall athletes met with the administration in the afternoon to be informed of the decision. Although the news was disheartening, many students recognized the need to promote the health and safety of not only the student athletes, but also others outside the athletic community. “All NVL tournaments and games have been cancelled out of an abundance of caution and concern for the health and safety of the NVL student athletes and the uncertainty of being able to successfully play out the NVL divisional tournaments to their completion. This was a difficult but unanimous decision for the league.” - NVL Press Release (11/09/20) As a student athlete at St. Paul’s, I understand the disappointment from the news, while also recognizing the importance of practicing COVID-19 guidelines to protect our communities. As students, we have to be mindful of the world around us, take a deep breath and move forward. A message to St. Paul’s... Parents - Your work behind-the-scenes has not gone unnoticed. Without you, there would be no possibility of an athletic season at all. We love you and your undying support! Faculty - Thank you for constantly supporting our student athletes through it all. Students - Thank you for not only representing St. Paul Catholic High School, but also for remaining strong in these difficult times. Lastly, I would like to recognize the following teams for their efforts this fall season:
By Elizabeth Speaker
On Friday November 6, the football and cheerleading teams celebrated their seniors. The senior athletes recognized for their efforts in football were: Erik Atkinson, Quentin Conner, Christian Decker, Jack DelDebbio, Erik Evjen, Ben Foligno, Dylan Kelly, Brycen Kennedy, Josh Konikowski, Connor Matthews, Ben Shea, Josh Silva, and Ben Speaker. Additionally, the senior athletes recognized for their efforts in cheerleading are Barbara Retartha and Madison Farrell. Due to the pandemic, football games looked different this year. The team members played against each other! A seven-on- seven game was held that Friday night, seniors against underclassmen. Before the start of the game, the seniors enjoyed a moment with their loved ones as they were escorted onto the field by their families. The game began, and onlookers sat on the edge of their seats as the linemen participated in 4 challenges. A tire flip contest was the first, and the seniors were the successors of this particular challenge. As the football athletes continued to their next challenge of the evening, the cheerleaders were split up into two groups on the sidelines, half were cheering for the seniors, and the other half cheering for the underclassmen! Following the tire flip competition, there was a medicine ball throw contest, in which the seniors also secured a win, and after a tug of war challenge won by the underclassmen, it came time for the final challenge. The linemen participated in a seven-on-seven game during halftime, which concluded in a win for the senior players! In addition to this exciting victory during halftime, the cheerleaders performed an impressive dance incorporating flips. Congratulations to the senior athletes of the football and cheerleading teams! Five SP Athletics Updates for the week of 11/09/20By Lana Marie David Athletic College CommitmentsCongratulations to the following students who have athletically committed to colleges and universities to further his or her academic career! Basketball Pasta FundraiserEvery year, our boys and girls basketball teams host a pasta dinner to fund the teams. This year, the fundraiser will be slightly different. A message from Coach C. Mone: “Things might be a little different this year, but we are still holding our annual St. Paul Girls and Boys Basketball Pasta Dinner Curbside! Prepackaged meals including pasta, salad and bread will be delivered right to your car at your pick up time! Single/Individual Meals - $12 Family Style (Feeds 4) - $40 Pick Up is on November 21st in the back parking lot of St. Paul Catholic High School in Bristol from 5:00pm - 7:00pm. To order your dinners please see a St. Paul Girls or Boys Basketball player or you may also contact Coach C. Mone at [email protected] for more information and details! Thank you for your support and Go Falcons!” Cheer CompetitionOn November 5th, St. Paul’s Cheer team participated in a virtual game day competition fundraiser, in which half of the proceeds from the event were donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a leading children's hospital known for treating childhood cancers and pediatric diseases. In collaboration with the other schools involved, such as Bristol Central High School, Bristol Eastern High School, and New Fairfield High School, St. Paul Cheer has helped to raise over $1,000. Here is a transcript of a quick interview with Maddy Kurnik (Class of 2022) and Olivia Belfonti (Class of 2022): Q: Unlike previous years, this competition was done virtually. What was different about the competition itself? A: “It was relatively the same; however, there were some differences. The atmosphere was definitely changed a lot considering the COVID guidelines–there were no in person judges, meaning that the judging process took a little longer than usual, and they could not critique it based on expressions. There was a limited amount of people in the crowd to interact with us. In cheer competitions, there is the potential for extra points to be awarded based on crowd participation or interaction, whether that be responding to a “call back” cheer, or even just making noise to cheer the cheerleaders on. - Maddy Kurnik (Junior/Class of 2022 Fall Captains Pinning CeremonyOn October 23rd, the fall captains received their captain’s pin. The pinning ceremony, a St Paul tradition, was a brief recognition of the selected fall captains for the 2020-2021 school year. As captains, students are expected to act as leaders in the student body and to be a positive influence in their community. Boys Soccer Team Returns From QuarantineOn October 26th, members of the boys soccer team were sent into a two-week quarantine, as the school learned the team had been exposed to a positive case of COVID-19. During the two week quarantine period, the boys utilized St. Paul’s remote-learning method. A quick reflection from Jordan Conroy (Class of 2023): “Primarily, quarantine was uneventful. A lot of home chores were completed; however, when we weren’t cleaning, we were exercising, be it running, biking, or lifting weights. Quarantine mainly felt different because we had to wear our school uniforms, but quarantine wasn’t too difficult. It was a good time to reflect and better ourselves. To be honest, I love soccer with all my being. That being said, I recognize the need to quarantine. A lesson my St. Paul teachers and teammates have taught me that the world is much larger than us, and while I love to play soccer, protecting my school is more important.” Fortunately, none of the students from St. Paul tested positive for COVID-19, and earlier this week, on November 9th, the boys soccer team returned from being quarantined. Given the circumstances, the administration of St. Paul Catholic High School made a wise decision while handling the situation to ensure the safety of the entirety of the student body. By Sammi Bray
Besides, of course, the Class of 2021, the cross country team was the first thing I belonged to at St. Paul. Running has always been a huge part of my life. My mom ran for the first few months of her pregnancy with me, bundled me up as a baby to join her in a stroller, and I even received my first college acceptance letter, as well as the news of the first female vice president in the same run. When I visited St. Paul in middle school, I shadowed a fellow runner. Spoiler alert: she became one of my very best friends. From that moment on, the St. Paul cross country team became my second family. Running is not easy, nor am I an amazing runner. I’ll never be able to run marathons at the speed of Molly Seidel (a member of the US Olympics team) or 5ks like some of my teammates, but regardless, I give it my all. And by all, I really mean blood, sweat, and tears. I think that’s a testament of how much the team loves this sport. I’ve watched my teammates cross the line with scraped knees, missing shoes, even broken fingers, finishing their races barely breathing, ready to do it all again the next week. I’ve also experienced the extreme kindness of the running community. Everyone congratulating each other, even cheering for the kids wearing a different color jersey. The team has been incredibly supportive in all aspects of my life, from helping me study for tests, polishing up my college resume, and being a shoulder to cry on. My coaches are people I truly admire and look up to. In-season or not, both have been incredibly supportive and always listen to me and my teammates when we need someone to talk to. They’ve taught me discipline and the importance of continued hard work on the path to success. Being captain these past few months has been a great honor. It is without saying that the ending to the fall sports season is not the one that any of us wanted. On Monday, November 9th, all Naugatuck Valley League sport competitions were cancelled for the rest of the season due to an uptick in cases. After nearly four years with St. Paul and four seasons with the team, this abrupt ending is extra hard. I’ll miss seeing my teammates and coaches together, six days a week. I’ll even miss waking up at 6am to run hills on Saturday mornings. The team will be a big part of who I am for the rest of my life and I’m very grateful for every moment we’ve spent together these past four years. As we move on from the season, I hope that we can try and remember that we were lucky to have been able to run at all, that tomorrow is a better day. Run hard, run fast, and run smart. Scrimmage Against Sacred Heart Written by Lana Marie David Congratulations to our girls’ volleyball team who won against Sacred Heart with a score of 2-1 for JV and a score of 3-0 for Varsity! Here is what a couple members of the volleyball had to say following the victory: Kelsea Tefoe (Sophomore/Class of 2023) states, “I think the volleyball team is handling the pandemic very well. Although it puts some restraints to what we are used to doing, we still get to play, and I think we’re all super happy and grateful about that. Some of the procedures put in place due to COVID are having the put on masks for the full time, using hand sanitizer before and after being in a game, and not being able to share warm-up balls with the other team. Due to the pandemic, we can’t use the locker rooms, we are only allowed one spectator per player, we do not have our chairs or “the bench”, and have to sit on the bleachers (spread apart). During practices, we have the gym divided in half and we have five minute mask breaks where we can go outside and take our masks off while being at least six feet apart.” In addition to these procedures, the volleyballs used during the game are sanitized between each set. Furthermore, the doors in the gymnasium are kept open in alignment with the guidelines for COVID-19. This season, despite the unexpected changes, has provided new opportunities and experiences for our volleyball players, giving them a chance to grow. “My personal goals this season include improving my serve receive and back row defense. In the past, I haven’t had much experience with these things, but I am ready for the challenge.” - Ellie Galasso (Sophomore/Class of 2023) “My experience so far has been amazing. The girls are super supportive and help with everything and every question I have. I haven’t been scared of anything or anyone on the team. We do everything as a group, and even talk and greet each other in school. It makes me feel more welcomed and accepted into their group of friends even though I am a year or two younger than them. Three girls (names will be kept anonymous; however, this is an example of one of St. Paul’s core values: Community) have made me feel like a friend more than a teammate and it has made my experience so much better.” - Rylie Sima (Freshman/Class of 2024) Senior RecognitionPictures taken by Katerina Kretch First Meet Written by Lana Marie David Congratulations to our cross country team who had their first home meet on October 6th, 2020! “We’re definitely handling the pandemic well. We’re all like improving just like any other season. Our practice procedures hasn’t changed and we’re still working out any time we possibly can. We do our long distance practices on Thursday and 5K practices on Tuesdays, but in terms of the pandemic itself and how it directly impacts our procedures, the main things we’re doing different is having masks on before and after practice, and keeping socially distant when running. We don’t know exactly what’s going to happen for meets yet, but we know for sure that it will only be consisting of one opponent rather than against multiple schools.” - Senior Captain Jonathan Passander (Senior/Class of 2021) The cross country team raced against Torrington on October 6th, 2020. Unlike most years, the start and finish lines are as distant as possible. After the runners finish, they are required to wear their masks and cannot gather together by the finish line, but must immediately move to a separated spot. Overall, as Jon states, “We’ve pulled through pretty well and haven’t had people slack off with the procedures. Everyone has gotten into a routine already.” Senior RecognitionSenior night was on October 6th, 2020 at 3:45PM against Torrington High School. Photos taken by Mrs. Lindquist and Owen Wood. Spectating In-Person
Written by Lana Marie David The Naugatuck Valley League (NVL) announced that only HOME FANS were allowed to attend games for the fall season during the 2020-2021 school year, leaving the decision up to the individual school within the league to determine the status of fan attendance. St. Paul Catholic High School has allowed two family members per student-athlete for outdoor sports such as soccer and cross country, whereas one family member per student-athlete is permitted for indoor sports such as volleyball. “One exception to the St. Paul attendance policy may be specific to our fall teams early senior reception games. On designated senior games, we are trying to allow senior families the opportunity to bring additional family members thus it may impact if others will be allowed to attend.” - Mr. Dennehy (Athletic Director) In order for fans to spectate the game in-person, they must wear a mask. Additionally, they must take a health assessment and temperature check upon arrival, and social distance from non-family throughout the game. To both the athletes and the spectators, please wear your mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance. Spectating Through Streaming This fall fans will be able to watch all St. Paul games taking place on McPhee Field or in the Rev. Brian Monnerat Gymnasium on the NHSF Network! Using the link provided, fans will be able to subscribe to the network, with the one-month subscription being the most recommended (approximately $11 per month). By subscribing for a month, fans will be able to watch most, if not all of the fall season for the 2020-2021 school year. https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/. If you have a subscription, simply look up “St. Paul Catholic High School” to watch our games categorized by sport. The camera is calibrated for McPhee field and Rev. Brian Monnerat Gymnasium, allowing for fans to spectate through the streaming service; however, away games are limited to only watching away games with Watertown High School and Torrington High School. In order to watch the away games, simply type in the name of the respective home team. Go Falcons! First GameWritten by Lana Marie David Congratulations to the girls’ soccer team who started off the season with a win against Watertown with a final score of 4-2! “I expect this to be one of our best seasons since my freshman year ( St. Paul girls’ soccer won the NVL Championship in 2017, Nina Zwolinski’s freshman year). The team is incredible this year and I know we can go far this year! Our ability to work well together on and off the field is a great strength! We are consistent from defense to offense, making us a solid team overall.” - Senior Captain Nina Zwolinski (Senior/Class of 2021) When asked about how the pandemic has affected the team, here is what Nina had to say: “This pandemic has definitely strengthened our bond because we work together to hold each other accountable to follow COVID guidelines. We have great chemistry on the field which has been strengthened by our desire to just play this season, despite the pandemic.” Senior RecognitionPhotos taken by Kelly May. Includes Emma Zenobi - not pictured
By Lana Marie David
Football Originally Cancelled Last month, on September 3rd, the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference stated that the fall football season will remain canceled in Connecticut due to concerns regarding the pandemic for the 2020-2021 school year. The CIAC has stated: “This decision was made in alignment with the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s recommendation that football is a high-risk sport and should not be played this fall.” Since then, protests and the petitions have requested the return of the full-contact football season; however, the CIAC stood firm in its decision. Although the football season in the fall was cancelled, the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference has also confirmed that there is a plan to prepare for a spring season for football from February to April. The spring season will be subject to the COVID-19 guidelines from the Department of Public Health. As a result of the new spring season, the schedules for regular winter and spring sports have been adjusted accordingly. As of now, the winter sports season will begin conditioning on November 23rd, and conclude with the CIAC tournament from February 8th to 21st. Football will begin conditioning on February 22nd, and play games from March 19th through April 17th. “I am very proud of the kids who have come to condition, work out, and practice while the season was in question. Most of the team has been grinding since the first day of conditioning and even before that. It’s really cool that the rest of my senior brothers are going to get the chance to play another season come this spring. I am also very proud of the underclassmen who have continued to grind with the upperclassman when it was not required. I think that we are going to have a great season and I really look forward to stepping onto the field with my brothers a few more times.” - Brycen Kennedy (Senior/Class of 2021) Effects on St. Paul Cheer Team After football was cancelled, the St. Paul cheer team intended on cheering for our soccer teams. Recently, that decision was changed due to the fan attendance policy, which allows two family members per student-athlete to watch home games for outdoor sports. St. Paul Cheer will instead be cheering for our cross country team! Written by Lana Marie David
In the midst of COVID-19, our athletes suffered from the cancellation of this year’s winter postseason events and the entirety of the spring season. Fortunately, in light of the pandemic, the CIAC recently provided updates discussing this year’s upcoming fall season. In the CIAC’s fall sports update posted on August 14th, the CIAC has announced that it will be prioritizing the safety of the students when making decisions. As the students wait patiently for the upcoming seasons, outside programs offer opportunities for our athletes. Basketball & Soccer - Sophia Gerst This summer, Sophia Gerst (Senior/Class of 2021) and the St. Paul girls’ soccer team participated in the High School Summer League hosted by the Farmington Sports Arena. Furthermore, she joined the St. Paul girls’ basketball team in another summer league. Sophia stated, “Both summer leagues are just a series of weekly games to get athletes back into athletic shape and giving them a chance to play the sport they love. Practice is nothing like playing in a real game, so these scrimmages allow for a more thorough way of preparing for the real season. My experience was great. It is a somewhat laid back atmosphere which helps people play their best without too much pressure. It also helps to give a sense of the season ahead.” Overall, these summer leagues provided an opportunity to improve her athletic performance in preparation for the upcoming seasons and to play the sports that she loves. Volleyball - Greta Panke & Ellie Galasso Our girls’ volleyball team participated in the Bristol Boys & Girls Club Crush Volleyball Summer League. The league consists of different teams formed from local high schools in Connecticut. Games were either scheduled on Monday or Tuesday nights, depending on the number of teams registered. The league ran from the end of June until the end of August. Our girls’ volleyball team played two sets to 25 points against a different high school team per game. “This was my first year participating in a summer league volleyball program. As a committed lacrosse athlete, I generally could not find time to commit to both programs in the summer; however, I joined the Bristol Crush team as a team representative per request of my high school coach. I missed several of my lacrosse practices and committed to volleyball in order to show leadership and dedication to the sport and take on a captain role in the fall volleyball season.” - Greta Panke (Senior/Class of 2021) In this summer league, each game had a time limit of up to an hour. If you finished with extra time, you were allowed to continue playing without an official scorekeeper; however, due to COVID-19, new rules were implemented in order to protect both the players and the spectators. Anyone who entered the building were required to wear a mask, have their temperature taken, and use hand sanitizer. The only people allowed to remove their mask were the athletes when they were on the court to play their matches; however, even with the changes, the girls still kept up an upbeat attitude and bonded as a team. “I joined the league to prepare for the upcoming fall volleyball season. I wanted to get some practice and prepare, as well as spend time with my team to strengthen our bond before the season. My experience with the league was very fun and useful. It was so nice to come together again with my teammates and friends to play the sport that I love and have fun. I really felt like we came together and improved as a team.” - Ellie Galasso (Sophomore/Class of 2023) Lacrosse - Greta Panke Greta Panke (Senior/Class of 2021) competed with the LC Connecticut River 2021 lacrosse team. LC Connecticut River 2021 Lacrosse was a summer club team which hosted practices twice a week while competing at a high level in weekly scrimmages and tournaments. The practices were about two and a half hours long, consisting of offense/defense drills and scrimmaging. Matches were approximately split into two twenty-five minute time periods with a five minute halftime. Due to COVID-19, some new regulations were implemented such as social distancing at all times, wearing a mask upon arrival and dismissal, and limited personal items that you are allowed to bring to the field. When asked about her experience, she said, “As a lacrosse player, I have been competing throughout the summer with a club team since I was a rising eighth grader. I was always very passionate about the sport and found myself drawn to the team environment as well as the thrill of intense competition[...]After being isolated and losing my spring season, it was refreshing to be able to get back to playing.” With her talent and dedication in lacrosse under her belt, Greta Panke is able to utilize her athletic experience in her college admissions process this coming fall, as most athletic collegiate recruitment occurs during the summer for lacrosse. Greta has been given offers from both Vassar College and Connecticut College, and has been competing to exercise these types of opportunities. |
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