For Radnor students, the 2019-20 school year does not officially begin until September 3. Radnor High School sport teams got a head start, however, as they prepare for the Fall season with the kick off of preseason on August 12.
Here's a look at each of Radnor’s teams and their outlook for the 2019 season.
The Radnor Cross Country Team enters the 2019 season with optimism. For the boys, senior captains Frank Brown and Owen Leonard will take the lead. Senior Luke O’Malley and juniors Zach Rosenblum and Seamus Feeley give depth to the squad. Sophomore Jack Halderstadt is coming off of a strong freshman season and will help contribute to varsity. Chris Belz joins the team after a successful track season.
For the girls, senior captain Abigail Idiculla returns, along with senior Bridget Dougherty. Seneca Farhy, Leni Hartman, and Noelle Kuhn are up-and-coming sophomores who hope to make an impact. Keara Seasholtz, who placed second in the PA Track & Field championships in Spring 2019 in the 800 meter, should help contribute to the team’s successes.
“Both teams have potential to improve as the season progresses,” said Coach Tom Flanagan.
The RHS Field Hockey team is coming off of a successful 2018 season in which they compiled a 15-4 record in addition to being the #1 seed entering the District tournament. Key returnees for the squad include seniors Barbara Civitella, Olivia DeCain, Genevieve Mehra, junior Madison Milhous, and sophomore Hope Delaney.
“I think great things are going to happen this year. We now have a few years of experience playing with each other, so we are looking forward to having some big wins as a team. I know the seniors are looking forward to the season and... some redemption!” Coach Katie Maguire said.
The RHS Football team is coming off of a hugely successful 2018 season, which saw them go 9-3 and win their first-ever playoff game. Despite crucial performers from last season having graduated, players on the 2019 roster remain who saw valuable minutes last season, including Taylor Margolis, Damian Falcone, Lincoln Twedt, Brendan Surbeck, Pat Boujoukos, Cameron Williams, and Jahmir Dixon.
“ Players have been working hard...in the summer to increase their chances of having another successful season,” Assistant Coach Larry DiSipio said. “The Central League is a very tough league and we plan to compete and get better every week.”
Coming off of an undefeated Central League Championship, the RHS Golf Team will do all in its power to defend this title. The 2019 team will be lead by seniors Davis Flannery, Jack Hamilton, and James Quinn. Other important returnees are Luke Kelly, Chase Stephano, and Tyler Tornoe.
“Coach Krupp and I are both optimistic for this...season.” Coach Andy Achenbach said.
The RHS girls soccer team ended the 2018 season on a high note, going 6-3 in the second half of the season. Due to this promising ending, the team is hopeful they can carry over their successes into 2019 season. Although losing 14 seniors from 2018, the team is still full of talent, led by seniors Katie Bell, Lu MacKenzie, Sophia Muetterties, Julia Rigolizzo, and Keara Seasholtz, in addition to junior Ellie Rinehart.
“Talented young players will also contribute to an experienced and hungry team that has the ability to advance deep into October and November,” Coach Jake Solderitsch said.
The RHS boys soccer team is coming off an exciting 2018 season, which saw them go 20-4-2 in addition to reaching the PIAA State Championship Game. Starters from last season who are back for 2019 are Jackson Birtwistle, Ben Engstrom, Bobby Hydrisko, Jake Lee, and Josh Savadove.
“This year, the team will look to build off the successes from last season all the while making their own identity,” Coach Joe Caruolo said.”
The RHS girls tennis team is hopeful that they can make a run in the 2019 season, as they are returning their top six players: seniors Kanon Ciarrocchi, Lucy Hederick, Bridget Dougherty, Grace Frigerio, Caroiline Egg-Krings, and Annie Burton . Ciarrocchi will play her third year in the #1 spot and is coming off of a Central League Singles Championship. Additionally, Ciarrochi and Hederick reached the PIAA State Tournament in Doubles last season, and will look to make another run this year.
“We expect to contend for a Central League championship, and hope to advance to the state tournament,” Coach Pat Kurz said. “The girls have worked hard on their games for four years, and I know they are excited to see how far we can go. Why not us?!”
The RHS volleyball team enters the 2019 season looking to improve upon their 7-11 record from last season. The team will be lead by seniors Helen Hu, Lindsay Kent, and Grace Remphrey.
“We are expecting large numbers to come out from our junior, sophomore, and freshman classes, which all boast young talent,” Coach Ann Marie Goldstein said. “Although our senior class is small, they will bring strong leadership.”
For more information about Radnor High School athletics, visit www.RTSD.org. For game schedules, visit Radnor High School on DigitalSports.
Miles Brown and Ben Engstrom are 2019 RTSD Communications Office Student Interns