Dec 24, 2017 | Athletics
By Ameera Ebrahim (III)
The boys’ fencing team has started off well. During preseason, the team alternated between footwork and conditioning every day.
As the regular season began, the team practiced the aforementioned footwork and conditioning as well as fencing under the supervision of head coach Ted Li.
Captain Michael Sun (V) says his goal for this fencing season “is to make sure that everyone improves as a fencer and feels invested into the team.” It is clear that the team is driven by teamwork and a desire for everyone to improve as a fencer. This is especially important as brand new fencers on the team can learn from those who are more experienced.
With the new Bugliari Athletics Center, the team will be able to practice on electric fencing strips to aid them in achieving this goal. The boys participated in their first tournament on December 16th at Bernards High School.
Dec 24, 2017 | Athletics
By Meghan Durkin (III)
As the winter sports season approaches, the girls’ squash team is thrilled to get back on the courts. This year’s team, led by new head coach Mrs. Tina Rix-Stout and captains Rachel Chen (VI) and Namita Davey (VI), will strive to continue the success of last year’s season, during which the team finished second in Division II at Nationals. The team is looking forward to improving their ranks by “making it into Division I” and are “hoping to win State Championships,” Chen says.
As the squash courts in the Bugliari Athletic Center are up and running for their first full season, the girls will now practice on campus instead of using the courts at Drew University as they did in previous years. This advantage holds promise for the captains and the rest of the team to “improve match performance” as well as to “build team bonding.”
In addition, the increase in the size of the team is an exciting opportunity for growth in the squash program and for a strong season. Davey and the other girls, who won their first home match 6-1 against Poly Prep on December 13th, are hoping “more people will come out to watch our matches and support.”
Dec 24, 2017 | Athletics
By Jonathan Chen (V)
This year, Pingry boys’ swimming will look to improve on last year’s successful season. After finishing last season with wins at Conferences, Counties, States, and Preps, new swimmers have joined the team, making Pingry’s team a swimming powerhouse of the state.
The team has considerably improved its depth from last year. Captain Billy Fallon (VI) said, “Our team is incredibly deep this year due to not only the return of many contributors from last year but also the addition of multiple standout freshmen.”
Additionally, according to Meet of Champions swimmer Jonathan Chen (V), “The coaches andthe swimmers treat each other with respect and dignity, which creates a positive environment for success and ultimately encourages other swimmers to work hard and strive for excellence.”
As the team gears up for a strong season, it looks to have a significant matchup with Bridgewater-Raritan High School. Referring to one of Shakespeare’s bloody tragedies, Coach Graig Peterson said, “Titus Andronicus is our duel in the pool with Bridgewater.”
Big Blue boys’ swimming had its first home meet on December 5th against Watchung Hills, winning by an impressive 135.5 – 31.5. Seven swimmers had won at least one event, and Pingry took first and second in all its relay heats.
The team won its next meet 121-49 against Hunterdon Central, and they will swim at Montgomery High School on December 19th.
Dec 24, 2017 | Athletics, School News
By Noah Bergam ’21
On November 3, the Big Blue football team enjoyed a 42-16 win against the George School of Newtown, PA, at the PSPA’s annual Friday Night Lights. Students and faculty from both the Lower and Upper School campuses came to support and cheer the team on to victory.
Middle and Upper School singers kicked off the evening with the National Anthem, and thanks to Middle School Athletics Director Gerry Vanasse, younger fans enjoyed a variety of games, activities, and prize giveaways before and during the game. Middle School students ran Pingry flags across the field and participated in a Mega-V-Ball game during halftime.
Captain Obi Nnaeto (VI), who broke the mark of 1,000 yards run two weeks earlier, led the team, rushing 214 yards on 13 carries and scoring three touchdowns, which effectively locked in the victory by halftime. Ryan Feeley (VI) led the defense with seven tackles. Brian Benson (V), Channing Russell (VI), and Nate Hefner (V) also scored.
“It was a great showing for Pingry football,” said freshman defensive lineman Ore Shote.
Meanwhile, under a huge tent, students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni enjoyed a delicious tailgate selection, which included pizza, meatballs, mozzarella sticks, pigs in a blanket, wings, hot apple cider, and a wide range of desserts, all provided by the PSPA.
Overall, Friday Night Lights was a fun night for the whole Pingry community. Congratulations to Big Blue football, and thanks to all the Pingry fans for their support!
Oct 25, 2017 | Athletics
By Nick Robinson (V)
The boys’ cross country team is off to a strong start this season. Despite graduating its two fastest runners last year, the team currently holds a winning record of 3-1.
Regarding the new lineup, Tom Drzik (V) said, “We lost a couple of people, but we still have a strong team.” Two newcomers to the team, Henry Wood (III) and Chris Ticas (III), have shown strong potential when it comes to racing.
The team had a disappointing loss to Philipsburg in their first meet, but they bounced back with three consecutive wins and are preparing for the rest of their season. “Coming off a great 2016 season, we hope to retain our title at the Prep Championships and win the Non-Public B title at the State Championships,” said captain Jeffery Xiao (V).
Coaches Matt Horesta and Tim Lear are pushing the team to compete as strongly as they can in preparation to defend their Prep A title at the end of October.
Oct 25, 2017 | Athletics
By Brooke Pan (III)
The girls’ cross-country team is off to a fantastic start, currently flaunting an undefeated record of 5-0.
Led by captains Anna Wood (VI) and Cathleen Parker (V), the team is supported by its strongest lineup in years. Regarding the team, Parker said, “We have so much potential on the team with a strong group of underclassmen: Nikki Vanasse (IV), Ryan Davi (III), and Alina Irvine (III). They will help us go very far and surprise the competition.”
Keeping her expectations high for the team, Wood hopes “to go undefeated in dual meets, win the Skyland Valley Division meet, and possibly win the Non Public A state championship.”
Head coach Tim Grant believes that “this team may be one of the best cross country teams that Pingry has ever had, and the best part is that they are young.”
With a solid start, Parker, along with the rest of the team, is “looking forward to a very promising season!”
Oct 24, 2017 | Athletics
By Sehyr Khan (VI)
The boys’ varsity football season is already off to a solid start with a current seasonal record of 2-3. The team has been working hard since the start of August preseason under the guidance of Head Coach Chris Shilts and Assistant Coach Jon Leef. This year, the team is looking forward to playing in a new league with new competition.
The team looks to be incredibly strong with a significantly large senior class. According to captains Obi Nnaeto (VI) and Clyde Leef (VI), the team’s strength lies within its versatility. “We have a lot of people that can play a lot of positions,” Leef said.
The team played an incredibly close game at Homecoming on October 7th against Fieldston but ultimately lost to the team 48-49. Despite their defeat, Big Blue Football is “determined as a team” and excited to redeem themselves in their upcoming games.
Oct 24, 2017 | Athletics
By Matt Stanton (VI)
This fall, Pingry co-ed water polo is in for an exciting season. Although key players graduated at the end of last year, talented underclassmen have stepped up to bring the team to a whole new level.
Regarding the new lineup, head coach Misha Klochkov said, “We are expecting to play on a higher level with returning players building on their skills and a strong cast of underclassmen supporting them.”
The team is led by captains Matt Stanton (VI), Victor Vollbrechthausen (VI), Billy Fallon (VI), and Jonathan Epifano (VI), backed by strong starters Connor Smith (VI), Kevin Ma (V), and Max Sanchez (VI). According to Vollbrechthausen, the team is looking to “maintain last year’s state title and win games at higher level tournaments this year.”
The team is coming off an impressive showing at the Beast of the East tournament in Pennsylvania. They played in flight three, a whole division above last year, and placed second. They lost to Calvert Hall, a strong team from Maryland, in the finals. Their other losses this year have all been close games against formidable out-of-state opponents.
The team has not played any non-tournament in-state games thus far, but with stronger performances than last year, the team looks to defend their state championship later this season.
Oct 24, 2017 | Athletics
By Eva Schiller (III)
Starting off the year with a winning record of 4-3, the girls’ varsity tennis team has held their own in the competitive Skyland Conference. The team’s winning matches were against Hillsborough, Bridgewater-Raritan, and Hunterdon Central. Two of those victories were sweeps, meaning that every member of the team brought in a win.
Regarding the season, Coach Marion Weber remarked, “I’m very happy with the way the season’s going. The Skyland Conference is very tough.”
Cassie Yermack (V), who plays third doubles, said, “I’m really proud of everyone so far. We have such a great team dynamic.” Second doubles player Caeley Feeny (III) agrees, saying, “The team is really close. We love playing together and supporting each other.”
On September 22nd, Pingry tennis faced off the rest of Somerset County in the counties, hosting the event on twelve new courts. “The new courts are fantastic,” said Jessica Li (VI), first doubles, “It’s definitely motivation to do well!”
Some goals for the season are to finish in the top three and hopefully win sectionals. “Most of all,” Coach Marian says, “we’re looking forward to a fun season.”
JV tennis is also doing well this season with six wins and one loss. “Their character is what stands out,” Coach George Roser stated, “There is a really positive culture, and I think the results speak for themselves.” Overall, girls’ tennis has a bright outlook for the season and will continue to fight hard to achieve their goals.
Oct 24, 2017 | Athletics
By Zara Jacob (III)
The girls’ varsity field hockey team had a rocky start to the season this fall but came back strong by winning the last three out of four games. The team now has a record of three wins and three losses.
Head coach Julie Delinsky described this growth when she said, “We are really getting better every week, which is what matters to me. We are working hard and starting to play well together.”
The team kicked off their pre-season with a trip to Holland, where they trained hard while bonding and growing as teammates. Once they returned, they hit the ground running in preparation for the upcoming season.
The team’s goals for the season include improving their standings in the league. The coaches and players also aim to develop a team where “there be nothing average about our effort,” as said by Coach Delinsky. She stated that the team hopes to uphold the values of “effort, intensity, and hard work” throughout the season.
