Another year of Crossroads Athletics is completed and we are so proud of our student/athletes once again. We had some teams that had some outstanding seasons and performances. More importantly, we achieved what we set out to do every year; work hard, get better, be difficult to play against, and have fun. Memories are made every day on the fields and courts. Our students and coaches represented Crossroads College Prep all year with vigor and determination and I appreciate that fact! Here are the season wrap-ups of our spring sports. Thanks again to everyone who participated and we’ll be ready to go again on August 1st!
Baseball
The baseball team used this season to forge a new identity, with new faces in new places. The team battled admirably all season against most competition. With many starters lost to graduation after last season, the young ones had to take the reigns. Often starting as many as 6 freshmen and sophomores, there were growing pains. But I believe that this team will be ready to take a significant step forward next year.
The Current were led by senior Gabe Felsher (1st Team All-Conference) who handled half of the pitching and hit in the middle of the order, senior Peter Hamilton (2nd Team All-Conference) who hit the ball well and played all over the field, and junior Milton Green (Unanimous 1st Team All-Conference) who pitched and manned centerfield capably.
Many young players took strides. Sophomore catcher Kellen King caught every inning this season, sophomore Brendan King came along on the mound and played 6 positions, sophomore 3rd baseman Joey Blank improved significantly, and sophomore Daniel Shabsin has a great chance to be the next impact player for the Current.
Overall, I am most proud that this team came to work every day, and we will see the benefit of their work for the next few years.
Soccer
The Girls’ Soccer team had an outstanding run to end the season. As has been the case with most of Coach Birch’s teams, the team peaked at the right time, making a run to the District Championship game before falling to Trinity Catholic. The team also gained a share of the SCAA Conference championship with a record of 6-1.
The team was paced by senior Elizabeth Birch who was named Conference Player of the Year. Elizabeth rebounded from the long recovery from ACL surgery and returned to the field in mid-April, perhaps better than ever. Senior Essence Paige (1st Team All-Conference) did a great job on the back end. Senior Abby Hirshman (1st Team All-Conference) was pesky all season at the top for the Current. Junior Faith Blank (1st Team All-Conference) often drew the difficult defensive responsibility due to her compete level. Three other girls were named to the 2nd Team All-Conference: junior Elaina Grimm, sophomore Charlotte Vieth, and freshman Blaire Williams.
Despite the many members of this team recognized by the SCAA, this was a selfless team that had so many contributions from the entire roster. This team is poised to be even better next year with so many juniors contributing this season. The girls and coaches should be proud of their performance this year, I know our school is!
Track and Field
Track is back!!! The return of Track and Field to Crossroads College Prep was especially gratifying to me. Not because of wins or individual performances, but because of the people. Coach Sean Morris joined our staff this year and was everything I was hoping he would be. He was demanding and kept the kids accountable. The runners that lasted the season, benefited from the work that they did and are even running this summer!
Junior Kafele Wembley focused mostly on jumps (long, high, and triple) and should be a strong leader next year. Junior Jake Hughes did a great job running the 400m. Sophomore Gerald McAdoo really flourished under Coach Morris, focusing on sprints and hurdles, he will be one to watch next spring. Sophomore Charlie O’Gorman improved each time out on his throws.
Junior Maggie Fox did an excellent job balancing her theatre work with track and improved in her sprints each meet. Sophomore Amadi MuseMorris did a fine job this season, working hard to improve her times. Freshman Faith Webster is a promising track star, as she bounced around from sprints, hurdles and throws.
We are so proud of these kids for working so hard and they will reap the benefits of their work next season.