Unsung Senior Athletes, Spring 2024

Mason Quigley played varsity baseball throughout his high school career, first as an pitcher/outfielder and the past two seasons solely as a highly dependable righthanded starting pitcher.

 

In his final spring, he pitched his way to a 5-1 record with 39 strikeouts and a 1.91 earned run average in 36.2 innings, and in his last home game at the Sam Newell Field, he threw a no-hitter in the Cougars’ 2-0 victory over St. Anne’s-Belfield.

                                   

“Mason has been a great teammate from day one,” said Coach Andrew Slater. “He worked hard in the off-season playing summer baseball and training throughout the year, which enabled him to steadily improve and have a fantastic senior year.”

 

Jac Borich served as manager, photographer, and jack-of-all-trades for Collegiate’s Prep League champion and VISAA runner-up tennis team.

 

“Jac is a very organized manager who has a do-whatever-it-takes attitude, and his photography helped us preserve our most precious memories,” said Coach Karin Whitt. “As a manager, he assisted with uniforms, drying of courts, sorting of balls, and keeping the equipment in good order, and his witty personality kept the guys on their toes.

 

“Jac was always willing to step in and warm a teammate up when numbers were not even.  He worked hard in the weight room and on court, so when he had the opportunity to play in an exhibition match, he was ready to go.”

 

A three-year varsity spring track performer, Whitney Clarkson focuses her training and competitive efforts on the high jump, long jump, sprints, and hurdles.

        

In her final League of Independent Schools championship meet, she contributed valuable team points in four events: high jump (4^th in 4-6), 100 hurdles (5th in a personal best 18.36), 300 hurdles (5th in 54.91), and 4x100 relay (3rd in 51.69).  A week later in the VISAA meet, she placed 5th in the high jump (4-6) in the rain.

 

“Whitney has been a staple of the track program,” said head girls coach Beth Kondorossy. “As one of only a handful of girl hurdlers, her commitment was definitely notable. She was reliable, consistent, and an overall team player. She was always willing to do whatever was in the best interest of the team. She picked up high jump later in her track career and contributed valuable team points in big meets. She’s definitely made her mark on the track program.”

 

Carter Williams was a member of the spring track middle distance contingent for six years. He focused mainly on the open 800 (personal best 2:23.45) and in numerous meets over the years ran a leg of the 4x800 relay as well.

 

“Carter’s been a great teammate,” said Matthew Richardson, the track and field program leader who oversees the distance program. “He cares about the people he trains with each day. He’s dedicated. He works hard. He’s a guy you can always count on to show up and support his teammates. He’s a kindhearted guy you want to have on your team.

        

“It doesn’t really matter what he has going on. He always finds a way to be out there whether it’s a tough workout or an easy run. He’s the kind of guy who pushes through the workouts and makes the people around him better.”

 

After a series of injuries derailed his lacrosse career, Ryan Holdych, as a senior, joined the boys golf team, which suffered heavy losses to graduation after a stellar three-year run and has a roster of younger, up-and-coming players.

 

“Ryan has been enthusiastic and unwavering in his desire to improve his own game and support his teammates,” said Coach Shep Lewis. “While he didn’t play in many matches, he eagerly followed his teammates on the course to root them on. He worked hard at practice and set the tone for the younger golfers. He’s the kind of team member every coach wishes to have.”

 

Kimber Reeves was a founding member of Collegiate’s girls golf program in the spring of 2023 and for two years has brought positive energy and spirit to each practice session and match.

 

“Kimber always has a smile on her face,” said Coach Amy Verdi. “She was prompt, ready to go, and extremely coachable. In our senior day match, she parred the first hole and played amazing golf on the 9-hole round. Matched with her smile, she always made the sport look fun.”

 

For two seasons, Cooper Leipheimer came off the bench to spell the varsity boys lacrosse team’s starting short stick defensive midfielders. As the Cougars won their first Prep League title since 2015, he provided the kind of impactful, dependable depth that made defense a strong suit.  

 

“Cooper was solid all season long for us,” said Coach Zack Schroeder. “We ran Charlie Miller (All-Prep) and Charles Nolde (VISAA soccer player of the year) a lot. When those guys needed a break, Cooper was able to go in and replace two great athletes, and we don’t miss a beat on defense.

 

“He’s really smart on ball, and the effort he put in in the weight room in the off season made him strong enough to hold off bigger guys. He embraced that role. When Cooper was on the field, our defense operated from a position of strength.”

        

A four-year varsity soccer veteran as a defender, Anne Conway Southworth played an integral role in the Cougars’ LIS and VISAA championship season, during which they allowed opponents only seven goals in 22 games.

 

“AC was a quiet leader for our team this spring,” said Coach Rob Ukrop, whose squad finished 20-2. “She got along with everyone, always had a smile, and left everything on the field to help her teammates. No matter her role — outside back, center back, or the rare occasion when she slid into the midfield — she played with a happiness and joy which has been at the core of our success.”

~Weldon Bradshaw