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The Roll Dons Report is a monthly e-newsletter for the whole of our Loyola Blakefield community. Read on for the latest updates from our Athletics Department, including upcoming events, recent scores, team news and shoutouts.
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Dear Loyola Blakefield Community,
Happy spring to everyone in the Loyola community! I hope everyone is enjoying the sunny (and hopefully warm) weather this time of year. Our upper school spring teams have been competing for the last couple of weeks and our middle school teams start competing this week. I hope to see many of you this spring as we support our Dons in action!
The Varsity Lacrosse Team held a team and family mass this past Palm Sunday in our chapel. Several of our teams have had team masses this year. They are great ways for our young men to celebrate their faith with their teammates and their families. Two moments really stood out for me during the mass. Our new president, Father Dennis Baker was the celebrant. During his brief homily he asked the audience a simple question that I think sums up why we have athletics at Loyola. “Do you live your life for yourself, or do you live it for other people?” At the end of the mass, Father Baker asked if there were any general announcements. Our new head varsity coach, Will Haus thanked everyone for joining the team and said, “this is what makes us (Loyola) unique."
I hope we can all take a moment to appreciate what makes Loyola unique and why our boys attend Loyola. They do it to learn how to grow closer to God so they can help make the world a better place, for other people. They get to practice this skill every day when they are on an athletics team at Loyola.
Each of our student-athletes must ask themselves, do I play on a team at Loyola for myself, or do I play for my teammates?
Roll Dons Roll.
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Upcoming Events & IMPORTANT INFORMATION |
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Hall of Fame Ceremony
On March 9, we celebrated the induction of the 2024 Athletics Hall of Fame class. Please read more about the inductees here as well as take a look at the Athletics video that premiered during the event.
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Spring Online Stores are open
There is still time to get your Loyola spring sports athletics gear. Visit our website for more information. Remember, a portion of each sale goes back to our teams!
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Brian Cosgrove Memorial Fund Event
April 6, 2024 | 6:00 PM
On April 6, the annual event to honor the memory of Brian Cosgrove from the class of 1998 will occur at the Rec Room and the Towson Tavern starting at 6pm. There is still time to purchase tickets! Click here for details.
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Ecsell Sports Survey
Our spring sports upper school student athletes will participate in anonymous surveys about their experience playing on a spring team at Loyola. This is a survey that is administered through Ecsell Sports in the fall, winter, and the spring. The survey concentrates on the student-athlete experience in the following areas; psychological safety, connection, structure, skill development, communication, and challenge.
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MedStar Sports Performance Workouts
Strength and Conditioning workouts continue in our weight room. These workouts are provided by trainers from MedStar. Workouts are open for any student Mondays through Fridays (school days) from 6:30-7:30am and from 11:00am-1:00pm (lunch times). Team workouts will take place from 3:00-6:00pm each day.
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Summer at Blakefield
There is still time to register for one or more of our sports camps this summer! These camps are provided by the coaches at Loyola. Please click here for details.
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We have a tremendous coaching staff at Loyola Blakefield, comprised of talented men and women from a variety of backgrounds. Each month we'll highlight one of our coaches and share how they Form leaders to serve with and for others; Develop the mind, body and spirit of student-athletes; and Build programs that foster a culture of champions.
INTRODUCING Nathan Brady
Nathan started playing rugby at Loyola in 2004 under Mr. Schlichtig and graduated in 2008. He then played at Towson University, and eventually for several years with a men’s club in Chicago. In 2018, Nathan retired from playing to focus on coaching. In 2022 he moved back with his family to the Towson area and in 2023 began coaching at Loyola. In addition to coaching at Loyola, he is an active referee.
How do you form leaders to serve with and for others on your team?
I believe that leaders are more prevalent among the youth than many people realize, especially within the student population at Loyola Blakefield. Rugby is in a unique position when it comes to high school sports in the USA. It is extremely rare that a player has any sort of experience when they come out to their first training session. This inexperience gives us a rare opportunity where all players are equal in ability and understanding of the game. As coaches, there are a number of things we can do to assist, but the leaders naturally emerge throughout the process
Rugby at the heart is built on respect, integrity, and teamwork. By promoting the tenets of the game itself, leaders latch on and begin to build the teams with their own identity, whether they realized they were a leader or not. Often the leader that emerges on the rugby pitch is not the proto-typical captain you find in other sports. Rugby leaders are not solely defined by their skill level or position on the team, but whether they embody the qualities of the game. They are not just leaders, captains, or athletes, they are champions of rugby and put their teammates' success first. It is on us as coaches to recognize as these leaders emerge, and lightly guide them so they succeed and meet their potential. By creating a positive environment that preaches the high-level character traits of rugby, the leaders develop as they grow as rugby players and as young men.
How do you develop the mind, body, and spirit of each student-athlete on your team?
There are four qualities we are looking to grow in our rugby students:
- Teammate over self
- Over communicator
- Accountable
- Driven to improve
There is overlap between each of these traits, but together they embody what we are striving to become. A selfless, accountable, driven, and strong communicating teammate can overcome the litany of adversity one experiences during a rugby match. Rugby’s complexity and physicality demands much.
To succeed in the hard moments, we work to focus on the team. Each player is but one of fifteen fighting towards a goal. The physical fitness is important, but the mental fitness and understanding what we are capable of together is paramount. I think it is important to be each other’s biggest hype man and celebrate our teammate’s successes as much as possible. The hard moments of rugby become much easier when you can rely on each of your teammates. A team focused culture helps each student find a place where they belong and where they can set a foundation of their character.
How is the rugby program at Loyola being built to foster a culture of champions?
This is the lofty goal all programs strive for! The rugby program works to foster that culture by focusing on rugby’s central core values of respect and teamwork. The goal is to build the foundation where teammates prioritize each other’s success, building a strong sense of self, camaraderie, and unity. These qualities are crucial for success in the physically demanding world of rugby. Instilling these values not only enhances the on-field performance, but builds an inclusive and supportive team that can survive for the long term.
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SPORTS Updates
Please note that the updates below from our coaches refLect status of teams as of publication deadline. Track all results on our website. |
VARSITY
The Varsity Baseball team opened up the MIAA season by playing a new schedule format. The league has the teams playing 3 game series. We played Gilman the first week and went 3-0. Pitchers Joe Nottingham, Gavin Pope, Tanner Robertson, Michael Delgaudio, Brad Seiss, Logan Connolly and Luke McCullough all pitched well. Seniors Jake Hauk and Diego Arango led the offensive out put for the week. Wednesday the Dons were down 6-1 but Hauk and Arango both had base clearing triples in the same inning with the bases loaded to take the lead. Next up is Archbishop Spalding and the Easter Break.
JUNIOR VARSITY
The JV baseball team also went 3-0 against Gilman winning 2 games by the run rule and finished it of with a 4-0 shutout thrown by Trent Mueck. Davis Champion had a great series on the mound and in the batters box. Graham Kuchinsky started the week on the mound and pitched a complete game win. David Champion got the win in the second game. Trent Mueck pitched another complete game in the finale.
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VARSITY
Varsity started off the Spring Season with a fantastic result against Calvert Hall. The Rugby Dons beat the reigning champions 7-0 with a single try by senior Colin Murn. The low scoring match brought intense defensive efforts, and high stakes set pieces throughout the entire match. Our forwards dominated Calvert Hall in the scrums and the backs defended valiantly in open play, even being a man down for ten minutes of the match. Strong runs from Jimmy Lazzati, Colin Murn, Karsten Greninger, and Josh Brown kept Calvert Hall fighting in their own half. A quality result for our young Varsity side to build off of with Mt. St. Joe coming up for a match on Wednesday before Easter Break.
Junior VARSITY
JV had a tough first match of the season against a quality Calvert Hall side. The JV team kept the score close for most of the match, but were unable to thwart the relentless Calvert Hall attack. Considering that over 80% of the JV team had never touched a rugby ball until a few weeks prior, they fought well and came away knowing the work that is required. A core of Freshmen and Sophomores that will be great rugby players as they grow and learn the sport further. A chance to reset this week against a large and strong Mt. St. Joe JV side.
SCHEDULES & MORE:
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VARSITY
5 athletes strong, the varsity and junior varsity track teams are off to a good start in preparation for racing that begins this spring during the Easter break.
Boasting top area talent in the pole vault (Jack Wachter 14-6 and Will Coyne 13-6), sprints Khary Adams (50.6 400m- 22.4 200m), jumps Daniel McCormick (21-5 LJ) and Chris Nwafor ( 20+ and 40+ LJ/TJ), throws Matt Johnson (46’ shot and 110’ discus) and distances (Seniors Liam Lucas, Bryce Robinson, Andrew Rowan and Sean Wilson) along with a very good supporting cast: Seniors Matt Redrick, Maurice Ghee, Ezra Carter (sprints), Liam Stappert (distance) Deji Battle-Olley and Zach Edmondson-Deigh (sprints and jumps) Loyola track and field is in good hands this spring! A conference track continues to be the best in the state with Gilman, Calvert Hall, and Mount St. Joseph as top competition, the Don’s will be well challenged all season.
With most of the varsity returning from the #5 ranked indoor track, the outdoor team has been hard at work since the start of the new year. Top events for the team appear to be the 4 x 200m, 4 x 400m and 4 x 800m relays, the vault and all distance events. Loyola opens the season with a quad meet at Spalding followed by the Pikesville Invitational April 6th.
Junior Varsity
On the junior varsity, lots talent beginning to emerge. In particular freshman Juan Dixon, Kannon McKenzie look to make some noise in the sprints. Sophomore Patrick Bradley should lead the way in the distance events, and freshman Logan Furst is rapidly developing into a new addition to our vault and throws. Freshman Matt Allen hopes to continue to improve from his indoor season in both the shot and discus.
SCHEDULES & MORE:
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Varsity
The varsity golf dons started the preseason strong against some tough DC competition led by a talented group of returning seniors and All-MIAA team members. Loyola defeated St Johns at home then went on the road to Norbeck CC and took down Georgetown Prep, the 2023 IAC Champions. Our opening match we lost a nailbiter in extreme windy conditions at a very difficult Rolling Road Golf Club against the much-improved Mt St Joe Gaels. This week starts a very intense run of three consecutive matches against tough rivals Spalding, McDonogh and St Paul’s to get back on track before the break. Head Coach Ryan Keeney says, “he is very excited to see this team grow together even more and perform at the highest level”. Charlie Klaers 24’ (Captain / All-MIAA), Braden Decapite 24’ (Individual Stroke Play Champion), Ethan Coleman 25’ (All-MIAA), Matt Bernhardt 24’ & Cole Dorsey 24’ are all looking to make a run to return to the MIAA Championship.
Although the golf season has just begun, the JV Dons have already faced intense competition. They opened at home (Pine Ridge Golf Course) with their first match being against archrival Calvert Hall. The Dons fell in a spirited contest 15-6. However, the day wasn't without bright spots. Trevor Lombardi won 2.5 out of a possible 3 points playing out of the #6 seed. Additionally, the entire team played with determination, heart, and poise. Coach Messina and Coach Ciatti were proud of the perseverance and character displayed by the young Dons on a tough day. Redemption came a week later as the JV Dons faced Calvert Hall at their home course (Country Club of Maryland). The entire squad performed well. A special shout out to Charlie Compton and Matt Rudolph who crushed their competition! The JV Dons are eager to continue their winning ways as they face off against St. Paul's and Gilman in their upcoming matches.
SCHEDULES & MORE:
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VARSITY
The Loyola Varsity tennis season has kicked off with a whirlwind of excitement. Beginning with our traditional journey to DC to face Georgetown Prep and Gonzaga, we set the tone with a standout win against Gonzaga. Our team has been firing on all cylinders, displaying exceptional form in recent matches. Notable victories include solid 4-1 wins over Mount St. Joe and Beth T'filoh. The boys pulled off a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Boy's Latin, the reigning B-Conference Champions. As we eagerly anticipate the weeks ahead, we are geared up to tackle formidable opponents like Gilman, McDonogh, and Calvert Hall following Spring Break. With our momentum and determination, we are poised to fight our way back into the playoffs this season.
Junior Varsity
The JV tennis team has been practicing every school day rain or shine gearing up for the 2024 regular season. Although no league matches have been held yet, we've had scrimmages against Georgetown Prep, Mount Saint Joseph, and Boys Latin. So far, our guys have produced favorable results. The team is looking very deep this year, and we look forward to competing to earn a spot in the playoffs and give ourselves an opportunity for a championship this season. Loyola promises to be a tough competition for any school we square off against.
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VARSITY
Varsity Lacrosse wrapped up its non-conference play this past weekend. We had the chance to compete against some of the best teams in the country in Haverford, Memphis U, Malvern, Georgetown Prep, Bullis, and Penn Charter. Those games experiences will help us when we get into conference play starting April 2nd against Mount St. Joe. We learned a lot about our strengths but also about what we need to improve upon. One thing we know for sure is this team has fight and is not afraid of any challenge in front of them.
Junior VARSITY
Junior Varsity Lacrosse recently completed our early spring non-conference schedule with 3 victories over regional rivals Georgetown Prep, Malvern Prep, and Gonzaga College HS. We have a talented group, working hard together every day out back on Keeney Field. We are looking forward to April and the start of our MIAA season. Check your calendars and come watch us get after it most Mondays and Thursdays on Hargaden Field. RDR!
FROSH
The Loyola Blakefield Frosh Lacrosse Team recently showcased their resilience in a riveting 7-6 come-from-behind victory against Catonsville JV. The team has been focusing on refining their techniques and enhancing their understanding of the game. Each day, the players and coaches foster team cohesion after spending more time each day together. Looking forward to competing against MSJ on 4/1!
SCHEDULES & MORE:
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BASEBALL
Middle school baseball started tryouts March 5th and went to March 16th. The team is made up of 13 guys. We also will have seven 7th graders who will be part of the practice squad. They will practice every day with the team. The first game will be March 25th at Boys Latin.
LACROSSE
The 8th Grade and 7th Grade Lacrosse teams have completed their team selection process and start playing games very soon. We are excited for the upcoming season!
Track & Field
The Middle School track and field team is hard at work as it prepares to begin the 2024 season after the Easter break.
With the addition of the 6th grade this spring, team numbers are up! At the middle school level, most athletes are new to the sport so the pre-season is a combination of fitness training, speed training, and an introduction to field events: shot put and long jump and last week runners learned relay baton passes.
Top runners to watch for this spring are 8th graders Kellan Rellihan and Aaron Doanbush, 7th graders Kaelin Ransonme and Gus Heyl and returning from our inaugural cross country season Alex Riopko and Liam McKewan.
The season begins on April 11th at home against Gilman, Friends and McDonogh.
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GET IN TOUCH
Blake Henry
Director of Athletics
Loyola Blakefield
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Loyola Blakefield
500 Chestnut Ave. Towson, MD 21204
Ph: 410-823-0601
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