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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 Fall to you and your families. As always, it is a great time to be a Don and play sports at Loyola. Our middle school fall teams are right in the middle of their seasons and our upper school teams are making a push for the playoffs or the championship. Our varsity teams are once again very competitive. Soccer is in 1st place, Water Polo competes in the semifinal round of the playoffs this week, Volleyball has a chance to secure a top 3 regular season finish, Cross Country is gearing up for the conference championship, and Football is working to secure a playoff spot.
Though our teams are successful, I hope you take some time to come watch our boys compete for a different reason. The identity of the students that attend Loyola Blakefield is being a man for others. Our boys get to fulfill the opportunity to become a man for others daily through athletics. They compete against their teammates for playing time. They compete against their opponents to win. But most importantly, they serve their teammates by playing for them and putting the Team First. They know they are part of something much bigger than themselves. They compete against their opponents with class and sportsmanship. They play for the Greater Glory of God.
Roll Dons Roll,
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Upcoming Events & IMPORTANT INFORMATION |
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UPPER SCHOOL WINTER SPORTS BEGIN
Upper School winter sports begin on November 4. Check On Campus for a message from Mr. Henry with details.
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Winter Sports Preseason Parent and Coach Meeting (Virtual)
November 13 | 8:00 PM
The preseason meeting for middle school and upper school winter sports is on November 13 at 8:00pm.
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Winter Sports Varsity Athletics Retreat
November 16 | 8:00 AM - 1:45 PM
The winter sports athletics retreat for varsity teams is on November 16 from 8:00am-1:45pm. Student-athletes should reach out to their head coach for details.
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Middle School Winter Sports Begin
Middle School winter sports will begin on November 18 with a meeting in the dining hall after school for students and coaches. The meeting will end at 3:30pm. Tryouts will begin the next day on November 19.
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Team Stores are Open
Visit our online team stores to get your Loyola Sports gear! A portion of each sale goes back to our team!
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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 Bernie Bowers
Bernie Bowers is a member of the 1978 class of Loyola Blakefield. An exceptional athlete in both football and baseball, Bernie started from sophomore year on and was Loyola’s first African American quarterback and pitcher for Loyola. After many years in the corporate world, Bernie returned to his roots at Loyola in 2004 and became the Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion and Assistant Football Coach where he is consistently engaged in the lives of the students of color and serves as a successful role model for the entire student body. In conjunction with Bernie’s Assistant Coaching duties, he was placed in the position of Director of Football Operations. In this position he took care of the internal, external daily and yearly operations of the football program. Bernie also manages to make time during the season to take on the Head Coaching duties of the Dons Middle school team preparing them for their upward climb to the varsity level. Bernie, for the past 10 years is also the Director of the Fischer Program, a summer enrichment program for students of color to help them prepare for entrance to Loyola. He has worked with football and baseball in various capacities whether on the campus of Loyola Blakefield or in the community and wouldn’t trade it for the world. The pleasure of working with the boys, the parents and the coaches has been a great honor. Bernie has been married for 40 great years to his lovely wife Rita, a dedicated educator in the Baltimore County School System. The two have two lovely and talented daughters Ariel, a 2013 graduate of Johns Hopkins University and a current Systems Engineer at The Space Telescope Science Institute and Alana, a New York University graduate and Broadway actress.
How do you form leaders to serve with and for others on your team?
Forming leaders on the Middle School football team who serve with and for others involves a blend of skill development, character building, and team cohesion.
I like to lead by example. As a coach, I like to model the behavior we want to see. Demonstrate commitment, teamwork, and respect for all players, regardless of their skill level. I like to empower player leadership to create opportunities for players to lead drills and organize team activities. This encourages responsibility and accountability. I want to develop communication skills that encourage open dialogue within the team. Which can facilitate discussions where players can express their ideas, concerns, and feedback. This helps leaders learn to listen and collaborate effectively. We must set team goals that Involve the team in setting collective goals that emphasize cooperation and mutual support. This fosters a sense of shared purpose and commitment. I want to recognize the efforts and achievements of the players and celebrate not just individual accomplishments but also those that highlight teamwork and leadership. This reinforces the importance of serving others. By implementing these strategies, we can develop players who not only excel individually but also uplift their teammates, creating a strong, cohesive football team.
How do you develop the mind, body, and spirit of each student-athlete on your team?
I believe developing the mind, body, and spirit of middle school student-athletes requires a tailored approach that considers their unique developmental needs. I want to introduce them a cohesive approach to each one:
- The Mind: I want to create a growth mindset. I want to encourage athletes to view challenges as opportunities to learn and improve rather than as setbacks. I like to facilitate sessions on setting personal and team goals. To help the athletes understand the importance of short-term and long-term objectives while playing football and beyond.
- The Body: To have age-appropriate conditioning, which is designed training programs that focus on developing fundamental skills, strength, agility, and flexibility, tailored to their developmental stage. I also talk to them about safety and injury prevention. I and the coaching staff emphasize proper techniques in training and competition to reduce injury risk.
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The Spirit: I want to establish a set of team values that emphasize respect, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Discuss these values regularly to reinforce their importance. Last but not least to have fun and enjoyment. I want the players to enjoy practices and competitions. I incorporate games and team bonding activities that strengthen camaraderie and passion for the sport. By focusing on the mind, body, and spirit in a balanced way, I can help Middle School student-athletes grow not only as athletes but also as well-rounded individuals.
How is the Middle School football program at Loyola being built to foster a culture of champions?
Building a middle school football program at Loyola to foster a culture of champions involves several key components, strong leadership and Coaching Staff. Experienced Coaches who not only have strong technical knowledge but also embody the values of leadership and mentorship. We need to have core values and a team identity. Values such as teamwork, respect, perseverance, and integrity. These are integral to every practice and game. We want to foster a sense of belonging and pride in the program by creating a unique team identity that players can rally around. This creates a positive culture and environment which recognizes not just wins, but also hard work, improvement, and good sportsmanship. This fosters a positive and encouraging atmosphere. By integrating these elements, the Middle School football program at Loyola can cultivate a culture of champions, emphasizing not just athletic excellence but also personal growth.
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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 Soccer team is currently 9-1-1 and in 1st place in the MIAA. We were most recently ranked #3 in the country by United Soccer Coaches. In eleven conference games the Dons have 40 goals for and 6 goals against. Seniors Sammie Walker and Danny Klink have combined for 33 goals and 14 assists in all competitions. With 5 games remaining in the league the Dons are looking to secure the regular season championship for the second year in a row.
JUNIOR VARSITY
This current edition of the JV soccer team was selected through the usual tryout process consisting of ten days of technical skill work combined with an intense fitness regime. The team is made up of 19 sophomores and 6 freshmen. Tyler Brazier, Dom Januszkiewicz, Preston Gran, and David Romero are co-captains. Currently, the team has a record of 6-2-2 and is competing for a top playoff spot. Big wins have come against Calvert Hall and Gilman. Goalkeepers Colton Gibson and Alejandro Rodriguez anchor the defense. Brady Callahan and Thomas Staiti lead the team in goals. Thank you to the parents and fans that have shown great support for the team.
Frosh
The team is currently 5-2-2 and sitting in 3rd place in the MIAA. Coach Roberto is in his first year in charge of Loyola Freshman team and is making a huge impact on the program. His commitment and dedication to the program has had a huge impact on the Freshman team. Anthony Mattar is an anchor in the center midfield helping pull the strings for the Dons. With 3 games remaining, the Dons are looking for a strong finish to qualify for the league championship!
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VARSITY
The water polo team competed in the Philmore Cup winning 2 of their 3 games. They then traveled to Columbus, Ohio to compete in the Ohio Water Polo Classic. They played 5 tournament games, and they won 3. That earned the Dons a 6th place finish in the tournament. As part of the trip, the Dons enjoyed an Ohio State game in their down time.
The Dons returned to Maryland and had multiple league games. First up, the Dons beat McDonogh 23-5. Then the Don’s had a trilling overtime game against MSJ. The Dons fought hard and beat MSJ 21-17. The Don’s host current MIAA champions, Gilman, in another thrilling game, the Dons ultimately fell, 12-14. The Dons traveled to Calvert Hall and lost in a close game. They finished up the mid-point of season with a victory of Spalding, 17-7.
The Dons then traveled to Pennsylvania to compete in the Beast of the East Water Polo Tournament. The Dons cruised past McDowell. Next, they faced the home team Governor Mifflin, winning 15-11. The Don’s played Wissahickon and lost in a nailbiter 11-10. They finished the tournament with a win over Germantown.
Returning from tournament play, the Dons faced McDonogh and Gilman in the same week. They beat McDonogh 17-10. The Dons traveled to Gilman and beat Gilman in a come from behind victory in OT. The Dons very next day, the Dons hosted Gonzaga, beating them 10-20. The Dons completed the sweep of MSJ with a home win 10-8. The Dons had played 7 games in 6 days, winning 6. It was a long week of play, but the Dons truly shined.
Junior VARSITY
The JV water polo team is currently the number one seed heading into MIAA finals. The JV team is undefeated at 9-0. The team has been led by good team play, great goalie work, and overall team chemistry that has helped define their success. The JV is looking ahead to MIAA Championship game on Saturday 10/26. The team will most likely face their rival, Gilman. JV swept Gilman this season, with two decisive victories.
SCHEDULES & MORE:
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VARSITY
Varsity Cross Country is off to a good start as we pass through mid-season and approach the championship meet. A win over Spalding and a close loss by just two points to MSJ has the team presently 3-2 in the A conference. On Oct 11 the team finished 5th at the Patriot Invitational in Frederick. Junior Liam Stappert was the individual champion covering the 5k course in 16:32. He was followed in 7th place by classmate Patrick Bradley.
The final dual meet of the season is next Tuesday, Oct 22nd against Calvert Hall and St. Pauls followed one week later by the MIAA Championship Meet at Shawan Downs. Loyola hopes for a top 3 finish at the championship meet that would place them among the best teams in the metro area.
Junior Varsity
The coaching staff is very pleased with the progress of the young runners on the JV cross country team. The team currently posts a league meet record of 3-2 heading into our last tri-meet on 10/22. After this last league meet, the team will run the most important race of the year which is the MIAA championships on 10/28. The coaches are confident that hard work will pay off with a successful championship meet.
SCHEDULES & MORE:
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Varsity
The varsity team currently sits at 10-4 in 3rd place in the MIAA. With exciting recent wins at home against both Gilman and Calvert Hall, the team is looking towards honing their play as they head towards the playoffs. Last weekend they travelled to Rochester, NY to compete in the 6th Annual Jesuit Classic – a tournament among Jesuit schools Canisius (Buffalo, NY), McQuaid (Rochester, NY), Colegio San Ignacio (San Juan, PR) and Loyola. Not only did the team compete well on the court, but they also shared in the Jesuit mission of service to others by volunteering at St. Michael’s Church and stayed with host families in the region. Back in Baltimore, the team will test their mettle this week and next with important upcoming matches against playoff-bound teams MSJ, Spalding, and Gilman.
The JV Volleyball team consistently showcases their competitive spirit and determination on the court. With a series of exhilarating matches that have come down to the wire, the team has demonstrated their resilience on the court, securing many nail-biting wins against tough opponents. One match that highlights their hard work on the court and puts them in strong contention for a playoff spot is the win against the current top seed Calvert Hall. They are eagerly looking forward to finishing the season strong and making a deep run into the playoffs. As they continue to refine their skills and strengthen their teamwork, the team is positioned to finish the season on a high note.
SCHEDULES & MORE:
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VARSITY
The varsity football team is on a recent win streak of 3 games, with victories over “A” conference opponents Concordia Prep, Gilman, and St. Mary’s. The team opened the season with a close loss to Scranton Prep, then followed up with a big home victory against Georgetown Prep. After tough losses to Gonzaga and McDonogh, the team rebounded with three big victories. Offensively, the team is led by senior QB Brad Seiss. Brad has thrown for over 1000 yards so far this season with 9 touchdown passes. Junior receivers Khary Adams and Brayden Pross have played well, each on the receiving end of 5 touchdowns. Khary also has 33 tackles and three interceptions. Defensively, senior, Mason Gibson (64) and junior, Cole Mosier (67) lead the team in tackles. Senior, Derek Seiss has also played well on both sides of the ball. Derek has 15 catches, 34 tackles, a sack, a tackle for a loss, an interception, and a blocked punt. On special teams, junior return man Jesse LeGree has over 300 return yards, 2 interceptions, one touchdown reception, one interception returned for a touchdown, and one kickoff returned for a touchdown. Senior, kicker and punter Owen Scheihing leads the way on special teams with a 41.55 yard punting average. Owen has made 5 field goals this season, including a 54 yarder vs. Scranton Prep and a game winner vs. Georgetown Prep.
The team finishes the regular season with games against Mount Saint Joseph (away), Spalding (away), and Milford Mill (home – senior night). The Turkey Bowl is on November 28 this year at Towson Stadium.
Junior Varsity
The month of October has proven to be a definite challenge to for the JV Dons. They are displaying a great deal of both physical and mental toughness. Although the record may not indicate it, the JV Dons have made incredible progress this season. With approximately 70% of the team comprised of freshman and first time players, the Dons have managed to compete and make each game a winnable contest. The Dons opened up with a come back win in the fourth quarter against Georgetown Prep 9-7. Then the Dons battled a tough Gonzaga team holding them to 7 points until a minute left in the 4th, losing 14-0. Another tough game vs. Concordia went into OT and the Dons fell 20-14. Sophomore linebacker Luke Kirkpatrick leads the team in tackles with 37 and Sophomore Micheal Escoe leads the team in rushing with 442 yards on the season. Freshman receiver Jacob Song leads the team with 13 receptions on the year. The Dons get back to business next week when they take on a stout defense with Mount St. Joseph on Monday. Hard work and dedication have been a staple of our work on the field this season. I look forward to see what our Dons can accomplish for the remainder of this season with our toughest 3 games in front of us. (Mt. St. Joe10/21, Spaulding10/28, Calvert Hall11/11).
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Soccer
7TH GRADE
7th Grade Soccer is off to an amazing start as the guys are 3-1-1 with victories over Boys Latin, ChapelGate, and Severn; a close loss to McDonough; and a tie against Dumbarton. We have scored an outstanding 27 goals so far and given up 5. The team has nice work ethic and is working on communicating better as a group. We have 5 games left which we are looking forward to, and hopefully closing out the season strong!! Roll Dons Roll!!
8TH GRADE
8th Grade Soccer is off to a 3-2 start with strong victories over St. Paul’s Dumbarton, and Severn, and close losses to Boys Latin and McDonough. We have scored 11 goals and given up 4 goals in our 5 games. The team has a nice camaraderie and strong work ethic that has kept us in every game. We look forward to our remaining 4 games to close out the season! Roll Dons Roll!
Cross Country
Middle School Cross Country is off to a very strong start. Winning two of our first three events, Don runners have placed high in each race. Top runner this year is 7th grader Alex Riopko who has led the way all season both at practice and in the races. Other team leaders include 8th graders Jake Aldridge, Gus Heyl, Luke Marshall and Liam Harris. 7th grader Dylan Verceles has been a low scorer for the team finishing just behind Riopko in two races.
In now our 2nd year with 6th grade runners, that group is led by Blake Summers and
Brendan Koontz. With 26 runners in the program the middle school team has increased in size and has a solid core of returnees for next year.
MSXC heads off to Glenelg Country School for the penultimate race of the season before we close out the year at St. Paul’s.
Football
The Middle School football team has been working very hard. We have only played 2 games thus far. With our wide variety of player knowledge and experience, we believe the team has done very well. We work hard in teaching the guys the fundamentals of the game. In our 2 games with limited amount of game experience we believe the boys are having fun and learning. With 3 games left we are looking forward to seeing the boys improve each week. We are very proud of how well our Middle School football team has played. We are looking to get better each upcoming game. Our next game is Wednesday, October 23 against St. Paul’s at Loyola at 3:30. Hope to see you there.
Water Polo
Coach Keith and Coach Gordon have been working together to teach the middle schoolers the sport of water polo. The young men have really picked up the game and have demonstrated dominance over other middle school rivals, such as Gilman and McDonogh. The middle school team has learned to work together to move up and down the pool on both offence and defense. The Dons' next game is at home vs McDonogh on 10/30. The Dons will conclude their season with a home game against Gilman on 11/4 and then an intrasquad game on 11/6.
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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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