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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 Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Fr. Bruce Steggert, S.J. has been a teacher and staff member at Loyola for over ten years. He has been a constant presence in the classroom, as our school chaplain, and as an avid supporter of Loyola athletics during that time. He has performed countless team prayers and been the celebrant for many team masses. One of his sayings that sticks in my mind is about the first line in the prayer of St. Ignatius, “Lord, teach me to be generous”. During his homily during the mass for the winter sports varsity athletics retreat, he focused on this message. I think it is a great one for this time of year. Our coaches are always trying to teach our boys to be generous, first. To put the team first and themselves second. It is a challenge in today’s world, but being a Don isn’t easy. Neither is being a Man for Others, but our guys are up to the task.
Congratulations to varsity soccer, varsity water polo, and JV water polo for winning a conference championship this fall! I hope to see many of you at the Turkey Bowl this week and cheering for our Dons this winter. Roll Dons Roll!
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Upcoming Events & IMPORTANT INFORMATION |
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Purchase your Turkey Bowl Tickets
The 104th Turkey Bowl takes place on November 28th at 10:00 a.m. at Johnny Unitas Stadium at Towson University. The ticket price is $12. Tickets may be purchased online. The School Store will have a limited number of paper tickets starting Monday, November 11. Tickets are required for all guests, except infants. Be sure to purchase your tickets now and cheer on the Dons!
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Bill Carter '87 Virtual NIL Presentation
DECEMBER 5 | 7:30 - 8:30 PM
Bill Carter '87 will host a special presentation that will provide an overview of NIL education for high school students and families. The session will be approximately 45 minutes with a Q&A. At the conclusion of the session, Bill will provide access to a FREE NIL course exclusively for Loyola families. Learn more about the course here. Bill is an NIL columnist for Sports Business Journal and teaches NIL at the University of Vermont’s Grossman School of Business. With over 20 years of experience in the sports industry, including founding the sports agency Fuse, Bill brings unparalleled expertise to help student-athletes succeed. Bill’s NIL Propel curriculum draws from real-world experience and is designed to empower athletes to succeed in NIL. |
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SAVE THE DATE: Playing Sports in College Virtual Presentation
JANUARY 23 | 7:00 - 8:30 PM
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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 Laura Reid
Head Middle School Cross Country and Track Coach Laura Reid is currently in her 36th year of teaching. 2024 begins her 21st year at Blakefield. Ms. Reid teaches middle school math where for the past seven years she has taught the 6th grade. She began coaching both track and cross country in 2008. The addition of 6th grade athletes to the program in 2023 is one of the accomplishments she is most proud of. “Running is for all athletes and starting these young athletes in 6th grade can make a big difference in participation in school activities as well as in making this sport their own.” Ms. Reid has two adult children, Alex and Emma, and presently resides in Towson.
How do you form leaders to serve with and for others on your team?
The nature of cross country is one where athletes train together from warm up through the cool down every day. Serving with and for is an intrinsic part of that nature. With a variety of levels from strong to beginner, each runner brings his own ability daily. However, each phase of practice allows leaders to emerge. Slower runners may lead during warm up and stretches, stronger runners in races. Each phase of competing and training allows the individual to use his strength to help make the team better.
How do you develop the mind, body, and spirit of each student-athlete on your team?
As a team sport that focuses on individual performance in scoring, cross country lends itself to developing the mind, body and spirit in performing the activity. The body, being the most taxed part of the training, is developed through carefully planned practices. Racing is all about enduring pain and transcending to a place that naturally develops the mind and spirit. The best athletes on my team find that racing well is tonic for the mind and body. However, it is probably most developed by weaker runners as the process of getting into shape and learning to race is largely a process of suffering that many new to the sport have never had to experience. By seasons end the growth in all three phases is evident through improvements in performance and enhanced camaraderie among the athletes.
How is the Middle School Cross Country Team at Loyola being built to foster a culture of champions?
Creating a culture of champions is the goal of any athletic program. The hard training that goes into being a distance runner is an important part of that culture. However, beyond the training, racing is another skill that must be learned. Enduring discomfort, running for your teammates and being present daily at all events all go to that end. As a coach at the middle school level for over 15 years, each group learns from the other and knows those who have gone through the experience to develop into championship varsity athletes. Knowing the history and tradition of the varsity allows our middle school athletes to understand that they are the starting point of that culture.
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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 won the MIAA A Conference Championship for the 2nd year in a row! The Dons defeated the Curley Friars 2-0 in the Championship game. Loyola had a conference record of 12-2-2 which earned them 1st place heading into the playoffs. In the semifinal game we defeated Mt St Joseph 4-1. Goals were scored by Cal Lackner, Joseph Molina, and Sammie Walker 2x. Three days later the Dons faced the Friars in the Championship game for a #1 vs #2 matchup. Sammie Walker started the night off with a strike from just inside the box towards the end of the 1st half. With 4 minutes remaining, Brody Good put the icing on the cake with a header to go up 2-0 and clinch the MIAA Title. The Dons are 1 of 3 programs to ever go back-to-back MIAA Champions.
JUNIOR VARSITY
The JV soccer team finished the regular season schedule with a record of 8-3-3. Wins in the last 2 out of 3 regular season games qualified the team for a 3rd place finish in the regular season and a semi-final game at Archbishop Curley. This playoff game was intense and high energy from start to finish as the teams were tied at 1 each after full time and 2 overtime periods. A penalty kick shootout to determine the outcome saw Curley prevail 5-3. It was a great season overall as players developed physically and mentally over the course of the season to achieve a common goal. Thanks again to all of the fans who supported the team during the season.
Frosh
Frosh team had a great year going 9-2-3 finishing 3rd in MIAA. They showcase their tactical and technical awareness throughout the whole season by adjusting on the fly with formation and players changes during games. Captains Aaron Dornbush and Anthony Mattar played a huge role in controlling the midfield and helped us maintained control of games. Defensive teamwork played a huge roll, only allowing 7 goals in 14 matches. Captain Cole Showalter and Carson Preller lead the team in goals this season. Really promising and talented group going through the ranks of Dons program.
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VARSITY
The water polo Dons headed into the MIAA playoffs as the number three seed. They had a regular season record of 7-3. They faced reigning champs, Gilman, in the semi-final game. Down 6-1 after the first quarter, Loyola stormed back for a 20-14 victory to end Gilman’s reign.
The Dons faced #4 Mt. St. Joseph in the MIAA final game. The championship game was a physical match that featured four penalty shots. The Dons, usually slow starting, raced out to a 5-1 advantage before the Gaels closed to 7-6 at halftime, and trailed, 12-11, late in the third quarter.
The Dons ran off five unanswered goals, highlighted by senior goalie Nick Oakley’s heave into the corner of Mount St. Joseph’s net as the third buzzer sounded, giving them a 17-11 advantage. The Don’s held on to beat MSJ 18-17 in a thrilling one-point game. The Dons ended their Championship drought with a huge win.
Senior, Dominic Feracci, was named MVP of the Championship game. Dominic was one of the 4 senior team captains that helped lead the Don’s to victory. Charlie Kunkel, Drew Turk, and Topher Micthell all helped lead the Loyola to the 2024 MIAA Championship. The team also demonstrated strong brotherhood bounds that helped them overcome adversity throughout the season. The JV and Varsity teams captured MIAA titles, the first time in over a decade was this achieved.
Junior VARSITY
The junior varsity water polo team captured the JV MIAA Championship title, beating Gilman. The water polo Dons finised the season undefeated. The team was led by junior Kane Farley, sophomore Alex Bennett, Charlie Will, Max Layton, Finn Mitchell, Todd Piccoli, and goal keeping by Henry Lancaster.
SCHEDULES & MORE:
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VARSITY
With one more race to go on Saturday at the Jesuit Championship in NY, the varsity team hopes to close on a positive note. The team finished 4th overall in the “A” conference dual meet season and 7th at the championship meet as key injuries to 3 of our top 4 kept the scoring high. Top runners this fall were juniors Liam Stappert and Patrick Bradley. Two of the best returnees in the league, Liam and Patrick should help Loyola rebuild toward the top of the “A” conference with the help of a strong freshman class.
A large graduating senior class including Nick LaGreca, Matt Lingenfelter, Ethan Walsh, Danny Sentz, Nick Kirkpatrick, Matt Counselman, Aidan Holman, and Will Volley will leave a lot of places to be replaced, but Sophomores Auggie Brown and Jacob Tsakalos return next year to fill in.
As the season closes, most of the team will move on to the Indoor Track team that begins this month.
Junior Varsity
The JV Cross Country Team finished their year off with a very successful outing at the MIAA Championships. The team had run the same course a month earlier at an invitational and almost every single athlete improved their times.
The coaching staff was very pleased at the efforts put in by these freshmen and sophomores. We are confident that they will build on their progress and become contributing members of the varsity team in the future.
SCHEDULES & MORE:
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Varsity
The varsity team had a strong second half of the season, capping the home season with a 3-1 victory over previously unbeaten #1 Archbishop Spalding on Senior Night. With the victory, the Dons finished the season in 3rd place. After crushing Boys’ Latin 3-0 in the quarterfinals, the Dons fell to St. Joe in the semi-finals to finish the season with an overall record of 13-7. The 2024 Dons were led by seniors Jay Klug and Max Goldfaden, and juniors Luke Heinze, Charlie Gehrke, and Bryce Llewellyn. With a big group of returning players for next year, the outlook for another successful season is promising.
The JV Volleyball team began to separate themselves from the rest of the competition towards the end of the season. Their resolve and more consistent volleyball play allowed them to defeat Mount Saint Joseph’s and Gilman with ease as the season came to a close. Beginning in the playoffs, the Dons were led by a strong core of determined players. They outpaced Gilman in the semi-finals cruising to a 2-0 win so that they could face off once more against Calvert Hall in the finals. The championship match was hotly contested and full of energy. The Dons put everything they had into that match and played extraordinarily well. Ultimately, it was not the Dons’ Day, and we fell short of securing the match with a 2-1 defeat. It was an exceptional season, and the Dons are looking forward to coming back and competing for the championship again next year.
SCHEDULES & MORE:
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VARSITY
The varsity football team finished the regular season with an overall record of 5 wins and 5 losses (3-3 in conference. We missed out on the playoffs by one game. After going up 14-0 in the first quarter of the MSJ game, the team could not hold onto the lead and eventually lost the game 21-35. We lost the next game to eventual league champion, Archbishop Spalding. The regular season finale came at home against one of the top ranked teams in the area, undefeated Milford Mill. After being down 6-14 at halftime, the Dons scored 21 unanswered points in the second half to take home the win, 27-20. The team was led by several standout performances from Brad Seiss (10 rushes for 99 yards, 14 completions for 185 yards, 2 rushing touchdowns, Owen Scheihing (2 field goals), Mason Russell (1 rushing touchdown), Derek Seiss (6 receptions for 47 yards, 4 tackles), Mason Gibson (13 tackles), and Cole Mosier (9 tackles). Brady Murn had an interception and a blocked kick. Harper Rudolph had a blocked kick. Luke Marsalek added a forced fumble and recovery. Congratulations to Brad Seiss, Derek Seiss, Brayden Pross, Jesse LeGree, and Khary Adams for making the all-conference team. The team has one more game on November 28 at Towson University at 10am in the Turkey Bowl. Roll Dons Roll!
Junior Varsity
The JV Dons completed their season with a valient effort in the “Chicken Bowl”, but fell short in the end. The defense kept Calvet Hall in check for most of the game, but alas was on the field for too long. The record for this season did in no way display the hard work and dedication of the team. This year’s team had many accomplishments and had a lot of fun competing. I am proud of the development of this team this season and I am excited to see how this team will produce in the offseason and come ready to compete for next season.
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Soccer
7TH GRADE
The 7th Grade Soccer Dons finished the season with a hard-fought victory against Cathedral 2-0. This team completed the season with a 5-1-2 record. Our team has played very competitively throughout the season. We strived to improve at all levels with every game played. The teams hard work and dedication were on display every game as they played with their burning passion at all times. It was a great and fun season full of exciting moments for our 7th Grade Soccer Dons!!! RDR!!!
8TH GRADE
The 8th Grade Soccer Dons finished the season with a hard-fought 1-1 tie with McDonough. The team completed the season with a 3-4-1 record. Our team was competitive throughout the whole season (as most of our losses were by 1 goal), and we improved every game. The team’s camaraderie and fighting spirit were on display every game. It was a fun and exciting season for our 8th Grade Soccer Dons!
Cross Country
The middle school cross country season wrapped up on a high note, marking a successful journey filled with hard work, camaraderie, and personal growth. Each runner showed remarkable improvement, shaving seconds—and even minutes—off their personal bests while gaining confidence with every race. The team’s enthusiasm was evident in the way they supported each other during practices and meets, pushing one another to be their best. They learned valuable lessons in perseverance, setting goals, and cheering for teammates, creating memories that will last long beyond the finish line. As the season closes, the runners look back with pride, celebrating both their individual accomplishments and the friendships they've built along the way.
Football
The end of the year for a middle school football season can be both exciting and emotional. For many of our players, it’s their first time competing at a team level, and for others, it might mark the culmination of their middle school athletic journey before they move on to high school sports. For our eighth graders, the end of middle school football means saying goodbye to a team they've likely played with for l couple years. We would like to mention a few of them. Jayden Atilano for his effort and skill, Charlie Kurrle for his sharp football mind, both Jack Rupp and Teddy Nelson for their continued improvement throughout the year and I would also like to shoot out Jack Thompson for his team spirit and working hard to improve from 7th grade to 8th grade. It can be a bittersweet moment as they transition to high school, where the level of competition and commitment will increase. For our players planning to continue football in high school, this might be a time to start thinking about the future. Coaches may meet with athletes to discuss their potential and what steps they need to take to succeed at the next level. Regardless of the outcome, the end of the season is a moment to celebrate the hard work, effort, and friendships built throughout the fall. Thank you to the Coaches that gave their time, the parents for their support and the players for putting in the time and the desire to play. We are looking forward to seeing our 7th graders next year.
Water Polo
The Middle school water polo team has learned so much this season. They learned how to pass, shoot, catch, and how to play as a team. The water polo Dons ended their season with victory over McDonogh and Gilman. The Don’s finished their season undefeated.
As part of the middle school water polo tradition, the Dons have an inter-squad game, coached by Junior water polo players. This year's coaches were Sal Anello and Ian Durham. The game was evenly matched. The middle school Dons ended the game with the score 12-12.
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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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