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Loyola Dons reach rugby finals
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Max Connors (center) of Loyola Blakefield, Towson, tries to escape the wrath brought on by the Archbishop Spalding High School, Severn, team. The Dons won the away game 17-10 May 1. (CR Staff/Owen Sweeney III)
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By Sue Thompson
The Catholic Review
The Loyola Blakefield, Towson, rugby team defeated defending champions The John Carroll, School, Bel Air, 14-7 at home May 5 in the MIAA rugby championship.
The Dons were 3-1 in conference play and defeated Archbishop Spalding High School by a score of 17-10 in semifinal action at the Severn school May 1.
The Cavaliers had handily defeated Loyola 24-7 in their regular season match on April 18, but the Dons came roaring back in post-season play to advance to this championship round.
Loyola’s rugby team came on line in the spring of 2001 with as many as 80 athletes involved in the program, allowing for three teams.
In 2008, Loyola is carrying 45 players and competing on both the varsity and junior varsity levels.
Head Coach Bob Schlichtig has been around rugby since his days at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, and he competed at the club level after college.
Coach Schlichtig teaches religious studies and enjoys teaching in the classroom and on the rugby pitch.
Full of speed and strength, the Dons provide a solid offense with senior captain and scrum half Nate Brady leading the way along with senior captain Brian Fitzpatrick, a wing, and junior captain Jon Zauner, a fly-half.
Schlichtig said that his backline is very solid this season, led by junior John Neskow and sophomore Vince Snarsky. Snarsky, a three-sport athlete, is strong to the ball while Neskow’s speed is paying dividends down field for the score.
The offensive line is anchored by senior Jack Geary, whose height has been a true weapon for the Dons. Geary is successful at controlling the scrum and the ball, always trying to get the ball down-line to forward Max Connors.
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Blazers LAX alive in IAAM A Conference
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By Sue Thompson
The Catholic Review
The Notre Dame Preparatory School, Towson, lacrosse team is poised and ready to go as the IAAM lacrosse tournament is in full swing.
Coached by Mary Bartel, Lisa Costello and Katie Laschinger, the Blazers are having a good year, placing third behind The John Carroll School, Bel Air, and McDonogh School, Owings Mills.
The Blazers completed their regular season in the IAAM A Conference with a record of 8-4, 13-5 overall.
In post-season play, NDP thumped The Seton Keough High School, Baltimore, in the quarterfinals on May 2 by a score of 18-5, with 11 different NDP players scoring. The Prep will now face Archbishop Spalding High School, Severn, on May 6 in the semifinal round.
Across the board, coaches confirm that in the IAAM A Conference, nothing can be taken for granted and one team can defeat another on any given day. For the Blazers, it’s all about focus, hard work and attitude.
“We always hope for the best,” said Costello. “The team has really gelled nicely this season, and it seems that they truly enjoy each other, which makes it easier for all of us.”
Seven dedicated seniors lead the way for the Blazers, starting with L.B. Zinkand and Emilie and Anna Boeri. The Boeri sisters, identical twins, are headed to Stanford University in the fall.
While Zinkand anchors the defense along with senior Meg Ryan, the Boeris, both midfielders, are lightning fast and their height provides a distinct advantage on the draws. All four players possess quick sticks and a deep desire to succeed.
On the offensive end, the Boeri sisters and junior Erin Laschinger are leading the team in goals and assists. Though the NDP program has never been one for highlighting top scorers, the Boeris and Laschinger, who can take it crease to crease, have found the goal 213 times while holding their opponents to just 142 goals on the season.
In the goal for the Blazers this season is senior Brigid Milchling.
“Brigid is such a determined player,” said Costello. “She definitely wants to win and works hard every day.”
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