Rippowam Cisqua Celebrates Winter Athletics

On Thursday, March 7th, Rippowam Cisqua School students, teachers, and coaches filled the Upper Campus Trustees’ Gym to celebrate the winter athletics program. Each team was recognized, and awards were given to members of the varsity teams for Most Improved Player, Most Valuable Player, and the highly esteemed Coaches Award.

Participation on a team sport is a requirement for Rippowam Cisqua middle school students – an outgrowth of the School’s mission that seeks to foster attributes such as collaboration and perseverance, which feature so prominently in team sports.  Athletic Director Thomas Morrissey spoke about the role of athletics at RCS and the tremendous opportunities afforded every student athlete.  He highlighted the strength of the teams, the number of teams with hallmark seasons, and the impressive level of improvement on every team.  

"Ripp sports is clearly on the rise,” Morrissey told the students. “We are representing our community with good sportsmanship, respecting our teammates, our coaches, and, most importantly, our opponents. Rippowam has always been known for its fierce competitive spirit along with its fierce sense of respect for others. I am glad to say we are continuing both traditions."

Many of the teams enjoyed extremely strong seasons, and three RCS basketball teams finished the year with undefeated records: the Girls’ 5/6 Central team, coached by Amanda Brandon; the Boys’ 7th Grade North team, coached by Steve Willson; and the Girls’ Varsity team, coached by Thomas Morrissey.  In fact, over the past five seasons, the Girls’ Varsity team’s record is an amazing 70-4. 

The following athletic awards were given at the assembly:

Girls’ Varsity Basketball - Coached by Thomas Morrissey

• Most Improved Player awards were presented to eighth grader Carrie Kinui, eighth grader Mya Lipscomb, and eighth grader Cecilia Thieberger
• Coaches Award was presented to ninth grader Annabelle Nemeth
• Most Valuable Player was presented to ninth grader Gabrielle Brooks

Boys’ Varsity Basketball (East) – Coached by Ed Clarke, Thomas Morrissey, and Bob Whelan

• Most Improved Player awards were presented to ninth grader Zaire Elleby and eighth grader Evan Kieltyka
• Coaches Award was presented to eighth grader William Meyers
• Most Valuable Player was presented to eighth grader Jared Jones 

Boys’ Varsity Basketball (West) – Coached by Tim Hart

• Most Improved Player was presented to eighth grader Griffin Small
• Coaches Award was presented to ninth grader Nicolas Seymour
• Most Valuable Player was presented to eighth grader Chris Glynn 

Girls’ Varsity Hockey – Coached by Eli Williams and Jamie Mendelsohn

• Most Improved Player was presented to eighth grader Sophia Gutfreund
• Coaches Award was presented to ninth grader Georgia McLanahan
• Most Valuable Player was presented to ninth grader Natalie Harrington  

Boys’ Varsity Hockey – Coached by Lou Tocco and Seth Michaelson

• Most Improved Player was presented to seventh grader Sebastien Seymour
• Coaches Award was presented to eighth grader Theo Bartlett
• Most Valuable Player awards were presented to ninth grader Thomas Tenney and eighth grader Michael Badey. 

All of the School’s winter sports teams had their moment in the spotlight during the assembly, and the coaches took the opportunity to introduce each player by name.  As the names were announced, the students gave a rousing cheer for each one of their fellow athletes. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the winter athletics program and recognize the players for their great teamwork and perseverance this year.

“This is what Ripp sports is about: Great kids coming together to work hard and learn what it is to be part of something larger than themselves, to excel and compete with everything you have,” said Athletic Director Morrissey.

Congratulations to all of the players and coaches on their great seasons.