by Ben Klaff ’10
Many of Staples teams had strong performances this season during FCIAC’s, States, and beyond.
Boys Basketball
Staples finished with overall record of 12-8, qualifying for FCIAC’s and Class LL States.
They lost in the First Round of FCIACS to undefeated Trinity Catholic. 18th seeded Staples had an impressive 76-59 victory over 15th seeded St. Joseph’s in the first round of States. Unfortunately their season ended in the second round when they lost a close battle with 2nd seeded Windsor.
Boys Ice Hockey
Finishing up with a 12-8 record Staples qualified for both FCIAC’s and Division Three States. Although they lost in the FCIAC quarterfinals, 3rd Seeded Staples made an amazing run to the State Championship Final before losing a heartbreaking 3-2 double overtime loss to 1 seeded St. Josephs.
Gymnastics
After finishing up a strong season, the Gymnastics team placed a strong 3rd at Class LL while also performing strongly at the State and New England Open’. At the New England Open, Senior Rachel Sanfilippo ’09 scored a 36 in all-around at the New England championships at Norwich Free Academy last Saturday and reset the Staples record on floor exercise by tallying a 9.65, taking home the silver medal and falling only .5 short of the gold. She was then selected at the All-State banquet to compete for Team Connecticut Memorial Day weekend in Virginia Beach.
Boys and Girls Indoor Track
Boys Track finished second at FCIAC Championships while the Girls finished fourth. At Class LL States boys finished second while the Girls finished 10th. Paul Chandler ‘10 finished first one vault as he vaulted 14’5″ for a state LL record. Also at States Olivia Massey extended her Staples record by long jumping 17′ 7.25″. The 4×4 relay of Obiju Dan-Udekwe ’09 , Pip Turegano ’09 , Raphael Ray ’11, and Matt Marriott ’09 came 1st and ran 3:29.84 to set a new Class LL record. Highlights from New England’s included Marriott run setting a school record of 1:20.99 for 600 meters. Massey placed second in the Long Jump and the 4 by 400 relay team placed 3rd. Representing Staples at Nationals were Massey, Marriot, Chandler, and the Boys 4 by 400, and Joeslyn Henry ’10 in the long jump.
Boys Swimming and Diving
Boys Swimming and Diving placed 6th overall at Class LL States and 7th Overall at the State Open which included at a 7th place out of 22nd finish in the 200 Yard Medley Relay with a time of 1.40.35. Representing Staples in that team were Stefan Tziolis‘09, Trevor Lally’09, Christopher Wiederecht’09, Jeffrey Helt’09.