Fall sports updates
The women’s golf team shows off its Sectional championship trophy.
September 28, 2020
Editor’s note: Because the head coaches of the men’s cross-country and women’s volleyball teams did not reply to several emails requesting information, coverage of their teams is not included.
Women’s golf
Highlights: The team won its Sectional on Sept. 21 by a commanding 26 shots. Seniors Katie Shin and Caroline Buhner finished first and second respectively in the tournament. The team also finished second in the City tournament and had three players finish as all-City: Buhner, Shin and freshman Tillie Browning.
Final update on the season: The team competed in the Regional on Sept. 26 at the Edgewood course in Anderson. The Irish finished 11th out of 18 teams in one of the most competitive sites in the state and therefore did not advance to the State Finals. At the Regional, the team’s score of 382 resulted in the Irish coming in ahead of Yorktown, North Central, Delta, Hagerstown, Greenburg, New Palestine and East Central. Noblesville won the Regional with a score of 314, followed by runner-up Hamilton Southeastern with 324. Junior Olivia Schidler led the team with a 90.
Key contributors to team’s success: According to Head Coach Mr. Eric Bruns, “Caroline Buhner has been a great leader for us. She was the returning senior with the most experience in matches. She has mentored the younger players and really helped to bring the team together. Katie Shin has brought a fresh attitude to the program and inspired the whole team with her play.”
From Coach Bruns: “The team is proud to have won the Sectional and looking forward to competing in the Regional,” he wrote in an email three days before the Regional in Anderson.
Women’s cross-country
Highlights: Head Coach Ms. Allie Griffith reports many individual personal records along with the team’s second place finish at the All-Catholic Meet at Guerin Catholic, finishing one point behind Bishop Chatard.
Key upcoming meets: The City meet is scheduled for Oct. 3.
Key contributors to team’s success. Griffith wrote in an email, “Ellie Thor is an exceptional runner and senior leader. Grace Bragg is a sophomore who has run some of her best times despite a nagging injury. Junior Reese Sanders has been a great addition and shows leadership by continuing to train despite being quarantined.”
From Coach Griffith: “We are excited to show some growth at City this year and have a great opportunity to surprise some folks at Sectional. We would love student support at City.”
Football
Highlights: The Irish, ranked Number 1 in the Class 5A poll that was released on Sept. 21, have started off the season with wins over defending Class 6A State champion Carmel, crosstown rival Bishop Chatard and Ohio powerhouse St. Xavier.
Key upcoming games: The team takes on Cincinnati (Ohio) Elder on Oct. 2, Brebeuf Jesuit on Oct. 9 for Homecoming and finishes up the regular season on Oct. 16 at Center Grove. “These games will be great challenges,” according to Head Coach Mr. Bill Peebles ’88.
Key contributors to the team’s success: The coach cited quarterback Nathan McCahill, wide receiver Camden Jordan and running back Jake Langdon, along with the entire line, have led the offense. Safety Jeff Utzinger, defensive lineman David Guhl, defensive lineman Jayden Scruggs, linebacker Huddy Miller and cornerback Zane Hill have been impressive on defense, according to Peebles.
From Coach Peebles: “Hang in there. Hopefully they will allow more people to attend (games) in upcoming weeks.”
Women’s soccer
Highlights: Head Coach Mr. Marc Behringer ‘84 reports that the team is ranked fifth in the most recent Class 2A poll.
Key upcoming games: The Irish were scheduled to play in the City semifinal on Sept. 28, and if successful, would play in the City tournament championship game on Sept. 30 at Bishop Chatard. The team opens Sectional play at Batesville on Oct. 6, with the Sectional semifinals set for Oct. 8 and the finals on Oct. 10.
Key contributors to the team’s success: The senior captains lead the team in scoring (Caroline Cline, four goals and two assists and Bella Dausman, two goals (as of Sept. 22). Sophomore goalkeeper Kate Phillips is having another fine season keeping the team in matches with key saves, according to Behringer. He wrote in an email, “This truly is a team effort as all players are focusing on their individual roles for the benefit of the team.”
From Coach Behringer: “The 2020 team has all the making of a championship team – integrity, family, and excellence. The players have worked with integrity through a brutal regular season schedule. Using the challenges to pull together, the girls’ soccer family is focused on winning another City championship and regaining the Sectional crown. As always, student support at the matches will make a huge difference as the Irish spirit provides the lift the players need at critical moments to overcome the opposition. Let’s all bring the spirit and continue the tradition of excellence in our post-season competitions.”
Men’s tennis
Highlights: For the first time in 10 years, the team defeated North Central, which was ranked in the Top 5 at the time. The team was the runner-up at Fort Wayne Carroll Invite by defeating the 12th-ranked host school.
Key upcoming matches: The team will compete in the Sectional at North Central, with participants including the host team, the Irish, Arsenal Tech and Bishop Chatard, with first round matches scheduled for Oct. 1.
Key contributors to the team’s success: Head Coach Mr. Mark Noe said that seniors Levi Wojtalik, Isaac Michael and Andrew Davey have led this squad to a 10-3 record (as of Sept. 22), along with a Top 20 ranking in the state. Senior Alex Pohl and sophomore Sam Black have also stepped up and played some clutch tennis. Seniors Parker Ballew and Eli Carroll were instrumental in the victory over North Central, according to Noe.
From Coach Noe: “Come out to Sectional and watch the Irish netters in action.”
Men’s soccer
Highlights: The varsity defeated Brebeuf Jesuit 3-0 on Senior Night, played Number-1 ranked North Central to a 0-0 tie North Central and tied second-ranked Hamilton Southeastern 1-1. The Irish beat Roncalli 2-0.
Key upcoming games: The City tournament final will be played Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. at Bishop Chatard, assuming the team wins quarterfinal and semifinal games on Sept. 26 and Sept. 28.
Key contributors to the team’s success: Head Coach Mr. Joel Russell cited the play of seniors Mick DeWeese, Roman Sally, Jameson Browne and Reid Brenton. “Our senior captains have kept our team motivated and playing with a high level of confidence,” Russell wrote in an email.
From Coach Russell: “Come join us as we make our run into the playoffs. The Sectional starts on Oct. 5.”