Fall Teams Recognized at Sports Assembly
November 15, 2007
Varsity soccer team battling Andover on Homecoming Weekend
With the fall sports season winding down, Exeter paused to recognize the hard work and team play of the school's athletes. Captains and coaches were seated on-stage as Principal Ty Tingley and Athletics Director Rob Morris thanked the teams for their outstanding performances.
Morris began by complimenting the entire student body on their collective spirit and support. "I want to take this opportunity to say how impressed I am with the attitude, good will and positive energy you expressed, not only this past week, but all through the fall sports season," he said. "I thank all of you for the role you played in making this past weekend a success. You really helped to make the sports assembly, bonfire, pep rally and all the games memorable and enjoyable."
Morris then congratulated JV athletes on two noteworthy achievements. For the second year running, JV football had a female player, Zaire '10. Zaire was happy with her play, although admits to the challenges of being the only girl. "I think in the beginning some guys thought it was weird having a girl on the team, but it was fun. The best part was when I got to play defender, and I got to practice plays. I always put in one hundred percent. If I didn't, I'd probably break a rib. I remember one time we did a gang tackle drill and the biggest guy on the team and someone else didn't get me down. I was quite pleased."
Also, for the second year in a row, girls JV soccer remained undefeated with a 12-0-2 record.
This season's achievements were in large part a tribute to the way the teams worked effectively to integrate new players, said Morris. Kate, varsity co-captain and a four-year team member of the volleyball team, explained the role of new players on her team. "We lost some of our strongest players, but the new ones are fitting in really well, both on and off the court," she said earlier this season. "Two of them are in the starting lineup."
Morris announced the varsity team MVPs.
A final award went to Cleo Hirsch for the Coaches Trophy for girls soccer (given for team leadership and sportsmanship).
Susan Truelove speaks for all the MVP winners when she notes, "The hard work I did all season, I did for my teammates. I worked to make sure I carried my weight on the field, knowing that all my teammates were beside me working their hardest as well. Winning this award lets me know that my teammates appreciate my hard work and contributions on the field, just as I appreciate what they do."
Volleyball continues to participate in post-season play, traveling to Deerfield for a rematch on November 14. The Exeter girls will be looking to reach a higher level of play against Deerfield, who they last met on October 20. As Coach Saltman noted, "We need to find the key to putting us over the top against the best teams."
The Sports Banquet, an ending tribute to the fall athletics season, takes place today. Morris is pleased that there is a chance for the players, coaches and support staff to "break bread and enjoy an evening together." Two guest PEA alums who currently play on college teams, Matt Perdoni '02 from the University of New Hampshire and Amanda Roberts '07 from Tufts, will be on hand to share their experiences.
Winter sports aren't far off. Check the athletics pages to see winter game schedules.
Interested in learning more?
View the webcast of the Exeter/Andover football game…
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Prospective students can send information to Exeter coaches using the online Prospective Athletes form...
