With December’s arrival comes the commencement of Radnor’s winter sports season. These next few months will test our athletes in a multitude of environments: outside (and inside) on the track, on gym courts, in pool lanes, and on the ice. Read to catch up on the beginnings of Radnor’s coldest season.
Editor’s Note: This Roundup’s publication was delayed by about a week. We apologize and urge readers to look forward to the next edition for coverage on the most recent games!
— Kayla
Basketball (Boys) – Ellis Margolies and Arielle Mims
After working hard in the preseason and playing in a couple of scrimmages, Radnor’s basketball season has officially begun. The Raptors kicked off their first game on December 4 at West Chester East with a big 10 point win (50-40). Despite it only being the team’s first game, the Raptors displayed great chemistry through sharing the ball and were tough on defense. This season, Radnor, led by lots of seniors, looks to win out the Central League and go deep in the playoffs. This week, Radnor will travel to Harriton on December 10, followed by a home game versus Marple Newtown on December 13. The Raptors are looking to keep their record undefeated. It is going to be a very fun and long basketball season! Go Raptors!
Basketball (Girls) – Ava Preate and Bree Simpson
Basketball season has officially started, and RGB is ready to go. After a weekend of tryouts, the team was selected, and the girls got right to training. Practices were spent getting ready for their upcoming scrimmages against Council Rock South and Merion Mercy. Unfortunately, the girls couldn’t pull off a win against CRS, so they set their sights on Merion Mercy. Despite starting strong in man-to-man defense, Radnor struggled to crack Merion’s zone formation, and their shots refused to fall. Missing two crucial junior playmakers Sadie Boulden and Nyah Yao didn’t help, but RGB hung tough. The girls showed flashes of defensive brilliance, reading Merion’s cuts to the basket and shutting them down with ease. Coming out of half-time, the girls saw a brief third-quarter spark, but unfortunately were unable to hold on to their lead. The final score, 35-24, wasn’t in Radnor’s favor. No breakout performances yet, but hey, it’s early—plenty of time to find their groove. The girls have their first official game on December 5th away at Bishop Shanahan, where they hope to bring home the first win of the season. Let’s go RGB!
Cheerleading – Abby Merschel
It’s no surprise that Radnor Cheerleading has been working exceptionally hard over the past few weeks! The girls have been practicing to perfect their competition routine, which was just performed this past weekend at UCA Regionals in Trenton, New Jersey. Radnor Cheerleading looks to compete again at Poconos Regionals on December 7, hoping to receive an invite to Nationals at Disney World. The team is also busy preparing for basketball season. Radcheer’s season has just begun – be on the lookout for more exciting things!
Ice Hockey (Boys) – Hayden Goldenberg
Radnor Boys Hockey has had a rocky start to their season, currently holding a record of 1-5. On the offensive end, Captain Stephan Sucher and Assistant Captain Zach French have consistently delivered strong performances, but RAHO has struggled to find a rhythm. On Thanksgiving Eve, RAHO took on Conestoga. Junior goalie James Danner was unfortunately out, due to a concussion sustained in their previous game against Unionville. Defenseman Max Peterson was forced to step in the net for the boys. Despite an adequate performance from Peterson, RAHO was taken down by Stoga. Nevertheless, the team continues to practice in preparation for a tough upcoming schedule beginning Friday, 12/13 against West Chester East. Good luck, and GO RADNOR!
Ice Hockey (Girls) – Gabriella Eun
Last Wednesday, November 27th, our Radnor Girls Hockey team played against Conestoga for their fifth game of the season. Despite Radnor putting up a good fight, Stoga still managed to come out on top, winning 7-4. Some of the team’s star players, Juniors Maddie Lynn and Sam Mitchell both scored cumulative points during the game. With a strong current record of 4 wins and 1 loss, we wish RAHA the best of luck in their rematch against Conestoga this Friday and hope to see some familiar faces cheering them on in the stands!
Indoor Track (Boys) – Commerce Fisk
The boys of Radnor High School have moved forward from their successful Cross Country season, as December has brought the beginning of Indoor Track and Field. It’s abundantly clear that the blistering cold and howling winds will not deter this talented group from reaching their lofty goals as individuals and as a team. Practices began in late November, and despite the adverse conditions, the team continues to work hard and improve. The distance squad has prioritized base-building runs including long group runs and threshold workouts both on and off the track to ensure fresh legs and stamina. The sprinters have worked tirelessly on speed and starting as jumpers and throwers alike work on their craft, all in anticipation of an exciting season. Led by coaches Manion and Sydnor, as well as captains Joseph Garzio, Owen Lim, Erik Mortensen, and Juwon Yoo, and an incredible supporting cast of athletes, the team is thoroughly prepared to dominate in the coming races. The boys’ first meet will take place at Lehigh University on Saturday, December 14. If you are interested in Indoor Track and Field, please fill out the form attached below. The boys meet everyday in the hallway besides the weight room before practice and appreciate all new runners and impassioned athletes. Make sure to cheer on our boys as they embark on the exciting season ahead! Go Radnor!
Indoor Track (Girls) – Grace Kimlinger
The Girls Indoor Track Team is off to the races! Practices have begun, and the cold and rain won’t slow these runners down. RGTF has been putting in the work through track workouts, group runs, and sessions in the weight room, led by captains Sonia Dougherty, Emma Hyde, and Maddy McBride. The team has an exciting season ahead, with their first meet on December 8th at Ursinus College. At indoor track meets like this, our athletes will take part in a range of running events from the 55m dash to the 3000m, in addition to a variety of hurdle and relay events. The girls will also compete in field events, like the long jump, pole vault, and shot put. Be on the lookout for our fantastic athletes and their accomplishments this indoor season. Go RGTF!
Squash (Boys) – Kavin Thapar and Harsh Kakkar
The Radnor Boys Squash Team has yet to have a match, but their season is off to a strong start with numerous practices. The newly appointed Coach Rose has taken charge after the last coach’s retirement. The team is to select captains this week and have their first match against Conestoga on Thursday, December 12. We wish the boys good luck on the season and their matches to come!
Squash (Girls) – Ella Starzyk
The Radnor Girls Squash Team’s season has almost begun. Captains Rhea Howard and Bella Flick have led the team into a preseason full of competitive challenge matches. Some similar faces remain from last season, but many new girls show incredible promise to help lead the team to victory! Looking forward, the girls are training hard to compete against Conestoga on Tuesday, December 10th, and another match against Baldwin on Thursday, December 12th. We wish the girls of Radnor Squash the best of luck in this new season!
Swimming (Boys) – Mohammed Badri
Radnor Boys Swimming is back and better than ever, as they get ready to dominate the central league. Practices began in mid-November, when the team began their long, hard season. The team endured a couple of particularly difficult workouts in their first days back, as they trained to get back in shape over five hours in two days. In other news, the freshmen have surprised a couple upperclassmen with their incredible work ethic and fast times during time trials. The boys take on Strath Haven at their first meet this Thursday, December 5th at our very own pool.
Swimming (Girls) – Sophie Masicoli
Though the swim season has just begun, the girls have been working tirelessly in preparation for upcoming competitions. Captains Cailin Kelly, Rafa Goncalves, and Maly Lindgren are ready to lead the team into our first meet of the season on Thursday, December 4th against Strath Haven. Swimmers will compete in various events – both shorter sprints and longer distance swims, across all four strokes. Dive season has also just started, and we are glad to see many divers, new and old. Though she unfortunately will not be competing in our first meet due to an ankle injury, captain Olivia Cohen Freue has been (and will be) helpful on the sidelines, there to cheer us on! We are wishing all of our swimmers and divers the best of luck in our upcoming first meet, and can’t wait for many more to follow!
Interested in writing about Radnor sports for the Roundup? Contact Kayla Cormier ([email protected], 215-821-4699) or stop by the next Radnorite meeting.