School Sports

Indoor Track Madness: Boys' SMR Qualifies for Nationals, Bronxville Runners Qualify for the Millrose Games, and Boys' and Girls' Teams Win Leagues

alt

By S. Quinn DeJoy and J. Murrer

Jan. 16, 2019: It is only January, but the indoor track and field teams have already been breaking records for the 2018-2019 season. In the first week of the year, the Bronxville boys exceeded all expectations at the Hispanic Games. Matt and Alex Rizzo, Tommy O’Connell, and Seamus Watters ran the sprint medley relay (SMR) with hopes of qualifying for Nationals in March. They needed to run a 3:37 to qualify for the coveted New Balance National Championship race.

On the first day of the two-day meet, Alex led off the SMR running the 400m and was followed by Seamus and Tommy, who each ran a 200m leg. When the baton was handed off to Matt, who was anchoring the relay in the 800m, the Broncos were in third place, about 30m behind the lead runner. Matt took off and managed to catch the leader to win the race in 3.33. Not only did the Bronco SMR qualify for nationals, they also broke the meet record and earned the #2 ranking in the U.S. It was no small feat to finish first at the Hispanic Games, which included 270 schools from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland.

The day after the SMR, Matt competed in the mile. The winner of this race would qualify for the high school mile at the Millrose Games. Matt took an early lead but fell back to sixth as other boys decided to make a move. With just one lap to go, Matt moved up to third, and on the final straightaway, he managed to kick and passed the two lead runners to win the race. His new personal best time of 4:17.32 qualified him for both the Millrose Mile and Nationals. He was named Outstanding Male Track Athlete of the Hispanic Games.

alt
A photo of the jumbotron showing Matt Rizzo being interviewed after winning the mile at the Hispanic Games. Photo C. Rizzo.

The Bronxville girls’ SMR relay team had some fast times of their own at the Hispanic Games. Eve Balseiro (400m), Caroline Ircha (200m), Sabrina Mellinghoff (200m), and Caroline Brashear (800m) placed second overall in a time of 4:15.6, and the second Bronxville SMR team, Betsy Marshall (400m), Alisa Kanganis (200m), Millie Koenig (200m), and Natalie Weiner (800m) placed fourth in 4:17.4.

On January 9, the Bronxville girls competed again at the Armory, this time at the Millrose Games trials. The Bronco 4x400m relay team, Marshall, Brashear, Mellinghoff, and Balseiro, ran a 4:01.45, a time that qualified the team for the Millrose Games. Balseiro ran a 57.45 split, which is the fastest 400m split in Bronxville School history.

alt
Eve Balseiro setting a new school record for her split in the 4x400m relay at the Armory. Photo by C. Balseiro.

This past Sunday, the Bronxville boys’ and girls’ teams won their respective league championships. The girls’ team placed first in 12 out of 17 events and missed scoring only in the race walk. Bronxville won leagues with 249 points and was followed by Pawling with 78.

The girls’ team was particularly strong in the pole vault. Jules Gravier won the event with a height of 9-3, placing her number 2 all-time for Bronxville. Molly Palma placed second (8-9), earning the number 3 spot all-time for Bronxville.

Boys won leagues with 13 first- or second-place finishes. Bronxville is in League 3C, along with Pawling, North Salem, Edgemont, Rye Neck, Haldane, Hamilton, and Tuckahoe.

First- and second-place finishers from leagues are listed below.

League 3C Championship

Girls' Results

55m dash: Eve Balseiro, 1st, 7.58; Sabrina Mellinghoff, 2nd, 7.62
300m dash: Caroline Ircha, 1st, 42.05; Millie Koenig, 2nd, 43.35
600m: Betsy Marshall, 1st, 1:40.90
1500m: Natalie Weiner, 1st, 5:00.77
3000m: Emma Mandanas, 1st, 11:01.37; Avery Widen, 2nd, 11:30.10
4x200m relay: Kelly Weild, Alisa Kanganis, Ava Black, Ava Downs, 1st, 1:52.99
4x400m relay: N. Weiner, Andrea Shepard, Maeve Sullivan, S. Mellinghoff, 1st, 4:18.50
4x800m relay: A. Widen, Gigi Chrappa, Clio Dakolias, Patty Haggerty, 1st, 10:12.45
High Jump: Marielle Dibbini, 1st, 4-10
Long Jump: Julia Widen, 2nd, 13-6.25
Triple Jump: Millie Koenig, 1st, 31-7.5; J. Widen, 2nd, 30-4.5
Pole Vault: Jules Gravier, 1st, 9-3; Molly Palma, 2nd, 8-9
Weight Throw: Bella Dibbini, 1st, 23-4; C. Ircha, 2nd, 21-4.25

Boys' Results

55m dash: Seamus Watters, 2nd, 6.97
300m dash: Tommy O'Connell, 2nd, 38,31
600m: Alex Rizzo, 1st, 1:25.12
1000m: Matt Rizzo, 1st, 2:31.94
1600m: Jack Kochansky, 2nd, 4:40.41
55m hurdles: S. Watters, 1st, 8.13
4x400m relay: A. Rizzo, M. Rizzo, T. O'Connell, Zip O'Malley, 1st, 3:35.45
Long Jump: Tim Murray, 2nd, 18-5.5
Triple Jump: Johnny Moynihan, 2nd, 38-5.75
Weight Throw: Luke Redman, 1st, 35-9.5

Pictured at top (rotating): Boys’ SMR placed first at the Hispanic Games: (L to R) Alex Rizzo, Tommy O’Connell, Seamus Watters, and Matt Rizzo (photo by C. Rizzo); first-place 4x400m relay at the Millrose trials: (L to R) Betsy Marshall, Caroline Brashear, Sabrina Mellinghoff, and Eve Balseiro (photo by Jim Mitchell).

Top Sports Stories of 2018: College and Pro Athletes, Championships, Records

alt

By S. Quinn DeJoy and J. Murrer

Jan. 9, 2019: In 2018, Bronxville athletes participated in local, regional, state, and national championships. Some of the most popular stories from last year focused on the achievements and the awards that Bronxville athletes received for their efforts.

Bronxville athletes who continued their sport in college and beyond were the focus of the top three stories. The most widely read story covered four former Bronxville lacrosse players, Ted Forst, Owen Jones, Reilly Walsh, and Ben Shively, who received national recognition when they played in the NCAA Lacrosse National Championships for their respective schools.

Four Players from Bronxville Compete in NCAA Lacrosse National Championships

There was also great interest in the story about Claire Sargent and other members of the Class of 2014 who graduated from college in May after competing at the collegiate level for four years.

Twelve Bronxville Athletes Graduate from College; Claire Sargent Wins Her Fourth Centennial Conference Championship in Shot Put

The third most popular story was about Bronxville native Harrison Bader, who just finished his first full year in the major leagues as the St. Louis Cardinals starting center fielder.

Bronxville Native Harrison Bader Has Great Season in the Major Leagues as a St. Louis Cardinal: See Highlights Video

In 2018, Bronxville athletes competed in championships at all levels, including the Youth Lacrosse World Series, the U.S. Squash Nationals, and the New York State Championships. The Broncos were also very successful in Section 1, winning many league and conference championships. Links to five of the most widely read championship stories are listed below.

Predators 2023 Lacrosse Team Competes at the World Series of Youth Lacrosse in Denver

Four Bronxville Middle School Squash Teams Finish in Top 4 at the Middle School Squash Nationals

Nine Bronxville Squash Players Compete at U.S. Squash Junior Championship

Bronxville Track and Field Teams Win Gold at State Championships and Bring Home 29 Medals

Undefeated Bronxville Girls’ Tennis Team to Play Edgemont for Conference Championship Today

Every year there is great interest in the overall achievements of Bronco athletes, and this year was no different. Two of the stories in the top ten covered the Bronxville School sports awards evenings.

Bronco Athletes Honored at Fall Sports Awards

Broncos Honored at 2018 Spring Sports Awards

While the top ten stories are listed above, there were also many other noteworthy sports stories in 2018. Seniors Alston Tarry and Ashley Kaye each reached the coveted 1000-point mark in their respective basketball careers at Bronxville High School. Only three other Bronxville basketball players have ever achieved this goal.

Bronco Update: Alston Tarry Scores 1000th Point in Game Against Keio and Indoor Track and Field Teams Win Sectional Championships

Broncos Rewrite the Record Books: Basketball Player Ashley Kaye Scores Her 1000th Point and Eve Balseiro and Matt and Alex Rizzo Set Records at the Indoor Track State Qualifiers

Despite the fact that Bronxville has a relatively small high school, many athletes competed at the state level, and Broncos brought home gold medals in swimming, track and field, and cross country.

Bronco Lacrosse, Golf, and Tennis Athletes Have Strong Finishes at the New York State Championships

Broncos Shine at States: New-Bro Swimmers Babyak, Cushman, Lawson, and Seibold Win Gold Medals and Rizzo Twins Finish in Top 5 in the Indoor 1000m

Matt Rizzo Wins Cross Country State Championship; Alex Rizzo Places 4th and Girls’ Cross Country Places Second

The year 2018 showed that age is not a factor when competing in a national or even a world championship. Last winter, Bronxville resident George Austin won a silver medal in curling, and Erica Linthorst took home a silver at the World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships.

George Austin Returns from Curling National Championships with a Silver Medal

Erica Linthorst Proves It's Never Too Late to Start a New Sport

Finally, much of what goes on behind the scenes for the Bronxville athletic program is orchestrated by Athletic Director Karen Peterson. In 2018, Peterson celebrated 20 years at The Bronxville School, and the story below recounts many of her memories during her tenure.

Athletic Director Karen Peterson Celebrated 20 Years

Go Broncos.

Pictured here (rotating): New Rochelle-Bronxville swimming state champions (photo by T. Cushman); Bronco outdoor track and field gold medal winners (photo by D. Brashear).

Broncos Earn Four First-Place Finishes at the Coach Saint Invitational

alt

By S. Quinn DeJoy and J. Murrer

Dec. 19, 2018: The Broncos had four first-place finishes at the Tim St. Lawrence Invitational held at The Armory on December 14. The meet, named after local track and field legend Tim St. Lawrence, included 40 teams from the New York metropolitan area. St. Lawrence, often referred to as "Coach Saint," broke the New York state pole vault record (14-5 ¼) in 1966 and earned a full scholarship to the University of Alabama. He was the track and field and cross country coach at Warwick Valley High School for over 30 years.

Even though it is early in the winter season, the Bronxville boys looked strong. Seamus Watters placed first in the 55m hurdles in 8:17, Alex Rizzo finished first in the 1000m in 2:34.17, and Matt Rizzo took top honors in the mile in 4:27.59.

The girls' relay teams also had top finishes. The 4x800m relay (Natalie Weiner, Patty Haggerty, Eve Balseiro, and Caroline Brashear) placed first in 9:31.05, the fastest time in New York so far this season, and the 4x200m (Caroline Ircha, Molly Koenig, Alisa Kanganis, and Sabrina Mellinghoff) finished second in a time of 1:47.53, setting a new Bronxville School record.

Overall, it was a strong meet for the Broncos, and Coach Jim Mitchell is looking forward to the winter season.

"Sabrina Mellinghoff and Betsy Marshall had excellent 400s last week, and when they join up with Caroline Brashear and Eve Balseiro, that should give us a great 4x400," noted Mitchell. "Natalie Weiner, Patty Haggerty, Emma Mandanas, and Clio Dakolias have looked great at the middle distances, and sprinters led by ninth-grader Caroline Ircha are very strong."

The track teams are used to dealing with weather-related problems, but this winter is even more challenging. The is no home practice space because the Bronxville track is under construction, so they also have to juggle schedules to get practice time in Eastchester.

There is still one more meet before the holiday. The Bronxville track and field teams will compete at The Armory on Friday at the Jim Mitchell Invitational.

Go Broncos.

Girls' Top Ten Results

55m: Caroline Ircha, 8th, 7.66
400m: Sabrina Mellinghoff, 5th, 61.41; Betsy Marshall, 10th, 61.78
1000m: Clio Dakolias, 6th, 3:08.14
Pole Vault: Jules Gravier, 5th, 9'

4x200m relay: C. Ircha, Molly Koenig, Alisa Kanganis, S. Mellinghoff, 2nd, 1:47.53
4x800m relay: Natalie Weiner, Patty Haggerty, Eve Balseiro, Caroline Brashear, 1st, 9:31.05

Boys' Top Ten Results

55m: Seamus Watters, 4th, 6.88
1000m: Alex Rizzo, 1st, 2:34.17
1 mile: Matt Rizzo, 1st, 4:27.59
55m hurdles: S. Watters, 1st, 8.17

4x200m relay: Connor Randall, S. Watters, Zip Malley, Tommy O'Connell, 6th, 1:36.61
4x800m: A. Rizzo, M. Rizzo, John Ryan, Jack Kochansky, 5th, 8:32.77

Pictured here (rotating): Bronco Seamus Watters won the 55m hurdles; Bronxville’s Tim Murray competing in the high jump.

Photos by C. Rizzo

Annual Bill Green Holiday Tournament Kicks Off this Weekend

alt

By Linda Pagano, Bronxville School Parent

Dec. 12, 2018: The Bronxville High School Athletic Department and Athletic Council will sponsor their Annual Bill Green Holiday Tournament December 13 to December 16 in memory of Bronxville's legendary coach.

Bill Green, a World War II naval pilot, came to Bronxville in the early 1960s as a physical education teacher and took over the reigns as athletic director from 1972 until his retirement in 1983. He was so dedicated to his Broncos that Green continued to coach the basketball team after his retirement until 1987. His career spanned over 25 years and included a trip to the 1982 quarterfinals of the New York State basketball championships. He was well respected and admired by his students and players and was honored with league coach of the year twice. Bronxville has hosted a December tournament since 1976, but it was renamed the Bill Green Holiday Tournament in his memory.

Bobby Russo, coach of the Bronxville boys' varsity basketball team, commented, "The best thing about this tournament is its tradition ... [and] it allows us to represent the community of Bronxville as a whole. If we come out on top, it's not just a victory for our program but also a victory for our community."

For Coach Russo, the biggest challenge this season is that the team has only four varsity players returning from last year.

"Our toughest challenge this year is how young we are as a group. We are a team that doesn't have much, if any, varsity basketball playing experience. Our success is going to be based off of how well our four returning players lead our younger guys."

The team may be somewhat inexperienced, but the players have been working incredibly hard both on and off the court.

"Right now, this team's chemistry is through the roof," said Coach Russo. The kids show up every day and work harder than any other team I have ever coached, and, because of this, they are going to be successful. It's my promise that when you come to a game, you're going to see basketball played the way it supposed to be played, as both a team and as a family."

The boys' and girls' Bronxville varsity teams will participate in the three-day tournament and host Ardsley, Nanuet, North Salem, Pleasantville, Rye Neck, and Stepinac. See the schedule below:

Thursday, December 13, 2018
Girls, 4:30 pm: Ardsley vs. North Salem
Girls, 6:00 pm: Bronxville vs. Rye Neck (Fan Game - Blue Out)

Friday, December 14, 2018
Boys, 5:00 pm: Stepinac vs. Nanuet
Boys, 7:00 pm: Bronxville vs. Pleasantville (Ugly Christmas Sweater)

Saturday, December 15, 2018
Girls, 11:00 am: Consolation Game
Boys, 1:00 pm: Consolation Game
Boys, 3:00 pm: Championship Game
Girls, 5:00 pm: Championship Game

Sunday, December 16, 2018
Reserved as the makeup day if inclement weather.

Team trophies will be awarded for first, second, and third place. Most valuable player and five all-tournament players will be named and selected by coaches.

There is complimentary admission. The Bronco Barn & Grill will host a satellite concession stand with all your comfort food favorites, perfect for enjoying with friends and the whole family. Do not forget to wear your Bronco gear at every game. There will be Bronxville fan Blue Out on Thursday at 6:00 pm and an Ugly Christmas Sweater night on Friday at 7:00 pm. This tournament is sure to be non-stop action and wholesome family fun for basketball enthusiasts and Bronco fans alike, again underscoring the Bronxville PTA Athletic Council's initiative of Broncos Together!

Go Broncos!!!

Pictured here (rotating): Boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams playing in the Bronxville gym.

Photos by L. Pagano

Editor's note: As a public service, MyhometownBronxville publishes articles from local institutions, officeholders, and individuals. MyhometownBronxville does not fact-check statements therein, and any opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the thinking of its staff.

Fifteen Broncos Selected as 'Journal News' All-Stars

alt

By S. Quinn DeJoy and J. Murrer

Dec. 12, 2018: Bronxville athletes received all-star recognition from the Journal News last week. Fifteen Broncos were recognized as Westchester/Putnam All-Stars, and six were named to the first team.

Two players from the Bronxville girls’ soccer team, midfielder Rachael Peacock and defensive player Isabel Sondey, were first team selections. Peacock was named League Player of the Year and in the post-season was named one of the Elite 12 scholar athletes. Sondey earned All-Section honors this fall after her defensive leadership helped take the Broncos to the regional finals.

Caroline Brashear, midfielder for the Bronco field hockey team, also earned first team honors. A four-year varsity player, Brashear was named All-League, All-Section, and All-State this fall.

Bronxville swimmer Alisa Fominykh earned first team honors with her fifth-place finish in the 50 free and second team recognition with her seventh-place finish in the 100 free at the New York State Championships. Fominykh was named All-League and All-Conference and was recognized as Bronxville’s most valuable swimmer.

Matt Rizzo, a first team selection, was named Section 1 Runner of the Year. Matt placed first in Class C at the New York State Championships and will be running for Stanford next fall. Alex Rizzo also received first team honors. He won the Westchester County Championship and placed fourth in the Class C state championship. Alex will run for the U.S. Naval Academy next year.

See the complete list of all-stars below.

First Team
Rachael Peacock, soccer
Isabel Sondey, soccer
Caroline Brashear, field hockey
Alisa Fominykh, swimming
Matt Rizzo, cross country
Alex Rizzo, cross country

Second Team
Catherine Faville, soccer
Natalie Weiner, cross country
Alisa Fominykh, swimming

Honorable Mention
Victoria Ruffo, soccer
Bridget Sands, field hockey
Patty Haggerty, cross country
Molly Palma, cross country
Julia Bazinet, swimming
Emily Gjersten (Tuckahoe), swimming
Caroline McGrath, swimming

Go Broncos.

More Articles...

<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next > End >>

JPAGE_CURRENT_OF_TOTAL

Letters to the Editor

Sponsored Links

Bronxville Weather