Patch’s Top 10 Athletes To Watch This Season

It's that time of year again. Kids are heading back to school and Marblehead High School sports teams are getting back into action. 

The Magicians have many titles in their possession, from last year's successes, but a new year brings new challenges as well as new faces to lead their team. Here is a list of just a few of the outstanding athletes who will spearhead Marblehead's athletic endeavors in the up-coming seasons.

• 1. CHRIS NEUMANN/Senior, Golf

Chris compiled an undefeated (11-0) season playing at the No. 4 spot for the Magicians last season, including a solid round of 37 strokes, which helped secure a win against Danvers. He was named team MVP as well as a North Eastern Conference (NEC) All-Star. His success on the course earned him a spot as team captain for the upcoming season, after which he hopes to play golf and baseball in college.

Also watch: junior ace Andrew Scholnick and sophomore state tournament-qualifier Connor Green.

• 2. MEGAN ALEXANDER/Junior, Swimming

An NEC all-star, Megan was a big part of the MHS swim team's success last season, helping them capture their fifth-straight NEC title with an 8-0 record, as well as commendable third places finishes at both the North Sectional Meet at MIT and the Division 2 State Championships at Harvard University.

Individually, she set NEC records with first-place finishes in the 200-yard freestyle (1:53.45) and the 500-yard freestyle (5:04.27) -- the latter breaking a record set back in 1987. She even improved on her 500-yard time at the state meet, finishing first place in just 5:01.83.

On top of her personal achievements, she was part of the school record-breaking 200-yard medley (1:53.25) and 400-yard freestyle (3:42.97) relay teams.

Coach Susan Guertin said, "Megan is surely a swimmer to watch. She loves to race and loves to win. She is a real competitor."

Also watch: sophomore diver/50-freestyler Tyler (Strogoff) Phillips, who in her rookie year earned NEC champ status.

• 3. JAMES WIGGLESWORTH /Junior, Cross Country

As the team's number one runner, James helped lead Marblehead to third place at both the NEC and Eastern Massachusetts Division 3 state meets. He was voted team MVP after finishing eighth at the NEC Championship and ninth at the Eastern Massachusetts Division 3 Championship. He also placed 28^th at the EMASS All-State meet, where the Magicians placed sixth overall.

"James is a quiet and reserved individual," says Coach Brian Heenan. "But he is a fierce competitor.  He does not like to lose and he is willing to work really hard to accomplish his goals."

Also watch: senior captain Claire Depew, who Coach Jen Emblidge said "is a determined, hardworking runner that is preparing herself for a very successful season and leading our team in that direction as well."

• 4. EMMA McGUIRK/Senior, Indoor/Outdoor Track

Emma tore apart the record books of MHS track last season, setting new highs in the 100m, 200m, 400m, long-jump and the indoor and outdoor 4 X 400m relays. She was selected as the NEC South MVP and went on to capture the Division 3 State Championship in the 400m during the spring season. She was also a member of the 4 X 400m relay team that finished 12^th at the US Indoor Championships in New York.

"Emma had an unbelievable season last year and she was just getting started," said Coach Mike Toomey. "Week in, week out she was on some of the biggest stages that high school track has to offer and she never blinked once. I'm excited to see all the work she did this summer pay off and what a year's more experience will get her."

Also watch: senior all-star Julia Kinglsey in the 400m and the long jump, and three-season track athlete and NEC All-Star Chloe Heskett.

• 5. MAIKA (STROGOFF) Phillips/Senior: Skiing, Field Hockey, Lacrosse

Maika was one of Marblehead's top skiers, finishing the season with an amazing 347 points. She helped her team grab another first place finish in the Massachusetts Bay Ski League East and their second consecutive state championship title. Individually, she placed sixth in the slalom at the state championships and qualified for the Eastern High School championships, where she finished 10^th and 2^nd in her two runs, putting her at fifth overall.

A three-sport athlete, she also plays varsity field hockey and lacrosse. In lacrosse, she finished fourth in NEC scoring, totaling 33 points (28 goals, 5 assists).

Also watch: Hayley Braun, who led the skiing league with 383 points, and plays varsity lacrosse and soccer.

• 6. KATHRYN DiGIAMMARINO/Junior: Softball, Soccer, Basketball

A three-year starter at shortstop, Kathryn was voted to the NEC all-star team last season, while setting a school record with 26 stolen bases.

Coach Johnny Gold called her "a tremendous, naturally gifted, all-around athlete, who combines natural ability with speed. Since her first game as a freshman, she has been a starter at SS and our leadoff batter."

"[She] plays all out every game, and combines her great ability with intelligence," said Gold. "She will be our leader and go to player."

Also watch: junior centerfielder, Lucia Chaleck, who hit more than .300 last season as a sophomore.

• 7. LEXIE LAING/Eighth-grader, Hockey

As a seventh-grader, Laing's talent and determination took the hockey arena by storm. She netted 20 goals in 21 games, totaling 29 points, earning her MVP status and All-North Cape League selection for the 2009 season. Coaches and teammates expect to see more hat-tricks from this now eighth-grade winger.

Also watch: junior defensemen Courtney Maag, who earned All-North Cape League honors and captained Marblehead to their fifth straight state tournament appearance.

• 8. BEN KOOPMAN/Senior, Football, Hockey, Baseball

Senior Ben Koopman exemplifies the meaning of sportsmanship and leadership, being chosen as captain for not only the 2010 football season, but for the varsity hockey and baseball teams as well. After a ground-breaking football season last year, coaches and teammates look forward to where he will lead the Magicians this year.

Also watch: senior captain who will start on both the defensive and offensive lines this season and junior Will Quigley, who Coach Jim Rudloff said "has prepared himself to have a huge year."

9./10. RYAN DEMPSEY AND DYLAN WHITE/Seniors, Tennis

There are two athletes who round out this Patch list, and since they compete side-by-side they should be honored in the same fashion.

Ryan and Dylan played first-doubles for the Magicians this past season, finishing with an impressive 16-2 record. They were selected as NEC first team all-stars, and were both voted Captains for the 2011 season.

In 2010, Dylan won the team's Most-Improved Award and Ryan won the Brad Sheridan Spirit Award, given to a player who shows his ability to the team before himself.

"They are both excellent athletes," says Coach Elisabeth Foukal," and I expect them to shine in the coming season."

Also watch: Tyler Gelineau, a senior-captain, whose ability to maintain his composure and respect for his opponent earned him the sportsmanship award. He posted a 14-5 record last season playing second-singles.

The Magicians are poised for many victories this year and Patch will be there all along the way, bringing you the action as it happens.

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