CT Premier Water Polo Practices along Hills Point Today, Leaving for Junior Olympics on Wednesday
Lauren Feist, left, watches her son Wyatt (14) and his team practice on Saturday in the waters to the East of Compo Beach. The makeshift water polo enclosures were put up along Hills Point Road when CT Premier Water Polo’s usual pool was closed for private events. The team leaves for Dallas, texas on Wednesday to take part in the Junior Olympics. WestportLocal.com photo
Writer Recounts Racing in the Flying Scot North American Championships in Westport over Weekend
Photo by Art Petrosemolo for The Daily News of Newburyport. As I See It: Fear conquered in the waves
The Daily News of Newburyport | by Marilyn Archibald
“Big wave, big wave, BIG WAVE!”
It was our second day of sailing in the Flying Scot North American Championships in Westport, Connecticut. I had been told that the worst problem with sailing in Long Island Sound during July is usually a lack of wind. Instead, we had stormy, gray skies, 18-knot winds with gusts to 25, and 4-foot seas.
These conditions were unlike anything I had ever encountered. Heading straight into the waves, our 19-foot boat Talk like a Pirate rose and fell with stomach-churning slams. Going sideways to them heeled us over dangerously. In either direction, bucketloads of water drenched us to the skin almost continuously.
Heading out of the harbor, things hadn’t seemed so bad, but the minute we hit open water the real conditions became apparent. Any mistake could result in immediate capsize, a broken boom, collision with another boat, or one of us being flung out of the cockpit into the water.
“I don’t know if I can do this!” I shouted to my husband, David, gripping the jib and shroud lines like grim death.
“Try it! Just one race! You can do this!” he shouted back.
“Nooo,” I moaned, sobbing slightly. Then, I gave myself a mental shake. The truth was, I wasn’t afraid. I trusted my skipper. And if I didn’t do my job as crew to the absolute best of my ability, using everything I had learned over the last 10 years of sailing, I would put us both in real danger. My husband needed me, I needed him, and together we could do this.
So I hung on, moving from one side of the boat to the other as we tacked, yelling back when the waves in front of us looked like something out of The Perfect Storm.
Sailboat races have both upwind and downwind sections, called legs, and while sailing upwind right now was absolutely savage, sailing downwind — while seeming less scary — was actually more dangerous. The waves can push the boat faster than the actual wind speed and cause the front, or bow, of the boat, to be pushed under the water, causing the rudder to come up and control to be lost.
“Get back, get back!” David shouted, as we surfed down one enormous wave after another, and water cascaded over the front of the boat. I scrambled aft and the bow came back up. We finished the race and wave by wave, made it back to the harbor like a rocket ship, soaked, battered and for me at least, utterly exhilarated.
The two days of sailing that followed could not have been more different — nearly flat seas, and so little wind that most boats were towed in and out of the race course like baby ducks in a line. But these light wind conditions, which require the extreme patience that Skipper David has in abundance, favored our skills. We won second place out of more than 20 boats in our division on both days.
I’m a better sailor today than I was a week ago. I’m unlikely to see those extreme conditions again soon, but now I know I can handle them. Doing scary things is hard, but it’s how we grow stronger, as sailors, and as people.
Marilyn Archibald lives in West Newbury and sails with her husband, David, out of Sandy Bay Yacht Club, Rockport, Massachusetts.
10 U Champions: Westport Little Leaguers Head to Sectionals
Bottom (L-R) Chase Landgraf, Grant Theisinger, Chris Lambert, Miles Delorier, Henry Ellis; Standing (L-R): Nolan Walters, Brody Chlupsa, Justin Goldshore, Luke Moneyhon, Wes Walters, Noah Smith, Jack McGrath, Dylan Burdeshaw. Coaches (L-R): Manager Justin Walters, Coach Dave Smith, Coach Marc Theisinger. Contributed photo for WestportLocal.comLittle Leaguers tip their hats to their opposing team after their win, a nod of respect and a sign of good sportsmanship. Westport Little League’s 10 U team conquered this weekend in their final playoffs, winning each of their three games by mercy rule - ending the game when a large enough difference in scores is made between the opposing teams. The 9 and 10 year old Westporters will continue on to the sectionals in Trumbull later this week, playing at Unity Field starting at 5:30 in the evening.
Westport 12 U Little Leaguers Fight Hard this Season
Photos and words by Caelan Chevrier Fairfield American defeated Westport 8-4 Friday night in the District 12s championship game in Trumbull. Westport will have another chance to advance in the double-elimination district title game tomorrow at 11:00 AM.
Despite the loss, fans displayed some of the most passionate and energizing sportsmanship. Mothers wore earrings with their sons' baseball numbers on them. Parents, grandparents, and just those who enjoy the game all cheered in unison after nearly every pitch. From bleacher-wide chants, to the ringing of cowbells, dedication and emotion were found on the side of the field.
Head Coach Joe Leonard remains confident in his team. “We can beat these guys, there’s no doubt about it.” He noted that the level of talent of his players is exceptionally high, and he is excited to come back today.
The winner of today’s game will move on to the sectionals tournament, where they will face more opponents eager to seek a spot in the Little League World Series.
Westport’s 11 and 12 year-old players made it to the famous Williamsport Little League World Series in 2013, advancing through the series until the very end. Although a Tokyo, Japan team ultimately claimed victory - they returned home to a parade as local heroes.
UConn: Westporter Ben Casparius Selected in Fifth Round of MLB Draft by Los Angeles Dodgers
Photo by Ian BethuneFrom SB Nation: The UConn BlogUConn pitcher Ben Casparius selected in fifth round of MLB Draft by Los Angeles Dodgers
The Westport, Connecticut native will likely begin his professional career with Los Angeles.
by Shawn McGrath
UConn baseball right-handed pitcher Ben Casparius has been selected in the fifth round of the MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers, No. 162 overall. The recommended signing bonus value for this pick is $318,200.
He will join Wills Montgomerie, who was selected in the sixth round in 2017, in the Dodgers organization.
Casparius, originally from Westport, Connecticut, only had one season in Storrs but made it count. He made a team-leading 15 starts, earning an 8-5 record with a 4.03 ERA. His best outing of the season was March 5 against Miami (OH), scattering three hits in a complete-game shutout with 11 strikeouts. He also exited three additional starts without surrendering a run, including against UMass, Georgetown and Creighton. Casparius struck out 15 hitters in seven innings against the Hoyas, his career-high.
He led the Huskies in innings (91 2/3), as well as strikeouts (127), which translates to 12.5 strikeouts per nine innings. His strikeout mark is also second in UConn history, behind only Colin McLaughlin, who notched 138 punch-outs in nearly 20 more innings (111). This was enough to earn Casparius ABCA First-Team honors for the Northeast region, as well as second-team all-conference honors and a spot on the Big East all-tournament team.
Casparius’ best pitch is his change-up, which MLBPipeline graded a 55 on the 20-80 scouting scale, which translates to above-average. His fastball, slider and control were each given 50 grades, which is average. His fastball sits around 91 mph but he has been recorded as high as 95 mph. He projects as a strike-thrower with a solid three-pitch mix. This, despite his slight 6-foot, 208-pound build, leaves him a chance to start through his professional career.
Casparius spent his first two years at North Carolina, where he played sporadically as both a hitter and pitcher, before missing the 2020 season due to transfer rules. As a result, he has some eligibility remaining, should he decide to return to UConn.
Gallery: Staples Rugby Places 4th in the Nation in Kansas City; Arrives Home to a Hero’s Welcome
The Staples Rugby Team arrived home to a Hero’s Welcome, complete with an escort by the Westport Police Department. The high school rugby team made it to the Rugby National Championships in Kansas City, Missouri this weekend - taking home fourth place for the Country.
The team placed better than expected - as they were ranked as the #5 seed ahead of the match, with the Goff report saying “The best-kept secret of the tournament, Staples has compiled one heck of a season up in Connecticut. Winners over big dogs Xavier, Greenwich, and Fairfield, these boys are battle-tested and battle-accomplished. Jot them down as your dark horse now.“
Although champions on the pitch, it was the team’s good sportsmanship that made its way back to Westport as parents eagerly awaited their sons’ arrival. The team joined fellow Connecticut team Greenwich at the nationals, cheering on the usual Staples rival - with Greenwich cheering on Westport’s boys. Parents were quick to mention “they not only have a good coach, but a good role model as men” when speaking about head coach Dave Lyme. Lyme and his assistant coaches Neal Seideman and Jack Corcoran lead the team to victory this year after only starting the team a few years ago, with one team member saying that “they coached a team that hasn’t even been in consideration of being ranked to becoming 4th in the nation in the span of months.”
With graduation on Thursday, the senior members of the team were given a special graduation ceremony by Staples High School - allowing them to enjoy the celebration of finishing high school, and still being able to play at nationals.
The boys played on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in temperatures soaring about 100 degrees on the Missouri field. Today they’re home, enjoying the cool Westport temperatures and relaxing after a victorious three days.
Results:
Thursday: St. Thomas Aquinas 22-26 Staples
Friday: Herriman 48-14 Staples
Saturday: Gonzaga 17-14 Staples
1st: Herriman Rugby
2nd: St. Ignatius Rugby
3rd: Gonzaga Rugby
4th: Staples Rugby
Click to enlarge photos. 
Westporter Christine Taylor Earns All-American Lacrosse Honor as Trinity College Junior
Trinity College Release
Trinity College photo
Trinity College women's lacrosse senior tri-captain Katrina Angelucci (Weston, Mass.) and junior Anna Costello (Milton, Mass.) were each named to the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) 2021 Division III All-American Third Team. Both Bantams, along with Trinity junior Christine Taylor (Westport, Conn.) were selected for the IWLCA Division III All-Berkshire Region First Team, while senior tri-captain Marcella Flibotte (Cohasset, Mass.) and classmate Sydney Bell (Falmouth, Maine) each graced the IWLCA All-Region Second Team.
Angelucci, Flibotte, and Costello were also chosen for the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) All-Conference First Team, and Taylor and junior Gabriella Young (Raleigh, N.C.) made the All-NESCAC Second Team. Trinity, coached by Katy Dissinger (8th Season), finished the 2021 season with a 3-4 record and in third place in the NESCAC West Division. The Bantams' five All-NESCAC selections were the most in the conference.
Angelucci enjoyed an exceptional ending to her career, collecting 13 goals (2nd on team, 10th in NESCAC) including two hat tricks and a season-best six goals against nationally-ranked Wesleyan. Angelucci registered a team-high three free-position goals and added eight ground balls, 11 draw controls (3rd on team) and six caused turnovers. An IWLCA National Player of the Week during 2020's pandemic-shortened season, the versatile scorer played attacker and midfielder for the Bantams. A graduate of Weston High School, Angelucci is majoring in biology at Trinity. She is the daughter of Linda and Dante Angelucci.
Anna Costello anchored Trinity's defense in 2021, finishing with a team-high 17 caused turnovers (3rd in NESCAC) and 13 ground balls (2nd on team). A starter since her rookie spring, Costello was an IWLCA All-Region Second Team honoree in 2019 and a NESCAC All-Academic selection in 2020. A graduate of Thayer Academy, Costello is majoring in political science at Trinity. She is the daughter of Gina and Frank Costello.
Taylor led the Bantams in goals with 14 (9th in NESCAC) and scoring with 22 points (7th in NESCAC) and second on the squad with eight assists (6th in NESCAC) as an attacker this spring. She scored one game-winning goals, twice on free positions, and added four caused turnovers. A graduate of Staples High School, Taylor is majoring in economics at Trinity. She is the daughter of Meghan and Timothy Taylor.
Flibotte filled up the stat sheet from the midfield position throughout her career, finishing with eight goals, including three in a 10-5 win over nationally-ranked Hamilton, and two assists for 10 points. She paced the Bantams in both draw controls with 20 (10th in NESCAC) and ground balls with 14 to go with five caused turnovers. A graduate of the Groton School, Flibotte is majoring in political science at Trinity. She is the daughter of Lucia and Mark Flibotte.
Bell started every game, sliding back seamlessly from midfield to defense in her final season. She totaled seven ground balls and nine caused turnovers (2nd on team) and graced the NESCAC All-Academic Team in 2020. A graduate of Falmouth High School, Bell is majoring in public policy & law at Trinity. She is the daughter of Denise and Kirt Bell.
Young, Trinity's starting goalkeeper since her rookie season, finished second in the conference in save percentage (.594), GAA (8.06), and third in saves (60), including four games with double-digit stop, while going 3-2 in six games and 305 minutes of play. A graduate of Cardinal Gibbons High Schoo, Young is majoring in psychology at Trinity. She is the daughter of Maria and Mike Young.
Saugatuck Rowing Club Wins Nationals, Continuing a Tradition of Championships
Hannah Clemens, Maia Freeman, Claudia Chadwick, Janna Moore, Mia Kirkorsky, Isabella Furman, Jane Leahy, Elisabeth Chadwick, Lauren Schramm. Photo by Andrea Moore for The Westport Local Press. Saugatuck Rowing Club’s U17-8 and U17-4 girls boats won big at the US Rowing’s National Regatta this morning in Sarasota, Florida - taking home the #1 spots in the A-Finals championship races.
Victoria Bazarko, Rosie Lundberg, Ella Casano, Kelly Kennedy, and Alexandra CowanThe two teams are coached by Saugatuck Rowing Club’s Gordon Getsinger, Anna Yamamoto, and Mike O’’Hara. The U17-8 boat won the regatta against Greenwich Crew by nearly seven seconds, and the U17-4 boat won against the St. Louis Rowing Club by nearly three seconds.
The boys also experienced a fast morning, with their U17-4 boat in the B Finals coming in sixth place behind the Milwaukees Rowing Club.
The Saugatuck tradition of returning to Westport with a trophy in-hand was continued by the girls today, as the girls teams also took home the championships for five consecutive years from 2015 to 2019.
But for now, they’re on the beach - “soaking up the victory” as one parent describe it.
Westporter Jack Mathews Awarded Baseball All-NESCAC Honors as Trinity College Freshman
Bantam Sports photoRelease from the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Trinity College first-year Sean Meth (Sands Point, N.Y.) was named to the 2021 New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Baseball All-Conference First Team, while Bantam senior co-captain Alex Rodriguez (South Windsor, Conn.), senior Alex Shafer (Baltimore, Md.) and first-year Jack Matthews (Westport, Conn.) were each named to the All-NESCAC Second Team. The Bantams, coached by Bryan Adamski (8th season), finished the 2021 season with an 11-6 overall record and finished second in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) East with a 4-3 division mark.
Meth played in every game with 16 starts at 1B as a rookie for the Bantams in 2021. Meth led the Bantams in doubles with seven (2nd in NESCAC), home runs with two, and RBIs (3rd in NESCAC) with 19 to go with 22 hits (7th in NESCAC) in 58 at-bats for a .379 batting average (8th in NESCAC), 12 runs, five walks, a .603 slugging percentage (8th in NESCAC), and a .446 on-base percentage (1.049 OPS). He is a graduate of Paul D. Schreiber High School and is the son of Donna and Richard Meth.
Rodriguez, an All-NESCAC Second Team selection in both 2017 and 2019 and the NESCAC Co-Rookie of the Year in 2017, started 16 games behind the plate and at DH in his fifth season as a starter on the Bantam squad. A captain since 2019, Rodriguez batted .314 this spring with 16 hits in 51 at-bats to go with 12 runs, three doubles, a home run, 11 RBIs, eight walks, five steals in five attempts, a .431 slugging percentage, and a .403 on-base percentage (.834 OPS). He registered just two errors and one passed ball while throwing out four of nine potential basestealers this spring. An alum of South Windsor High School, Rodriguez competed for the Bantams as a graduate student in public policy this season after receiving his bachelor's degree in sociology in 2020. He is the son of Junior Rodriguez and Theresa Walker.
Shafer, also an All-NESCAC Second Teamer in 2018, was 2-0 on the mound this spring with a 2.04 ERA (2nd in NESCAC) in four appearances and three starts. The right-hander struck out a team-high 19 batters and walked just four in 17.2 innings pitched and notched a shutout and a save. An alum of the Gilman School, Shafer competed for the Bantams as a graduate student in public policy this season after receiving his bachelor's degree in political science in 2020.
Mathews started every game in the infield, predominantly at shortstop, as a rookie for the Bantams in 2021. Mathews led the Bantams in hits with 24 (3rd in NESCAC) in 66 at-bats for a .364 batting average, runs with 13, and stolen bases with 11 (led NESCAC) in 12 attempts. He also had three doubles, a triple, three RBIs, three walks, a .439 slugging percentage, and a .391 on-base percentage (.830 OPS) while committing just a single error in 51 chances in the field. Mathews is a graduate of the Brunswick School and is the son of Cara Lyn and Sean Mathews.
Achieve Fitness vs. SlateRock
Andrew Kindt of Achieve Fitness Softball Team makes strong contact with a pitch at this evening’s softball game at Compo Beach.