What You Need to Know About Gibbons’ Fall Sports Programs

As always, co-curriculars are a big part of building a community here at Cardinal Gibbons. The fall sports for the 2023 season are underway, and already some big games have been played out. Here are the teams that you can come watch this season and what they are planning to do.

September 14, 2023

Field Hockey:

Coach: Kelly Weimer and Carlos Melendez

Seniors: Audrey Fields, Mary Haley, Lucie Burgess, Kelley Ritchy, Mira Nelson, Catherine Ralph

The varsity field hockey team at Gibbons is headed by coaches Kelly Weimer and Carlos Melendez. Last year, the team came in as the runner-up in the state championship, with a record of 18-2, and a perfect 12-0 in their conference. This year, these players are looking to build on last season by going for the championship. They currently hold a 3-1 record and can be seen at home on September 13th against Myers Park at 5pm or on September 27th at 6:30 pm against Carrboro.

Football:

Coach: Steven Wright

Seniors: Nolan Wirick, Peter Coleman, Whitt Newbauer, Jonathan Carlucci, Brady Dolan, Nicholas Leonard, Ivan Yardley, James Walker, Benjamin Barranguo, Dylan Clark, Julien Lissade, Ryan Ziegler, Edward Sellars, Noah Wright, Michael Khalil, George Khalil, John Scott, Braden Taylor, Connor Doeren, Preston Corin, Ryan Toland, Michael Lotchin, Alexander Blachly, Malakhi Gurdak

Returning head coach Steven Wright is leading the Crusaders varsity football team in the 2023 season. The team finished last year with a 9-3 record, coming first in the conference. They come into the season ranked 5th in the state by High School Overtime, and the players are seeking the state title after winning in 2021. After four games, the team has recorded 2 wins and 2 losses, and are playing at home on September 22nd versus Hillside at 7pm.

Men’s Cross Country:

Coach: Nick Mangum

Seniors: Derek Fusco, Daniel Pollaci, Bryce Zygmond

Looking ahead into the 2023 season, the Men’s cross country team is looking to capture another state championship title led by coach Nick Mangum and John Henderson. After placing fourth at regionals last year and ranking 32nd in the state by milesplit for this upcoming season, the team has high hopes this year and has come a long way since the beginning of summer training. They currently have one invitational win and second place finish under their belt with a lot more to come. This upcoming Saturday on September 16th the boys will be competing against some of the top teams in the Southeast at the Adidas XC Challenge at WakeMed soccer park.

Men’s Soccer:

Coach: Greg Mader

Seniors: Padraig Eagan, John Moran, Drew Daner, Matthew Ahr, Connery Bunn, Conor Kozak, Cade Lexa, Ryan Toland, Holden Manuel, Henry Shelton

The men’s soccer team is coming off an impressive state championship run last season under head coach Greg Mader. The Crusaders are already off to a great start, currently standing at 4-1-1 and having already beaten multiple top tier teams in the state. They are ranked 11th in North Carolina on Maxpreps and 2nd in the state by High School OT. The team is home against Millbrook on September 16th at 6:30pm and then again on September 21st at 6:15pm against Franklin Academy.

Volleyball:

Coach: Logan Barber

Seniors: Macy Leyda, Sophie Hrehor, Danica Murphy, Bailey Hatchett

The volleyball team, led by head coach Logan Barber, is coming off a fantastic season, with an unbeaten record of 10-0 in conference play, and an overall season record of 19-7. For this season, the team is currently ranked 3rd in the state by High School OT, with a 3-3 record. They are looking to continue their conference wins from last year, as the team chases another championship. The volleyball team will be playing at home on September 14th against Broughton at 6pm and then against Athens Drive on September 19th, also at 6pm.

Women’s Cross Country:

Coach: Nick Mangum

Seniors: Peyton LaNasa, Amelia Linton, Catherine Lorelle

Guided by head coach Nick Mangum, the girl’s cross country team is aiming for yet another state championship. The team was the state runner-up last year, and is currently ranked 3rd in the state by Milestat. This past weekend, the team had their first glimpse at the success ahead, by winning the Knights Crossing XC Invitational in Salem, Virginia with a perfect score of 15. In the future, the team has competitions at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary on September 16th at 9:24 am and on October 7th at 10:35 am.

Women’s Golf:

Coach: Brent Burns

Seniors: Ann Jackson

While not the biggest team at Cardinal Gibbons, the women’s golf team, under head coach Brent Burns, is not short on power or talent. The team was 4th in regionals and 7th at states in 2022, and are aiming for higher this year. They are currently ranked 14th in NC by High School OT and can be cheered for at their conference meet at Hedingham Golf Club on September 13th at 3pm.

Women’s Tennis:

Coach: Andrew Tuttle

Seniors: Katelyn Hayes, Mikaela Jantac, Sydney Kalish, Aubry Rogers

Women’s tennis is coming off of another impressive season, with head coach Andrew Tuttle. Their record last year was 19-5, and so far the team is sporting an undefeated 5-0 record. They come into the season ranked 6th in North Carolina by High School OT, and are searching to continue this through the rest of the season. The team will play at home on September 13th against Pinecrest at 4pm and on September 14th at 3:30pm against Broughton.

About the Contributors

Mikaela Povsic, Reporter

My name is Mikaela Povsic. I am currently a sophomore at Cardinal Gibbons. This is my first year writing The Gibbons Globe and I am excited to share the stories and inside tips.

Blair Mitchell, Reporter

Hey, my name is Blair Mitchell. I am a Junior and this is my first year working with the Gibbons Globe. As a freelance sports reporter for the Chatham News and Record, I have been involved in writing and journalism for quite some time and it has always been an interest of mine. I am excited to help share stories about our Gibbons community this year.