Athletic News

Boys' Lax beats Hamden Hall 12-7

The Wilbraham & Monson Academy Boys' Lacrosse team continued to stay on course to make the postseason, beating Hamden Hall on the road 12-7 May 8.

The Titans are 7-4 overall, with games remaining against Cheshire Academy, Kingswood Oxford and Gunnery. WMA went 1-13 last season.

Click here to see a video interview with Coach Phil Roland, Harry Kroessler '14 and Spencer Marocchini '16.

Carly Cronin '13, Phil Antonacci '13 named McScholar Athletes

Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Carly Cronin ’13 and Phil Antonacci ’13 were honored at the 17th Annual McDonald’s McScholar Athlete Awards Reception at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield May 8.

Carly and Phil were among 90 local high school students who were recognized for their achievements on the athletic field and in the classroom.

Tim Daggett, who won a gold medal for the United States in gymnastics at the 1984 Olympics, gave the keynote address. Carly and Phil were called up at the same time by the emcee and given a plaque. They are both three-sport athletes and highest honors students at WMA.

“It was a cool experience,” Carly said. “We got a nice plaque. It was good to be recognized with the other people from Western Mass. and see some familiar faces.”

“It was a great honor and fun time to be with other fellow athletes from Western Mass.,” Phil added. “It’s great to be honored academically and athletically. I’d like to thank my coaches, teammates, teachers and the people who nominated me. I’ll live my next four years fulfilling the ideals I learned from them.”

Carly will play Division I lacrosse at Bryant University next season on scholarship. She earned the Coach’s Award for Soccer, the MVP Award for Basketball, and is one of the leading scorers for Lacrosse.

Phil will attend the University of Pennsylvania next season. He earned the Coach’s Award in Soccer, and was also on the Swim and Rugby teams.

Joe Thibault '13 and Sasha Oliinyk '14 first, Jose Velasco Pons '13 second at wrestling tourney

Three students from Wilbraham & Monson Academy displayed their dedication and passion toward wrestling Sunday by competing in an out-of-season tournament in Springfield.

The three students also displayed their ability.

Joe Thibault ’13 and Sasha Oliinyk ’14 won their respective weight classes, and Jose Velasco Pons ’13 finished second at a tournament at Springfield Technical Community College.

Joe won all three of his matches in the 126-pound weight class. He pinned two of his opponents and scored a major decision over the other.

“My ankle is a little beat up from rugby, but I had it taped and felt good,” said Joe, who completed his WMA career with more than 100 victories. “The first match I tweaked my ankle a little, but got right into my groove, got a takedown like I wanted to do and used the tournament to my advantage.

“It was nice to go out there and not have any pressure at all . . . just have fun. This is the time of year I enjoy.”

Joe plans to wrestle at Plymouth State College next season.

Sasha, as he did most of the season for the Titans, completely dominated. Competing in the 200-pound weight class, Sasha pinned all three of his opponents.

“I wish I could have wrestled more but it was fine,” he said.

Sasha hadn’t wrestled since February but said “my instincts took over” and his spring sport had him prepared.

“Rugby makes my legs work more,” Sasha said. “My legs are definitely stronger than they were.”

Even though he didn’t win, the most exciting match of the meet came from Jose, who won his final match at the 155-pound division in sudden death overtime to finish 4-1 overall and claim second place.

Treshae Clarke '16 races to new school record in Girls' Track

Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Treshae Clarke ’16 had a memorable lunch Monday when she learned she had set a school record in the 100-meter dash Saturday during a tri-meet against Suffield Academy and Hyde School.

Treshae was pushed the entire race, and in doing so she ran a time of 13.10. The previous record was 13.15, set in 2008 by Brigida Palatino.

“This was one of my goals,” Treshae said. “(Teammate) Anna (McCartney ’15) texted me during lunch Monday and I was so happy, and then I texted my mother.”

Treshae narrowly won the race, running stride for stride with a girl from Suffield for all 100 meters.

“I had a clue about the record. I knew it was 13-something,” Treshae said. “My times were pretty close so I thought I could beat the record.

“I felt if I had more competition and if I pushed myself harder I would be able to run to the best of my ability.”

Treshae, a native of the Bahamas, has been competing in track since third grade. She’s participated in an island-wide competition in Nassau for the last six years.