Summer is a quiet time at Stony Brook. The students are away on various adventures, faculty members leave to spend time with family across the country, and activity on campus slows down amid the hum of cicadas. But as our school’s 95th year dawns, life returns to the once vacant athletic spaces. The fields, courts, and courses are once again flooded with activity. Here’s a look at this season’s varsity teams.
Boys’ Cross Country
This season David Hickey takes over the helm of the boys’ cross country team as just the fourth coach in the program’s 71-year history. Coach Hickey’s love of the sport, devotion to his runners, and commitment to excellence will surely uphold the standard set by Marvin Goldberg, Robin Lingle, and Jake Morley. The Bears are looking to improve on a 2015 season in which no individuals qualified for the New York State meet for the first time in recent memory. Louis Wang, a newcomer to the squad, and Justin Moreno will provide leadership for the boys. Eighth-grader Colin Scanlon leads a large group of young bloods who could provide some youthful energy to the lead group.
Girls’ Cross Country
Alicia Brummeler enters her fourth year as the head coach of the girls’ cross country squad. Anna Brummeler and Cianka Haynes captain an experienced team led by junior Miranda Harrigan, last year’s Suffolk County runner-up. Erika Kady and Danielle Sivertsen return and newcomer Meghan Hutzler will provide depth at the top.
Golf
Mike Hickey begins his 19th season as the head coach of the boys’ golf team. Sophomore Steven Ou and eighth-grader Harry Ou will provide consistent play at the top for a team that competes in the perennially difficult League IV against the likes of Smithtown East, Smithtown West, and Commack.
Boys’ Soccer
The boys’ soccer team has a palpable energy and purpose entering the year. After an 0-3 start to last year’s season, the Bears rallied for six straight wins and their first playoff berth in five years before falling to Pierson in the Suffolk County Semifinals. This year’s County Final is on the minds of each of the boys. The Bears are led by the strong senior core of Haban Weon, Mac Bohuny, Caleb Lindo, Caleb Rudzitis, Ben DiRuggiero, Jong Hyun “David” Choi, Bryant Kang, and Prosper Ezi. Alvaro Martinez Torres, last year’s leading scorer, returns as well and Seungpyo “David” Choi between the posts. Jai Narain, Thomas Lawton, and David Wadding will play key roles for the Bears as well. First-year head coach Nate DiMauro has rallied the team behind a unified vision in a very short time.
Girls’ Soccer
The 2015 girls’ soccer team was beset by key injuries that stalled their season. This year a strong core of returners is infused with several key newcomers who hope to make another run at the County title. Morgan Pius enters her sixth and final season with the Blue and White and has a chance to become our first three-time All-State selection since Karina Scavo (2006-2008). Pius will be supported by veterans Ella Simmons, Efosa Enoma, Alyssa Martinez, Dahlia Cyrille, Donna Sanders, and Rochelle Vassell. Newcomers Beth Felix, Anna Ramstrom, Julia Lindo, and Rachel Leccese will make an immediate impact.
Girls’ Swimming
A season ago the girls’ swim team returned to the pool after a 12-year absence. In an exciting return to the water, the Bears toppled West Babylon and William Floyd, sent five swimmers to the County Championships, and saw two school records fall thanks to Rachel and Rebecca Crane. The Crane sisters return alongside Josie Levy, Francine Leung, and Kate Jones. Marc Danin has greater numbers and a higher level of excitement surrounding his second season.
Girls’ Tennis
The girls’ tennis team returns to brand new courts thanks to a major renovation completed over the summer. Sadhana Sridhar, last year’s undefeated Division III Singles Champion, returns for her freshmanyear and will lead an experienced group that includes Olivia and Julia Braat, Christina Manzo, Marta Bennett, and Sally Park. Coach Jennifer Crane begins her third season at the helm.
Volleyball
Coach Stan Winston returns to the volleyball sidelines for the first time since 2009. He inherits a talented team led by experienced players in Sammy Petersen, Hannah Detwiler, Lois Ezi, Margaret Rudzitis, and Briana Kilkenny. Newcomer Elizabeth Robbins will look to make an immediate impact along with some young blood from last year’s junior varsity squad.
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