As seniors prepare to leave, we look to new talent
Caitlyn Flynn
Co-Sports Editor
For most of us, spring holds warm weather, spring fling, and saying goodbye to our graduating seniors. But for our new freshman athletes, spring is only the beginning. Although we take the time at the end of the sport’s seasons to recognize the seniors for all of their achievements, there are plenty of new freshman that are hoping to carry on the traditions of their seniors.
The women’s softball team recognizes seven new freshmen this season. Ashley Crawford, who plays middle infield and outfield for the Green Terror, went to Linganore High School in Fredrick County where she played soccer and volleyball and led her team to the state semi-finals for two seasons. When it comes to contributing to her team this upcoming season, Crawford says, “I just want to do anything I can to help the team, even if it means getting to play in the field, pitch, or just be there in case someone gets hurt or sick.”
This season, Crawford is most looking forward to making new friends and ultimately seeing the difference between high school and collegiate level softball.
Terror baseball also has some talented freshman that will add to the team’s success this spring. Pat Christopher, who plays rightfield for the Green Terror, attended St. John Vianney in Holmdel, New Jersey, says his best memory from playing high school baseball was being able to play for a state title his senior year in memory of his grandfather, who passed away only a year earlier. His strengths include speed and energy on the field, as well as an overall confidence in the success of his team.
His main goal for this season is to make it to the conference tournament, and he is looking forward to having the chance to play baseball at the collegiate level.
Skippy Clary is only one of the 14 freshmen on the men’s lacrosse team this year. A graduate of Catonsville High School in Baltimore, Clary is a talented midfielder whose strengths include getting up and down the field well. This season, he hopes to use his strengths to help the team get to the conference championships. His personal goal, however, is to score some goals and to help the team in any way possible. He adds that he is excited to play with a new team, new players, and start winning games.
The McDaniel women’s golf team only has one freshman addition to their team this year. Morgan Koopman, who went to McDonogh School in Owings Mills, will definitely prove herself as a strong asset to the team this season. Aside from golf, Koopman also played basketball and soccer, but quit both sports in order to focus all of her time and energy on golf. In high school, she was recognized as the Baltimore Sun player of the year in 2008 for golf, won the girl’s golf IAAM (Interscholastic Athletic Association of MD) championship in both 2007 and 2008, and won every single match during her golf season her senior year.
If this doesn’t say enough about her overall golf talent, she adds that the strength she will be able to contribute the most is her consistency, and the fact that she is always putting forth the best effort because she is a very competitive player. Her personal goal for this season is to shoot lower rounds, and she hopes her team can win conferences.
“I think what I am most excited for this season is our spring break trip to Myrtle Beach,” adds Koopman. “It will be fun to just travel around, experience new and different courses and meeting new people.”
McDaniel’s Track and Field team is proud to have freshman Kelsey Dickman as one of their newest additions. From Bel Air, Maryland, Dickman just recently earned a bronze medal by finishing third in the shot put. Her toss of 11.62 meter helped lead Terror track and field in the 2010 Centennial Conference women’s indoor track and field championship hosted this past Saturday at Haverford. Certainly this will be only the beginning of Dickman’s achievements here on the hill.
So while McDaniel may have a hard time saying goodbye to the seniors who have dedicated the past four years to our athletic program, there is plenty to look forward to. These are only a few of the many freshmen that will continue our senior’s traditions, so we can get used to hearing their names and achievements in the future.
