2015 Fall Wrap-up
Athletics Director Andrew West '92 provides an overview of the fall athletics season, followed by reports from individual coaches:
It all started in late August when Browning held it annual fall preseason training at Camp Mah-Kee-Nak in Lenox, Mass. The boys set a new record for numbers with 51 boys in attendance, ranging from Form I through Form VI. The varsity soccer team had a few returning seniors who were able to keep the team determined and focused from the start. The major question mark for all the teams was who was going to be the goalkeeper, but that was quickly answered at camp when Conor Harkins, Luke Barba and William Bousquette stepped up and showed the coaches that they had what it was going to take to be their team’ last line of defense! The goalies were even treated to some in-depth instruction from a semi-professional European league goalie, who happened to be working at the camp we attended.
The Middle School Panthers had a very strong season with a balanced squad that was strong at almost every position. They truly started to gel late in the season. The junior varsity team, under the leadership of Coach Lisciandrello and newcomer Coach Blake, really established themselves late in the season as well. The continued serious approach they established last year carried over to help this year’s team.
On the varsity front, Coach Watson, assisted by new Assistant Coach Protheroe, were very proud of the efforts put forth by the whole team. Despite being injured throughout the season, the Panthers gave it their best shot. The season got away from the Panthers during a heartbreaking stretch of five game. They lost by one goal each game and tied one, when they easily could have come away with three or four wins, including a crushing, disallowed game-tying goal from LFNY in the final seconds of regulation. They showed some real “grytte” and continued to fight out the rest of the season, but unfortunately, failed to make the postseason.
Another team that should be very proud of its efforts is the varsity cross country team. Under the guidance of Coach Bernard, these boys had a very successful season. And even more good news for the Panthers is s that the Middle School cross country team also did very well, providing Coach Bernard with some talent down the road.
