Very often, Rochester students use the excuse “Our sports teams aren’t good enough” as a reason to back up their lack of school spirit and attendance at sporting events. However, in this fall’s sports season, UR athletes have rendered that excuse completely invalid – and the proof is in the pudding.
The women’s soccer team is still going strong, hosting the third and fourth round of tournament play this coming weekend. They are ranked seventh in the nation, with a 16-1-3 record. The men’s team didn’t disappoint either, winning only their second playoff game in team history.
On that same field in Fauver Stadium, the football team finished with their best record since 1992 (7-3), which gave them a berth in the ECAC Northwest Bowl. Matt Bielecki set the single-season rushing record, and Jay Jay Vanderstyne led the Liberty League in reception, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Jason Goeller led the Liberty League in sacks with 14, making each game exciting.
On the tennis court, both the men’s and women’s teams excelled. The men’s team went undefeated in their four head-to-head matches, with Thanos Kanterelis and Eric Hansen winning the ITA doubles title. On the women’s side, Colleen Cross and Cassandra Webster won the state doubles title.
Both men’s and women’s cross country had successful seasons, complete with a number of exceptional individual performances. The men’s team, led by UAA champion Mark Stevens, placed third in the state. Pat Hughes will be competing in the NCAA national championships in West Chester, Ohio this weekend. The women’s team placed 13th in the state.
On the golf course, the ‘Jackets won the Liberty League title. The successful team was led by junior Stephen Goodridge, who earned medalist honors in three separate tournaments.
As ECAC champions, the volleyball team finished with an impressive record of 23-13.
The field hockey team set the UR single season record for wins and finished tied for fifth in the Liberty League, with senior Celinda Fletcher being selected to play in the senior all-star game.
So there it is: the pudding. Hopefully going into this winter sports season, our teams can continue to give us a reason to get our Varsity Club Cards stamped.
