By Nathan Albrinck ’16, Sports Section Editor
With March just around the corner, three Cincinnati Country Day School winter sports teams were still standing in the last few days of February: boys’ swimming, girls’ basketball, and gymnastics. Let’s take a closer look at the final days of their seasons.
After strong performances in the District meet, the Country Day boys’ swimming team advanced swimmers in four different events to state. Senior Malcolm Doepke advanced individually in the 200 and 500 free events, while the 200 and 400 free relays, consisting of Doepke, John Pettengill ’18, George Crowley ’16, and Charlie Sachs ’17, also advanced. On Wednesday, February 24th, the swimmers made the drive up to Canton, Ohio for the State Tournament. The next day, Doepke started the day for Indians by finishing fifth in his heat and 17th overall in the 200 free, one place away from a spot in the State finals. After about two hours rest, Doepke hit the water again for his next event, the 500 free. This time, Doepke finished third in his heat and seventh overall to easily advance to the State finals the next day. Later in the day, the 200 and 400 free relays each finished 8th in their respective heats, ending their seasons just short of the State finals, but still with plenty to be proud of. At 7:19 p.m. the next day, Doepke took off in the 500 free State final. Four minutes and forty-five seconds later, he finished 8th in the state and just .04 seconds back from seventh. Doepke said, “Finishing in the top eight was one of the best feelings I have ever felt in my life. Being surrounded by my teammates, coaches, and parents, who all believed in me, was amazing.” Following his historic Senior season, Doepke will swim at Ashland University next season. Overall, the swimming team had a successful, historic season to be remembered for years to come.
The day after the Swimming State Finals, the Country Day girls’ basketball team took on reigning state champion Fort Loramie in the District Championship. Led by Seniors Katie Jamison and Missy Dieckman-Meyer, the Indians finished the regular season 16-6 with their sights set much further. To advance to the District Final, the team pulled out close wins over Georgetown and two-seed Fayetteville in the Sectional Tournament. The girls’ won both games by a combined total of just seven points. The girls carried their momentum from previous games into the first quarter, jumping out to a 10-8 lead early. After tough second and third quarters though, the reigning state champs proved to be too much, winning 49-19. Nonetheless, the season was a huge success. Captain Jamison commented, “This year was a thrilling year for girls’ basketball. Our high point was definitely winning sections. It was such a great moment and now whenever I visit Country Day, I will see that ’16 on the banner.” Congratulations to the girls’ basketball team on their outstanding season!
That same Saturday, the gymnastics team also competed in their District meet. In the regular season, the young team improved immensely under the leadership of seniors Margaret Hodson, Addison Bell, and Kendall Smith. The gymnastics team was certainly at their best going into the District meet after winning the Seven Hills meet, finishing second at the season’s final home quad meet, and placing 5th at the City Championships in their three events leading up to Districts. At the actual meet, Smith and Sophomores Clarissa Connor and Hannah Laird led the team in the all around standings. Out of 31 teams, the Country Day gymnastics team finished 11th at the District meet. “The team had a lot of energy at the District meet due to tapering and performed very well.” said Hodson. “Overall, it was a great way to end the season. The underclassmen are a very strong group, and I have no doubt that the team will be even better next year. For such a young team, we have a lot of difficulty in out routines and will continue to build off this in the future.”
Congratulations to all the winter sports teams on their success in the 2015-2016 season! Thanks to the Seniors who competed for the last time and good luck to the winter teams next year!
Image Source: https://twitter.com/CCDSathletics/media
