By Jules Cantor, ’11, Sports Editor
This summer, three senior athletes showcased their talents all over the country, carrying on a rich tradition of CCDS athletes competing at the highest level.
Jimmy Stafford, an extremely talented rower, was one of only 11 rowers nationwide to be selected for the Men’s Junior Sculling Camp. Stafford was battling for a spot in the Junior Worlds quad and finished fifth overall, missing the cut by one place. Following the fifth-place finish, Stafford competed at the Junior Trials, where he rowed his way to second place. The senior talent also finished fourth in the Club Nationals competition. Stafford says his plans for this year include winning the national championship in the double and finishing at least second in the single. Stafford says he hopes to continue his career at the collegiate level, explaining, “I am looking forward to competing at the next level. I am open to anyone who is interested in me.” The senior has high expectations coming into the 2009-2010 season and is expected to be a leader on a very strong CCDS rowing team.
Nick Bender is also an integral part of the CCDS rowing program. This summer Bender trained with Quad Cities in Davenport, Iowa, for Club Nationals, where he placed fifth in the men’s quad and made it to the semifinals in the men’s single. Bender also has high expectations, as he hopes to win the national championship in the double and win the single at the Canadian Schoolboys championship. Bender has expressed interest in rowing at the NCAA level, though he admits, “I have no idea which school it will be for.”
Joey Fritz is one of the most respected tennis players in the Midwest. This summer, Fritz competed in national tournaments in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Kalamazoo, Michigan, as well as various other sectional tournaments. Fritz finished top 24 in Florida and made it to the third round in doubles in both national tournaments. Fritz’s goals for 2009-2010 include defending his Ohio Division II State Championship in men’s singles and raising his ranking into the top 40 nationally for the class of 2010. The senior talent is a highly touted college prospect and his first choice is Amherst College. Look for Fritz to continue his dominance over Ohio Division II tennis and lead a very talented and experienced CCDS tennis team come springtime.
