After another great fall season for Hackley sports, highlighted by the football team’s Metropolitan Independent Football League (MFIL) title and the boys’ cross-country team’s Ivy League and New York State Association of
Independent Schools (NYSAIS) title, much anticipation grew for the winter sports season. So far this season each team has found lots of success in their respective sports.
The boys’ basketball team has gotten off to a strong start and looks to have a big upcoming season. Currently with a record of 4-1, with big wins over Rye Country Day School and Knox School, the team looks to continue their streak heading into the new year.
“I am super excited for this season and think we have the potential to be very successful. The team
has really good chemistry and we all hold each other accountable which I think is a huge advantage for our team,” senior captain Jake Hendelman said.
Similarly, the girls’ basketball team has high expectations for their season. Currently with a record of 1-2, with an impressive win over Democracy Prep, the girls expect to compete for the Ivy League title. With a large group of underclassmen, the program has lots of young talent setting them up for many years of success.
“We didn’t really start off the way we wanted but we’re using it as fuel for the rest of the season. We hope to have a strong turnaround and have a successful rest of the season,” senior captain Alessa Mendoza said.
Both the boys’ and girls’ swim teams began their season with a dual meet vs Horace Mann, where the girls picked up their first win and the boys lost in a close contest. Although both teams have a low number of upperclassmen, the girls only have one senior, and the boys have two upperclassmen, both teams hope to be very successful this season. The underclassmen have proved to provide the team with tremendous depth and are playing major roles this season.
“We are a really young team, but I think we have the ability to be very successful, which makes me excited for this season and also for the future of the program. I expect Hackley to be really good for years to come,” junior captain Kayce Park said.
Varsity fencing has continued its dominant success with wins to start the season against RCDS and Horace Mann. Highlighted by the boys’ saber team’s undefeated start, both the girls’ and boys’ teams look to compete for the Independent School Fencing League(ISFL) championships once again this season. Team captains this season are seniors Sam Sanders and Sofia Malhas.
“I am super excited for this season and I think it will be very fun. Our team is full of talent which I think will aid our success and overall experience,” Sam said.
The boys’ squash team has gotten off to a 2-0 in-league start with big wins against Horace Mann (5-2) and Dalton (7-0). The boys look forward to the upcoming season and look to become back-to-back Ivy League champions.
“We have a strong team this season and I expect big things from our team this season,” junior Matthew Gluckman said.
Likewise, the girls’ squash team has started 3-0, undefeated in league play this season, also beating both Dalton and Horace Mann. The girls also hope to become back-to-back champions.
“Coming off an Ivy League title last season, we all have one goal of winning again,” senior captain Caroline Didden said.
Both teams look forward to competing at Nationals at Arlen Specter Center in Philadelphia later this season.
The varsity wrestling team has continued to shine with several successful meets to start the season. The team competed in multiple tournaments against schools such as Eastchester, East Ramapo, Ardsley, and Portchester. With a big win against Dalton, the team hopes to carry their momentum for upcoming tournaments and meets.
“I really enjoy being part of the wrestling team and this season is no different. We have the potential to do really well this season; it’s just super important for us to continue working hard.” junior captain Remy Becker said.
The winter track team has gotten off to an explosive start, already competing in two meets. Highlighted by the team’s success in the mile and 300 meters, many expect the team to have great success this season. Team captains this season are seniors Travis Knaggs, and Enrique Ramirez, and juniors Meredith Lee and Linda Ohia-Enyia.
“I’ve seen a ton of improvement from all the team in general in such a short time frame that I am super-excited for the season and the future of the program,” senior Hasaan Sajid said.
