Nov./Dec.’09

Desirae Major ’12Linden/Kansas City, Kan.

Desirae competed in a variety of fencing tournaments, going undefeated at the Stevenson, Midwest, and Maine West invitationals. Nationally, Desirae fin-ished third at Des Moines, 6th in Kansas City, and 33rd in Pittsburgh. Internation-ally, she placed 5th at the U17 World Cup held in Godolo, Hungary. Desirae is ranked 6th in the United States point list for U17 saber fencers. According to Coach Stefanic, “Desirae is a talented fencer who is mature, hard-working, and coachable. I have never coached some-one who works so hard at developing her skills. She is a humble leader who helps other members of the team, and overall is a great role model for the Culver fencing program.”

Nov./Dec.’09

Blake Saylor ’10Company C/Centennial, Colo.A captain of the CMA Prep hockey team, Blake compiled 6 goals and 15 assists during the November/December period. He currently leads the Eagles in point scoring with 21. During win-ter break, he spearheaded solid victo-ries over rivals Pomfret School (Conn.), Kimball Union Academy (N.H.), Cush-ing Academy (Mass.), Northwood School (N.Y.), and Canterbury School (Conn.). According to Coach Al Clark, “Blake has been a leader for the Prep hockey team this season – on and off the ice. He energizes his teammates with his work ethic and determination. Blake has been recruited to play at the Air Force Academy and will be a nice addition to their program in the future.”

January’10

Jermaine Myers ’12Company A/Ajax, Ont.

As the Eagles point guard, Jermaine has averaged 19 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals per game. His leadership has helped CMA to impressive victories over Pioneer (21 points), Lake Forest Academy (17 points), St. Joseph (25points), Indianapolis Pike (17 points), and Mishawaka Marian (22 points). According to Coach Alan Huss, “since Christmas, Jermaine has taken a more active leadership role on the team. Against Lake Forest Academy, Jermaine willed us to victory while battling a back injury.”

May’10

Kylee Shipley ’11Ithaka/Culver

As a guard, Kylee currently averages 16.9 points per game, which places her in the top 10 of the South Bend Metro area. She also averages 6.2 rebounds per game, leading CGA to an 10-6 mark. Kylee was named the Most Valuable Player for the Western Reserve Invitational Tournament and guided CGA to the tournament championship. She was selected to the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association Top 100 Work-Out Team, which features the top 100 players in the state, and is on the “players to watch list” for Hoosier Hoops Magazine. According to Coach Gary Christlieb, “Kylee’s game has continued to progress to a level where she is one of the elite players in northern Indiana.”

February’10

Juwan Brescacin ’11

Battery A/Mississauga, OntarioJuwan Brescacin played a pivotal role in the CMA basketball team’s success in February, including notable victo-ries over perennial power Plymouth (14 points) and No. 1-ranked Bowman Academy (team-leading 27 points). He averaged 16 points and six re-bounds per game. According to Coach Alan Huss, “Juwan has improved tre-mendously over the second half of the season. He was an intimidating pres-ence, both offensively and defensively, down the stretch. In addition, his effort was instrumental in the team’s 10–2 record since winter break.”

February’10

Caitlin Juricic ’10Ithaka/Michigan City, Ind.As the captain of the CGA Varsity Polo squad, Caitlin Juricic scored 40 goals this season against teams from the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and the University of Kentucky. Caitlin led the team all year, especially at the Interscholastic Girls Northeast Regional in Newport, R.I., where she was nominated by opposing coaches as a regional tournament all-star, and the national tournament in Ithaca, N.Y. According to Coach Eliza-beth Relos, “Caitlin has always been a key player on the team. As captain, she always tried to motivate the team be-fore games. She was a wonderful asset to our polo team, and will be missed next year.”

Alejandro Arroyo ’10Leon, Mexico/Company B Alejandro Arroyo Yamin competed in a variety of local and national competitions through March and April. At the Nike Indoor Nationals in Boston, he set a new CMA indoor record in the mile. He also shined in the 5000 meters, where he finished an amazing third, setting another CMA record and earning All-American accolades. At the Hoosier State Relays at Purdue University, Alejandro finished second in the 3200 and set another CMA indoor record. He has also set additional school records at the CMA Relays, Franklin Central Showcase, and the Goshen Relays. Coach Mike Chastain said, “Alejandro continues to improve race efforts through added attention to detail in his training. He is getting better at judging his race tempo and staying more relaxed to create quality performances.”

Maddie Balchan ’10Springfield, Ohio/Court

As the center for the CGA lacrosse team, Maddie Balchan guided the girls to a perfect 7-0 record through March and April. Maddie’s performance included scoring seven goals against some of Indiana’s strongest opponents. Against St. Joseph’s, Maddie netted the winning goal with just under two minutes to play and added four goals in a thrilling double-overtime 13-12 victory against Park Tudor. According to Coach Jill Paolini, “Maddie stands out in games where the competition is the toughest. She is a four-year senior whose leadership has been instrumental.”

Connor Eustace ’10New Market, Ontario/Company A

While only scoring two goals and one assist, CMA lacrosse defenseman Connor Eustace’s contributions in other aspects of the game helped to lead the Eagles’ success through April. He caused 32 turnovers, snagged 42 ground balls, and won 68 percent of his face-offs. According to Coach Jon Posner, “Connor shines in every facet of the game. He has been a tremendous asset this season. From successfully taking face-offs, to playing defense, to scoring goals, Connor plays every side of the game with tenacity, discipline, and drive. We’ve asked him to take on many different roles this season. He has risen to each challenge and helped put our team in a position to be a top 10 ranked program in the Midwest.”

Waverly Neer ’11Russiaville, Ind./Atrium

In March, Waverly Neer set CGA school and junior records in the mile at the Nike Indoor Nationals in Boston. She also finished an impressive sixth place in the 5000 meters, garnering her All-American accolades. At the CGA Relays in April, Waverly won the 1500 meter race and anchored the winning distance medley relay. At the Franklin Central Showcase, her winning time in the Miracle Mile was a record, breaking the time set by former CGA teammate Alex Banfich. According to Coach Mike Chastain, Waverly is “focused and diligent in both her physical and mental preparation for training and racing. She always presses to do her best in races and hard workout days, relaxes on easier days, but keeps things in perspective no matter the outcome.”

Maeve McHugh ’12Atrium/Englewood, Colo.

Maeve McHugh was an instrumental part of the CGA lacrosse team, which finished with a 16-2 record and state runner-up trophy. Her season’s performance, including 52 goals, enabled her to be named to the All Northern Regional team and second team All-State. She also collected first team state all-tournament accolades. Coach Jill Paolini said, “Maeve has been an incredible asset to our team and school. She is always positive, warm, and friendly. She has a tremendous work ethic, working diligently on both individual skills and team goals. Consequently, she does both exceptionally well.”

August Scherer ’10Troop B/Wellington, Fla.

The captain of CMA’s polo team, August Scherer played a pivotal role in the team’s incredible ride to the national championship match. At the national tournament at Cornell University, August tallied 11 goals in the semifinal match and eight goals in the championship game, a 20-17 loss to the Eldorado Polo Club. August was named one of the four Tournament All-Stars for his efforts. Coach Ed Little said, “August represents playing ability, sportsmanship, commitment and leadership. He is not just a polo player with a passion for the sport. August is a young man who will continue to play polo for a lifetime.”

Ryne Sternberg ’10Battery A/Toronto

As a member of the state champion CMA lacrosse team, Ryne Sternberg played a significant role in Culver’s quest to attain its fourth straight state title. For his efforts, he was awarded All-State honors. In the state championship game, Ryne was primarily responsible for defending St. Joseph’s best player, who averaged eight goals per game. “Ryne shut him down.” Coach Jon Posner said, “Ryne is athletic, relentless, and tough. I am certain he will eventually play at a top Division I school.”