Girls' Soccer Loses to Westhill 1-0

-By: Lisa Randall-


The Girls' Varsity Soccer team met Westhill at DHS for its final game of the regular season this week. The girls already qualified for the State Championship. However, this Oct. 29 game was the determining factor to qualify for FCIACs. Unfortunately, the Stamford girls scored midway through the first half. Darien fought hard, but was unable to come back leaving the final score 1-0. Perhaps aiding the defeat was the absence of injured senior captains Kelly Mahoney, Cat Thomas and Alex Budd. Mahoney was the most recent to join the sidelines when she tore her ACL playing Ridgefield last week.
Despite the defeat, the girls kept their spirits high to celebrate Senior Day with a ceremony on the stadium field on Thursday. (10/29) Senior soccer players honored include captains Mahoney, Thomas, Budd, Liz Calby and Rachel Kanigan as well as Abigail Sickinger, Leanne Stone, Madison Hughan, Mackenzie Jones, Meredith Jordan, Ann Fucigna and Francesca Chiamulera. (pictured)
Stay tuned to see how the girls do in States. We wish them the best of luck!

Midseason Update: JV Football

-By: Samantha Wood-

Blue Wave Football JV players made it clear their team is being overlooked as they reach the season midpoint. The team has four wins and one measly loss, compared to the 4-2 varsity record. Running back Mike Stovall (pictured right) and guard Brett O'Donnell (pictured left) agree their JV team has greatly improved since the beginning of the season, with each individual player stepping up his own game.

What has contributed to the success of the team this year? O'Donnell and Stovall say it is due to the general team morale, and the great camaraderie that the boys share. With this close-knit group, the players are able to "feed off each other and play well" explained the sophomores. To continue to keep up such a good record through the rest of the season, Stovall said, "We just have to stay focused, and make sure not to fool around as much." While his teammate O'Donnell added, "We can't get too cocky." Wise advice for a team who has yet to meet their toughest opponent, the infamous New Canaan Rams on Nov. 16. Not only is this team the Wave's biggest rival, they are also the "best team in the state," Stovall said. But before the Wave can drown the Rams, they must defeat the Bassick Lions on Monday (11/2) at 6:30 pm at Bridgeport Central High School. Make sure you go support the future varsity players of DHS!

JV Soccer Ends in a Tie

-By: Sam Nelson-

Boys' JV soccer faced off against Stamford High School on Wednesday (10/28) to end the season with a 1-1 tie match. The season record stands at 7-2-5. “It was a bad way to end the year; we should have come out on top with the victory,” junior Taiki Miki said.
Darien went into the game with seven wins. The match started off strong with a goal by sophomore Danny Rizzuto. With time winding down, the Black Knights scored on a free kick when junior David Bigelow was in the net. Sophomore Chris Smith was untouchable not letting any goals score. Junior Graham Hotchkiss, in the striker position , said this about the disappointing loss, “It was good effort, but in the end we just got unlucky.” The JV soccer season did not end with a win, but it could have been worse: they didn’t end with a loss.

Volleyball Undefeated as Usual

-By: Chrissy Wiegand-

Girls' volleyball team is just one day away from the end of the season. With two victories this week they are continuing a winning record. The team struck again with a 3-0 defeat of St. Joe’s High School yesterday. (10/28) “We played well against a team that was fired up and really brought their A game,” senior captain Colby Billhardt said.
The game left the girls with a solid victory, winning all three matches, but also with important lessons to lead them to success and fuel the fire to reach their goals. “I think half the reason why we had such a successful outcome on Monday was because we knew from the start that Ludlow was such a strong and talented team. We knew they were going to bring it, so we knew we had to step up our game and intensity if we wanted to pull through,” senior captain Sarah Gorski said.
Senior Colby Billhardt agreed: “Monday, we played a great game against Ludlowe, and we couldn't have done it without the passers in the back row, and Mackenzie Begley setting up a fast offense.”
Sarah Gorski said it was important to get it right off the top: “From the start we were all really cohesive and united on the floor – we had great communication especially coming from the back row. Ludlow played great--with so much heart and intensity, and they left it all out on the court,” Gorski said.
However, the senior captains are well aware the season is not over. “We still have a lot of work to do if we want to achieve our goals. We need to focus on controlling the things we can control and doing the little things in order to prevail. I think this year we have a lot of determination and strength. Even though we are a very young team, we are capable of achieving our goals!” Gorski said.
With yet another undefeated record within grasp, Gorksi doesn’t let all the hype of the volleyball legacy cloud her awareness of what is going on in the moment. “Our game against Ludlow was definitely one of the best matches of the season and it was so much fun to be a part of it,” Gorksi concluded.
Come cheer the girls at the last home game tomorrow (10/30) against Ridgefield at 5:30pm. “Friday we face Ridgefield, another tough team with a lot of heart so we will prepare tomorrow at practice, and we will leave it all on the floor Friday,” Billhardt said. (pictured Colby Billhardt spikes the ball next to Mackenzie Begley)

Boys' Soccer Misses States

-By Ian Sullivan-

Blue Wave Boys' Varsity Soccer couldn’t sting the undefeated Trumbull Hornets on Monday. (10/26) The boys lost 2-1 against the soccer powerhouse. It was senior day and a must need win for the Blue Wave. This defeat means the boys will not go to the state playoffs. The 3-8-3 record was not good enough to send them to the championship tournament.
Two well-placed goals by Trumbull’s ace that just went by the hands of senior goalie Robbie Schindler, gave Trumbull an early lead. However, in the second half the “Blue Wave came storming back,” junior Rupert Hansford said. Early in the first half, the Blue Wave struck back with a corner kick from junior Rupert Hansford, to junior J.P. Walsh to decrease the deficit to 2-1. Schindler was then replaced by senior Andrew Del Col, who according to Hansford, “kept the Blue Wave in the game.” The Wave hopes to rebound against Stamford at 4pm at the Black Nights home field on Wednesday. (10/28) A win won’t move them to States, but it will leave them with a victory for the last game of the season. (pictured Boys' Blue Wave Varsity Soccer team)

14 Straight

-By Justin Pryor-

Blue Wave field hockey keeps up its perfect season with a 4-1 win over New Canaan on Monday (10/26) to improve its record to 14-0. Senior Aimee Rich shut out the Rams while junior Sophie Doering had two goals in the game, and juniors Sophie Watters and Leslie Gill had one goal apiece. When asked about the success of the season junior Claire Dickson said, “Overall I think what makes this so enjoyable is the incredible coaching staff and the good chemistry that we have.” During the game though, junior Madeleine Gill was hit in the face with the ball, and is questionable for tomorrow’s game against Staples in Westport at 4pm. (10/27)

Gill Twins Make Waves on Field Hockey

-By: Darius Majd-

In spite of losing many talented seniors last year, the Blue Wave Varsity Field Hockey team has been dominant thus far thanks in part to the efforts of junior twins Madeleine and Leslie Gill. (Leslie, pictured left) The duo provided all of the scoring in a 4-0 win over Stamford this Wednesday (the Blue Wave’s 11th shutout in 12 games), with Madeleine notching a hat trick. Still, despite the combined success, the two keep each other very grounded, inspiring each other to get better all the time. When asked how it felt to start alongside her sister, Madeleine responded, “Leslie’s degrading comments motivate me to get better.” Leslie responded sarcastically, “Seeing her on the field makes me play worse.” But the competition doesn’t end on the field; the two also consider, among other things, the strength of their appetites to be very important. Madeleine said of the field hockey team, “I’m really in it for the pasta dinners; I set the team record with 15 cookies.” Leslie scoffed at the notion, saying, “I BY FAR hold the team record for cookies at a pasta dinner. At the Heck’s I had two meatball subs, three plates of pasta, four huge oatmeal cookies, eight molasses cookies, and four chocolate cookies.” Not to be outdone, Madeleine said, “That’s nothing compared to the time I downed and entire plate of brownies at the Riegel’s.” Though they may not agree on who can eat more, at least they both speak positively of their experiences on the field so far this year.
Oh, and if you're reading this today (Oct 25) be sure to wish them a happy 17th birthday!

Girls Cross Country Places 6th

Girls finish the race strong as Darien gets 6th in the FCIAC race at Waveny Park in New Canaan on Thursday. (10/22) Junior Amanda Dobler (pictured below right) finished in the top 16 to medal as a member of the first team all FCIAC.

Darien XC Lands a 2nd Place Finish in the FCIAC

-By: Kevin Cassidy-

The Boys Cross Country team traveled to Waveny Park for the FCIAC Championship on Thursday. (10/22) Darien had a great showing placing in second out of 17 teams. Darien only lost to the favorite Danbury by five points. Darien runners senior Jake McCauley (pictured at bottom of story) and junior John Conley finished second and fourth. Other Darien runners, including senior Alex Reynoso and senior Willem Sandberg (pictured with McCauley below), ran well both finishing in the top 25. Willem Sandberg had a 40-second decrease in time from his previous best. Senior Jack Bushell seemed pleased with the team’s performance he went on to explain how “a Danbury runner ran better than expected but we are satisfied with the result”. The Boys Cross Country team has its next meet is States at Wickham Park in East Hartford on October 31st. We wish them the best of luck in finishing their season strong.
Yesterday, the First Team All FCIAC, was announced. Darien Runners senior Jake McCauley, junior John Conley, and senior Alex Reynoso were announced to the team. These runners also helped lead their team to the FCIAC championships. The Darien team also got its FCIAC East Chapionship trophy. We wish these runners best of luck throughout the remainder of their season! (also pictured above sophomore Charlie Baird and senior Brandon Tripodi)

Darien Falls to Danbury, Playoff Chances Dwindle

-By: Mikel Marku-


Darien boys soccer blew the game against Danbury on Thursday at home (10/22) where the boys lost 2-1. The game started off in the Wave's favor, with a goal by junior J.P Walsh off a corner kick. The Wave shut down the Hatters for the first half even without senior starting keeper Robbie Shindler, who didn't play because of a wrist injury. Darien began to lose control as Danbury dominated the ball possession in the second half. In the last 20 minutes Danbury scored two goals to wrap up the victory. Senior Per Bjornstad isn't phased by the setback. "We will beat Trumbull and Stamford, and make States," the quietly confident Bjornstad said. Darien needs to get two wins or a win and a tie to guarantee a spot in States. Come watch the Wave play Trumbull at home on Monday at 4pm. (senior Sean Fahey pictured)

Injury, Illness Hurt Girls Soccer

-By Laura Durham-

Girls’ soccer had a disappointing 3-0 loss against St. Joe’s in Trumbull on Wednesday. (Oct 21) St. Joe’s scored two goals in the first half, and the last in the second half. DHS is missing three players due to injury, and several girls are sick. Senior Meredith Jordan went in early in the game, but came out soon after due to an injury. Senior Alex Budd is also injured, and sophomore Leslie Yuen and senior Rachel Kanigan are ill. Due to absences, Coach John Bradley put in a few JV players. Despite the loss “the girls played well individually just not as a team,” senior Francesca Chiamulera said. Please come out and support the girls when they face-off against Ridgefield at 4pm at home on Friday. (photo supplied by Rachel Kanigan)

Maritime Rowers Rule Regatta

-By Andi Cara-


Maritime Rowing Club had another fantastic weekend of racing at Head of the Charles in Boston. The Norwalk-based club sent three boats to the largest head race in the world the weekend of October 17th. Despite harsh weather conditions (sub 40 degree weather, heavy rain and snow), senior Emily Pik and junior Christine Bragg of Maritime’s varsity eight boat, took home a gold medal after competing with 76 other crews from the United States and Canada. Seniors Michelle Bravo and Chrissy Weigand were members of the varsity 4+ that placed eighth out of 77 competitors. Juniors Andi Cara, Emily Crump and Alex Enzor raced in the same category placing 18th. All three boats did incredibly well on the hardest race course in the world and qualified for next year’s competition. The team has another large regatta this weekend in Philadelphia, Head of the Schuylkill and hopes to continue its winning streak.

Waves Ices Trumbull

-By Christian Nielsen-
In the latest fall league hockey game featuring our own Blue Wave against the Trumbull Eagles, Darien managed to come out on top with a 4-2 victory on Saturday at Terry Conners Ice Rink in Stamford. Early in the game Trumbull came out flying with a goal six minutes into the first period off a breakaway. The remainder of the first showcased some terrific opportunities for the Wave, but the next goal wasn't scored until early on in the second period, when freshman Brendan Hathaway capitalized on a power play to tie the game at one goal apiece.
With new found strength, defender sophomore John Baker scored on another power play towards the end of the second period to put Darien on top 2-1. Unwilling to give up three unanswered goals, Trumbull evened out the game at the beginning of the third period, making the score 2-2. three minutes later, senior Connor Sullivan scored off of a nice pass from junior Richard Gregory, giving the Wave back the lead with the score now at 3-2.
With two minutes remaining the Trumbull goalie was pulled, but to their surprise not soon after sophomore Cameron Murray scored an open net goal to cancel out any chances the Eagles had of winning.

Band Goes Onto the Field

Senior drum major Sebastian Kopp Leads the band onto the field for the halftime show. This is the first time in two years that the band has performed during halftime.

George Benitez Huge Stiff Arm

Quarterback George Benitez Stiff Arms a Trinity Catholic player for big yardage.

Wave Wins on Homecoming

-By: Brian Curry-

Darien boys varsity football notched arguably its best victory on Saturday over Trinity Catholic. The Wave ran right through Trinity taking the game 35-6. The win moves Darien's record to 3-2 and marks the first time the Wave have won back-to-back games this season.
On the first drve of the game, Darien marched down the field for an impressive effort that ended with a touchdown pass from senior quarterback George Benitez(#3 pictured) to senior wide out Michael Wohlberg. Then senior kicker John Gardner added an extra point, Darien took a quick 7-0 lead. However, Trinity Catholic, quickly answered after junior Tre Crumbley took the kick inside the Darien five yard line. From there, Trinity junior running back Mike Rivas took it to the end zone. After Darien senior Bobby Nolan blocked the extra point, Drien remained on top 7-6.

In the second quarter, Darien's offense began to tear up Trinity Catholic's defense. Senior running back Bobby Nolan helped Darien drive down the field, and then he took it to the end zone on a nine-yard touchdown run. Then, after a Trinity fuble was recovered by junior Graham Maybell, Benitez took it in for another score on a 50-yard run. Darien added one more score before the half on a connection between Benitez and senior wide-reveiver Alex Wildish to give Darien a 28-6 lead going into the second half.

Darien continued its strong play into the second half as its defense continued stopping Trinity's offense. In the end Benitez threw for three touchdowns. The win gives Darien confidence as they travel to Massachusetts for a non-conference game against Attleboro at 4pm on Saturday(Oct 24th).

Boys Soccer Ties Bassick

-By: Charles Spivey-

Boys' varsity soccer tied Bassick with a score of 1-1 on the DHS turf on Friday. Despite the wet fields, junior JJ Holmgren was able to start the game off with a quick goal to put Darien ahead.

Blue Wave's senior goalkeeper Robbie Shindler was able to hold the Bridgeport boys scoreless for the better part of the game until their offense squeezed by a goal in the middle part of the second half.

The cold fall evening seemed to slow down both teams. "The cold and wet weather really affected the game negatively, and kept the scoring low," senior Per Bjornstad said. (pictured)

The boys face New Canaan at Connor Field on Tuesday. (October 20th)

Field Hockey is Rich with Aimee

-By: Kathryn Saulitis-

When Darien Field Hockey lost some of its extremely talented seniors to various college programs, some may have wondered if the team would be able to recover and live up to the high expectations. This year, they have managed to prove all the cynics wrong with a standing record of 10-0. One of the team’s biggest assets is its returning varsity goalie senior, Aimee Rich. (pictured) She awes BWFH audiences from game to game, and has only let in one goal this entire season. Rich, who credits her team for her success, says that, “The record certainly isn’t just mine, it’s the team.” Through all her success Rich remains modest and admits that, “To be honest my job isn’t really all that hard because I have such an amazing team.” Rich’s protection includes defensive senior standouts Ella Heck, Taylor Wells and Alex Bair. Rich says she is still awaiting her toughest opponents; Greenwich and New Canaan. “Both games will be great tests,”Rich said. When asked why she chose to pursue goal keeping Rich says it stemmed from playing soccer, and truthfully she says she was, “was sort of lazy.” What Rich loves about the important position is, “the image, the attitude, and the gear,” and Rich says that, “As I learned more I realized goalkeeping was what I wanted to do.” It is a good thing Rich made that decision because it has proved extremely beneficial for the field hockey program, and will most likely send Rich to a great college to pursue her passion. Rich still isn’t sure if she wants to go to a division one or a division three school, but anyone who has seen her play knows she will be successful no matter where she goes. It is evident that once Rich graduates she will miss the team she speaks so highly of. For the rest of the season she wants her to team to have more confidence and says, “We are a good team because we have the skills. We just have to believe and be the team I know we can be, and they know it, they just need to feel and believe it.” Look for Rich to continue her impressive record this season, and at their next game, Monday, October 19th at Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk at 7 p.m.

Girls Cross Country Raise Norrie's Ire

-By: Julia Lang-

Girls cross country team headed up to Tod’s Point in Greenwich for the last meet before FCIACS. The team raced against Greenwich, Wilton, and Norwalk High School on Tuesday. The four-school event was split into three different meets. Darien was able to win two of the three meets with senior captain Hannah Lyons finishing the 2.60 miles in 17:26, landing 9th place. Junior Megan Keane was not far behind, finishing in 17:49. Though Keane and Lyons finished with good times, Coach Steve “Norrie” Norris was not pleased with the overall results. Wilton was able to net a perfect score of 15 compared to Darien’s 50 points. (the lowest scoring team wins the meet) According to Coach Norris, this was only the second time in 34 years that the Darien team lost to another team who had received a perfect score. Though Norris was not content with the overall results, he was happy to see that many of his runners made significant improvements in their finishing time compared to last year’s race at Tod’s Point. Senior Katherine Casey was the most improved, decreasing her time by 97 seconds. Hoping to see more time improvements, Norris is planning to work his team hard this upcoming week to prepare for the FCIACS at Waveny in New Canaan on October 22.

Field Hockey Defeats Trumbull

-By Jay Alter-

Darien Field Hockey continues its undefeated season with a 9-2 win over Trumbull. Before this game, the tenacious Darien D did not allow a goal all season, but sadly that streak was snapped. “I’m happy the streak is over because it takes the pressure of the girls,” assistant coach Kelly Vegliante said. Juinors Sophie Doering and Sophie Waters registered two goals each for the Wave. Junior Sam Johnston contributed one goal and one assist. Senior Captain Ana Heck also added two goals to the Trumbull beat down. The Wave’s next game is 4pm Monday, October 19 against Brien McMahon in Norwalk. (Photo courtesy of Darien Times)

Boy's Swimming Look to Make a Splash this Season

-By: Dan Campbell-

The boys’ swimming and diving finished 7-3 last year, also coming third in their class of 22. Their season runs from the end of November through mid-March, with 10 regular season meets followed by championship meets. The team’s main events are the 50, 200, and 500 yard freestyle, as well as the 100 yard back and breaststrokes. Competitors in these events include sophomore Tyler Gould, junior Chris Weihs, junior Jake Greene, senior captain William Plunkett, and senior captain Wesley Dean, respectively. According to coach Matt Czaplicki, Gould “may emerge as a top sprinter in the state.”
The coach is also excited about the incoming freshmen. “We have an awesome new class coming in this year” Mr Czaplicki said, “They are able and ready to prove it.” Plunkett mentioned James Baker as one of the top freshmen. Mr Czaplicki is hoping for a top 10 state finish and Plunkett wants to go 8-2, a one win improvement on last year.

Wave Ends Season 16-1

-By Christian Panier-

The Darien boy's Cross Country team finished its season with a great race on Tuesday at Tod's Point in Greenwich. The Wave took on hosting team Greenwich, Norwalk and Wilton. The Wave, led by the senior Jake McCauley, went 1-2-3 demolishing the competition. McCauley was the second runner ever to break 16:00 on the course, and was three seconds off a record set by ex-Wave runner, Artem Skobrev from the DHS Class of ‘09. McCauley was followed by senior Alex Reynoso, pictured, 16:25, and junior John Conley with a time of 16:46. With the three wins, Darien wrapped up the regular season with a record of 16-1. The Wave also became FCIAC Eastern Division Champions. With the postseason getting under way, Darien looks to be a contender for the FCIAC championship as well as the Class MM championship. The Wave will take on the rest of the FCIAC at 3pm Thursday, October 22nd at Waveny Park. (Photo courtesy of Fred Gaston).

One of Nolan's Touchdowns vs. Wilton

Pass from George Benitez to Bobby Nolan for a BLUE WAVE TOUCHDOWN!

Wave Washes out Wilton

-By: Jack Bushell-

Darien football pulled its record to an even 2-2 with a win against the Wilton Warriors on Saturday. The Wave cruised to a 38-7 victory in Darien. The Warriors only touchdown came in the final quarter on a run right up the middle, which was not enough to combat the Waves' unstoppable running offense. Leading the way for the offense was senior captain Bobby Nolan who had two touchdowns. Supporting Nolan on the offense was senior George Benitez (pictured below) who had a solid game throwing and picking up first downs with his legs. Junior Graham Maybell added a running touchdown and stole the show with three interceptions. Supporting Maybell was Nolan with a pick of his own and junior Justin Shaw who returned an interception for a touchdown to put the Wave up 31-0 in the third quarter.

A scary moment occurred when Wilton senior cornerback Matt Baird, on the interception by Shaw, fell hard and would not move. There was a flag on the play which moved the Wave back 10 yards to start that drive. Post 53 took Baird to the hospital. No word on his status, our thoughts go to his family.

The Blue Wave will take on Trinity Catholic at 1:30pm next week for the school's Homecoming game at the DHS stadium.

Girl's XC Faces Tough Competition

-By Claire Dickson-

Girl’s cross country dominated on Tuesday at Waveny Park with 3 runners finishing in the top 16 of their race. Junior Amanda Dobler (pictured) led the pack with an incredible time of 15:53 for 2.45 miles (a pace of 6:24 per mile). Behind her was senior Hannah Lyons coming in sixth place and freshman Katie Farren coming in tenth. Overall, Darien’s time was an average of 16:52, an astoundingly low time for almost 2.5 miles. The team came in second place overall and had an awesome race, but they hope to do even better in their next meet on Tuesday October 13 in Greenwich.

Boy's Cross Country Improves Record to 13-1

-By Katherine Minion-

On Tuesday, October 6th the DHS Boys Cross Country Team had another spectacular performance at its meet at Waveny Park in New Canaan. Senior Jake McCauley took first place in the race, and junior John Conley was close behind in second place. Sophomore Michael Johnston also had a notable performance this meet. Staples High School’s top runner did not have a great run, which also contributed to Darien’s win. The team’s win was especially exciting because it was coach Tyson Kaczmarek’s 100th victory. This weekend the Boys Cross Country team will be attending the Wickham Invitational, which has a state meet course and they are anticipating a showdown with their class rival, Guilford. The team is also preparing for the FCIAC meet on October 22nd. (Michael Johnston pictured)

Field Hockey Continues Streak

-By Jay Alter-

Field Hockey improves to 7-0 against Danbury. They kept their undefeated season despite star player, junor, Sam Johnston going down in the early 1st half after being striked by a ball in the head. Leslie Gill and Sophie Doering each had two goals to help the Blue Wave drown the Hatters. The Blue Wave has still not allowed a goal in all seven of their games. (Alex Bair pictured, photo courtesy of Darien Times)

Wave Field Hockey Crushes Vikings

-By Jake McCauley-

The Blue Wave girl's field hockey team beat Westhill handily on Monday in a rout of 8-0. Led by junior standout Ellie Riegel, who scored twice for the Wave as well as adding a pair of assists, Darien coasted to an easy victory. The Wave refused to back down during amounting to an assault on the goal with a 35 shots-on-goal effort. Senior goalie Aimee Rich, who improved to 6-0 on the season, as well as junior Perrin Brown, led a stingy Darien defense, not allowing the Vikings to even take a single shot on goal. Winning its sixth game in a row, Darien Field Hockey looks very impressive as the season slowly dwindles to an end. The team continues to strive for its goals of winning FCIACs for a third straight time and winning the state class championships. Come root on DHS Field Hockey at its next game today at home against Danbury.

UPDATE: Darien kept the streak alive, still not allowing a team to score in it's 7-0 win over Danbury yesterday.

JV Soccer Showing Signs of Life

-By: Justin Pryor-

The girls JV soccer team won 4 - 0 over Stamford and improved its record to 2 and 4. The first goal scored by freshman Anjali Krishnamachar on a 30-yard free kick. Also scoring was freshman Parker Hamill and sophomores Katie Donovan and Carly Renaud.
The girls kept the ball in opposing territory for the majority of the game, which gave the defense little work. Every player on the team got into the game which is a goal of the team in order to improve underclassmen for the varsity level. Junior Eleanor Palmer said, “Our season has been pretty good. But JV is hard because most people haven't played together. Darien has a hard week coming up with games against New Canaan and Greenwich on Wednesday and Friday. (Pictured freshmen Anjali Krishnamachar).

Wave Crashes at Hands of Saint Joes

-By: Meg Murphy-

The Wave fell to St. Joe's on Saturday at the Cadet's home field. With a final score of 21-10, this loss drops the team's record to 1-2. Junior Graham Maybell provided the highlight swiping a fumble to finish with a 91-yard touchdown. Senior kicker John Gardner was able to make the extra point and a field goal giving the wave 4 points. (#3 George Benitez pictured)

This week Darien faces Wilton on our own turf at 2pm on Saturday.

Don't miss Neirad Enilno reporter Brian Curry's look at the 2009-10 varsity football team. Read "Football Moving on from ‘08" in the October issue live @ Neirad.org.

Rugby Prepares for the Fall Season

-By: Lisa Randall-

The Rugby Club had its first practice on Saturday to get ready for the Fall season. Although this is not the competitive season, prepping for spring is vital. Players who are interested are encouraged to come to these fall sessions to learn skills needed for spring. Practices are at 11am on Saturdays through the fall. They are located on the field behind the turf stadium. Senior member Connor McCarthy said, "I'm excited for the start of the season. It's a great way for me to occupy my time and I appear as though i have a social life. Hopefully the fall season should bring a lot of new players, and we can prepare for the spring season."

JV Girls Lose to Wilton in "Alarming" Fashion

-Connor McCarthy-

After a long, relaxing three-day weekend, girls JV soccer team came hard to play Wilton this past Tuesday. (9/30) Wilton is one of the top teams in the state so it proved to a tough match. Darien held its own, keeping the ball out of their half. However, about 15 minutes into the game varsity coach Jon Bradley arrived to deliver some bad news. Five of the JV girls, including a few starters, were caught in an accidental fire alarm incident. The players were pulled off the field and taken back to the high school where they were subject to questions from the administration as well as the fire department. They were excused, as the episode was an accident, with promise to volunteer this weekend at the Big Rig event. The girls shortly returned to the game. The score remained 0-0 well into the second half and the teams battled it out until the end of the game. Wilton scored a goal in the last five minutes, and it was impossible for sophomore goalie Lauren Pryor to save it. Junior captain Lisa Randall (pictured) said "it was a tough fight to the finish, which is where games usually end." Good luck to the girls JV soccer team throughout the season.

JV Boys Soccer Wins Again

-By: Ian Sullivan-

The highly anticipated boys JV soccer team, wins yet another game against the Ridgefield Tigers improving their record to 4-1-1. The Blue Wave got out to an early lead yesterday (9/30) when sophomore Ben Highton, scored the first two goals within the first half. Ridgefield responded in the second half, when a Tiger's penalty kick set up the first goal. However, sophmore goalie Chris Smith (pictured right) stopped the Tigers, combining for 13 saves and holding the Ridgefield offense to one goal, ending the game 2-1 in favor of the Blue Wave. After the game, junior captain Ryan Dirvin (pictured left) said, "It was by far the most exciting game we have had this year. We knew this team had tremendous talent and that it was going to be a clost game. I am proud of our team and hope we can continue this success further into our season." The Blue Wave's next game is on Tuesday, October 6th, at Middlesex Middle School against Fairfield Warde.

Field Hockey Shuts Out Another

-By: Jay Alter-

The Darien Blue Wave won 2-0 over Norwalk High School. This win on Wednesday (9/30) improves the squad to 4-0 on the season. Goalie, Amy Rich, has not allowed a single goal all season long. On the other side of the ball, DHS has scored a total of 17 goals for the season. Junior Claire Dickson said, "I think that we're going to be very successful and I think it's because of the amazing senior, junior and a couple of sophmores that are really contributing to the team." Senior captains, Ana and Ella Heck and Taylor Wells had the expectations to win FCIAC's and States and it looks that if they keep shutting down the opposition and have that balanced offense then they will do just that. (Ellie Riegel, center midfield, pictured above)