Darien Boys Basketball Falls to St. Luke’s

by Ryan Filippone

On Monday, October 28th, Darien Boys Basketball played St. Luke’s in Fall League, losing 58-40. Darien was led in scoring by senior captain Matt Staubi, who had 18 points.

St. Luke’s won the opening tip and got off to a hot start going up 7-2 after 5 minutes of play.  On defense, St. Luke’s played a 2-3, while the Blue Wave played a mix of a 1-3-1 zone and man to man defense.  After a poor start, the Blue Wave came up to within 4 with 8 minutes left in the first half.  It was a low scoring game with both teams playing stingy defense.  Darien had a lot of trouble to score the ball with 17 points going into halftime while giving up 30.  Coming out of half time, the Blue Wave had two quick buckets, one being an and-one by Staubi.  Both teams continued to play good defense but then St. Luke’s made a run late in the second half to go up 52-36 with 5 minutes left.  The game ended with St. Luke's winning 58-40.  It was a disappointing loss for the Blue Wave.  Senior captain Bobby Fitzpatrick said, "It was a tough game but it’s early. We started off slow but we just need to make sure that we come into each game ready to give 100%.” Darien ends fall league with the record of 5-3, earning them a high seed in the playoffs starting next week.

Senior Ames Murray defends a St. Luke's guard during Monday's action

Victory: Darien Varsity Field Hockey Defeats New Canaan in FCIAC Semi-Finals

By Kyra Hammer

On Monday, October 29th, the Blue Wave Girls Field Hockey Team took on New Canaan, who they beat 3-0 in the regular season. The game was surprisingly intense due to New Canaan’s improvement since the first game they played against Darien in late September. Darien came out incredibly strong and scored within the first 15 minutes after a stroke was awarded to the team. A shot was deflected off a New Canaan player’s stick and catapulted into the air. As it sailed above another Rams player, the player lifted her stick above her head to try and prevent the ball from making it into the goal. Since this is an illegal move in field hockey, Darien was granted a stroke. Senior Hollis Perticone took this opportunity and shot in the upper left hand corner of the goal, making Darien the first team on the scoreboard.

In the second half, New Canaan stepped up their game and scored in the first 10 minutes. At this point, the game was getting very physical. The refs had to speak to captains on both teams warning them of what their consequences would be if they kept it up. Even after this warning, a Darien player was given a green card which resulted in a two minute penalty. Although this was a setback, Darien was able to pull out another goal which was scored by sophomore Georgia Cassidy. Senior Sloane Bessey assisted the goal, seeing the opportunity to drive into the circle. Overall Bessey had a fantastic game; she stopped many breakaways, had great passes, and was one of the only players to cleanly drive into the circle.

Towards the end of the game, Darien scored another goal in the last 15 minutes of the game. Although they had many missed opportunities on goal, they still managed to dominate the game and leave with a win. “The whole game was really exciting to watch. I am very happy that the team won and are going to the FCIAC championship game”, said junior Morgan Savage.

Come support the girls field hockey team at Brian Mcmahon while they take on Wilton in the FCIAC championship.

Caption: Sophomore Georgia Cassidy plays in a game earlier this season.  

2013-2014 NBA Fantasy Sleepers

By Justin Yang 

As the 2013-2014 NBA season is gradually approaching, spectators and fanatics across the nation have started joining fantasy leagues. This thrilling season, full of highly anticipated returns of all-stars, such as Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, and Russell Westbrook, has caused an overwhelming commotion. Although there may be many stars to choose from in this year’s fantasy draft, the key to winning a league is to not only boast explosive starters, but possess a versatile bench as well. So as you are frantically searching for recommended picks online five minutes before the draft, be sure to remember the sleepers of this season who could potentially rise and play at a higher value.

Guards (Point Guard and Shooting Guard): Look out for the assists, steals, and points category!

Eric Bledsoe (SG): Although Bledsoe had been described as a “mini-Lebron” due to his exceptional athleticism, he could not show off his talents as he was always in the shadow of another star. Now, his worries are finally over as he found a new home in Phoenix with the Suns where he will hold a starting position. He is projected to have a stat line of around 13 points per game, 5 assists per game, 5 rebounds per game, and 2 steals per game, but he may rise and contribute more.

Greivis Vasquez (PG): I guess finishing third in assists in the NBA last season doesn’t really get you much attention as Vasquez is still ranked in the later rounds. Vasquez is a highly underrated player as he had averaged around 14 ppg, 4 rebs, and 9 ast last season. Especially with his move to the Sacramento Kings, he will have more scoring options to dish the rock to with DeMarcus Cousins and Ben McLemore to name a few. If Vasquez just duplicates his stats from last year, he will be a steal.

Victor Oladipo (SG): The favorite for Rookie of the Year, this young stud will rise and develop his talents as he will most likely receive plenty of minutes and start for the Orlando Magic. Oladipo is a solid overall player who mostly plays as a shooting guard, but can also make the plays as a point guard. In only his first three preseason games, he averaged around 13 ppg, 8 rebs, 5 ast, and 2 stl.

Forwards (Small Forward and Power Forward)/Centers: Focus on rebounds, points, and blocks category!

Jeff Green (SF): Although the Celtics have traded away future hall-of-famers Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett angering many Boston fans, this has opened up new opportunities for other players to rise and take over. Green is one of these unproven talents who is anticipated to be the next face of the Celtics alongside Rajon Rondo. He is expected to receive whopping 37 minutes per game, putting up stats of around 18 ppg and 6 rebs.

Derrick Favors (PF): Thanks to powerhouse Paul Millsap signing with the Atlanta Hawks, Favors will be promoted to starting power forward for the Utah Jazz. This new role will make him not only a threat in points, but rebounds and blocks as well. With a per 36 stat line of around 14 ppg, 11 rebs, and 2.6 blocks, this double-double machine will be a advantageous steal, who may very well be the x-factor to your team.

Kelly Olynyk (C): This dark-horse for the rookie of the year, made an impressive showing during the Summer League averaging 18 ppg, 7.8 rebs, 2.4 assists, and 1.8 stls while shooting 57.8 percent from the floor in just 24 minutes per night. Although it is debatable whether Olynyk will take over the starting position for the Celtics, it is highly probable that he will, as there isn’t a much better option. Currently he’s receiving more minutes than teammates Jared Sullinger, Kris Humphries, and Brandon Bass.

Whatever player you decide to draft, whether he may be on this list or he may be of your own choosing, remember to look for athletes who will compliment your team, rather than just choosing big names. Good luck and have fun!

Caption: 1. Victor Oladipo sinks a free throw in a summer league game.
              2. Derrick Favors drives by Blake Griffin on his way to the rim.

Westhill Defeats Girls Soccer at the FCIAC Quarterfinals

By Ashley Mailhot

This season, the Girls Varsity Soccer has maintained a record of 10 wins, 4 losses and 3 ties. At Blue Wave’s previous game on Thursday, October 24th, the team celebrated Senior Day and tying with Greenwich in a fantastic, neck-to-neck game.

This past Saturday, October 26th, Westhill defeats the Blue Wave Girls Varsity Soccer 3-1 at the FCIAC quarterfinals. During the first half of the game, Blue Wave barely got a hold of the ball leaving the scoreboard 3-0.

During the second half, Blue Wave was in control of the ball for most of the time, but was only able to score one last-minute goal. With only 4:41 remaining, senior Kelly Karczewski managed to score one goal for Blue Wave changing the scoreboard 3-1. Even though the team was given several chances to score, Blue Wave was only able to score one goal with the ball either traveling too far from the goal, hitting the crossbar, or was saved by Westhill’s goal keeper. Blue Wave kept on trying over and over again to get the ball in the goal, but the opposing defense team was taking away Blue Wave’s chances of scoring. Blue Wave’s first-year goalkeeper, senior Kellyn Berrigan, made 4 saves during this past Saturday’s game against Westhill. Good job this season!

Caption: Senior Kelly Karczewski steals a ball away from a competitor earlier this year.

Senior Says: Who’s going to win the World Series?

by Sam Meyjes

The Sox won game 5 of the World Series on Monday Night, giving themselves a 3-2 lead in the series, and game 6 will be played at Fenway. So BWSB asked some Darien High School seniors and teachers who they thought was going win. Here are the results:

Senior Kyle Gifford: Sox

Senior Julia Black: Sox

Senior Matt Vossler: Sox

Senior Nick Kunze: Sox

Senior Sandhya Avula: Sox

Senior Owen Brannigan: Sox

Senior Reed Barthold: Sox

Senior Brad Magnusson: Cards

Senior Brad McCarthy: Sox

Senior Eliza Wizinski: Cards

Senior Rudy Blosio: Sox

English Teacher Mr. Wallenfang: Sox

Math Teacher Ms. Wood: Sox

Score: 11-3 Red Sox

Sorry Cardinals, but maybe if we lived a couple hours closer to St. Louis, and maybe if you had won on Monday night, things would be different. But as of now, it looks like the Red Sox are going to win the series.

Red Sox closer Koji Uehara and catcher David Ross celebrate their Game 5 victory

Big Upset: Darien Girls’ Soccer Loses to Westhill

By Kiki Martin

The Darien Girls’ varsity soccer team had a great regular season with an ending record of 10-2-2. Unfortunately, on Saturday 10/26 the team lost in the first round of FCIACs. Darien was seeded 3rd in the FCIAC and had a tough loss to Westhill, who was seeded 6th. The Blue Wave let up 2 goals in the first half, both of which were scored by junior Jess Laszlo of Westhill. “The first half, we weren’t playing our game,” senior Morgan Sawitsky said.

At halftime the team was down 2-0. “In the second half we stepped it up, but we were just too late,” Sawitsky said. The team came out looking strong but Westhill’s Laszlo scored yet again making the score 3-0. In the last two minutes of the game senior Kelly Karczewski scored Darien’s first goal of the game off a pass from senior Dillon Schoen, making the final score of the game Darien 1 and Westhill 3.

“It was a really tough game to have lost after beating Westhill in regular season. Although it is hard to beat a team twice, we came out flat in the first half and by the second half we ran out of time. This game has motivated our team to come out stronger than ever in states and prove that this game has not defined our season. We hope to have a good run in states and hopefully win something,” senior captain Emily Stein said.

Come support the girls’ soccer team at DHS on November 4th at 2:00 in its first round of states!

Caption: Senior captian Emily Stein takes on two defenders in a game earlier this season.  

Girls BWXC Qualifies for Opens

by Barbara Bell

Saturday, October 26^th seemed to be a bittersweet day for the Blue Wave Girls’ Cross Country team. The varsity 7 was expecting it to be the last meet of the season, and for veteran runner Anne Johnston, a final time at Wickham Park until senior year. Coach Steve Norris said that there “was a chance” of qualifying for the Open meet, but that it would depend on other team scores, and Darien’s average times.

Thankfully, Darien got lucky. The team finished 5^th in the Class L championship, narrowly beating out Fairfield Warde (and Cate Allen) but losing to Wilton’s Sarah Healey and Connecticut teams Pomperaug and Mercy. Anne Johnston finished 3^rd overall. First-season runner Erika Osherow finished 19^th. Alex Ford took third place for Darien, followed by freshman Ali Barnard, Amanda Percarpio, and Kate Halabi. Grace Evanich rounded out 7^th.

Even though the team finished 5^th in the Class L championship, Darien’s average time beat out the competition in the Class M and LL races. The Wave will return to Wickham on Friday, November 1^st for the State Open championship, running the exact same 3.1 mile race as Saturday.

Senior captain Alex Ford said that she is “beyond” excited that the team gets to go to states, especially for her last (potential) meet of her high school cross country career. “At the beginning of the season, we didn’t think we would have any sort of varsity team, and now we are up there with the top schools in the state, and I couldn’t be more proud,” Ford said.

The girls cross country team poses after their meet at states

Sophomore Stars Marissa Baker and Georgia Cassidy, on Field Hockey and Friendship

by Amanda Sload

Sophomores Georgia Cassidy and Marissa Baker have seen considerable playing time on the field hockey team, the only girls in their grade to do so. The duo, who have played ice hockey together for years growing up, have come out strong and helped the field hockey team reach its 1-loss record.

Cassidy is a high forward and Baker is a right wing. Baker just started playing the sport last year, while Cassidy has had a little more experience in her three years playing the sport. Neirad got to know more about the girls, their experience on the field hockey team, and their friendship.

Neirad: Why do you like field hockey?

Georgia Cassidy: I like playing field hockey because I love the sport but also because I love being a part of the team with such a fun group of girls and awesome coaches.

Marissa Baker: I like field hockey because I love the team, the whole program, and I have so much fun when I play.

Neirad: What has it been like playing so much on varsity?

GC: It has been a really good learning experience. I have learned so much from the coaches and upperclassmen.

MB: Playing on varsity has been a really crazy experience. I’ve gotten really close with my teammates, especially [Georgia] because she's the only other sophomore. As hard as it can be sometimes, your teammates are honestly always there to make you okay. During field hockey season, the sport is pretty much your life, but I wouldn't want it any other way.

Neirad: What are your goals for this year?

GC: My goals for this year are to try to take what [coach Mo Minicus] tells me I need to do to improve on our games.

MB: Last year the team did the best they could and won both titles. I want to do that again this year, and I want to make the seniors proud.

Neirad: How has this year gone for you personally so far?

GC: Personally this year is going very well and I am looking forward to FCIACS and states, where I can hopefully keep working hard and improving.

MB: This year for me personally has been a really big learning year. The level of play between JV and Varsity is really different. I also started playing last year so I'm still learning some really basic stuff that you learn in 4^th grade, like how to block tackle. Every game you have to make yourself better no matter the opponent. I've been working really hard this season and I'm happy to say that I've gotten much better because of it.

Neirad: Why do you like playing together?

GC: I like playing with Marissa because I think after playing ice hockey together for so many years we connect incredibly on the ice and on the field.

MB: I love playing with my G. We connect really well together on the field and on the ice. I love playing with her because we’re such good friends off the field too, we connect really well on the field and we always push each other to do better.

Catch the field hockey team, along with Baker and Cassidy, in action as it competes to advance to the FCIAC finals on October 29^th at Brien McMahon.

Baker and Cassidy together before one of their games.

Blue Wave Football Beats Ridgefield in a Close Game

by Mike Cassidy

On Saturday, at 1:30 the boys varsity football team took on the Ridgefield Tigers, in what some would call the biggest home game of the season so far. The game was a defensive battle, with both teams playing strong defense throughout the game. However, Darien was also able to show off their skilled offense, something that Ridgefield did not have. The final score of the game was 19-14, with Darien stopping Ridgefield on 4^th down on their final drive of the game.  Seniors Jay Harrison and Myles Ridder scored touchdowns for the Blue Wave. Senior Daly Hebert also played a tremendous game, making two field goals, one being over 45 yards, and kicking the ball through the back of the end zone on multiple occasions, leading to several touchbacks. “We knew how big this game was for us. A loss would take us out of contention for states so we went out and took care of business,” senior Matt Vossler said.

Come watch Darien’s next home game on Saturday vs. Wilton at 1:30! 

Senior Silas Wyper throws downfield during yesterday's action

A Season of Triumphs: Grace Evanich Leads Girls Cross Country to Success

by Caroline McKay

Senior Grace Evanich has run on the Cross Country team since her freshman year, when her older sister advised her to try out. She believed she would only be running for the exercise, but being on the team turned out to be “a huge part of [her] life.” Her running skills and leadership qualities led her to be voted as captain by her teammates and coaches. Evanich loves the “big team unity” and how everyone “helps each other out by cheering.” Everyday she looks forward to seeing her friends and teammates after school at practice. Evanich’s best memories revolve around “the adventures that Norrie takes us on”, which take runners to “the most random locations"—ones that many girls have “never seen before”!

Evanich reflected on the 2013 season, saying it went “much better than originally expected.” After losing a lot of talented seniors last year, the team had some rebuilding to do. “Our girls this year put in so much hard work that really showed in their performances, and everyone improved so much,” Evanich said. Ridgefield and Staples proved to be tough competitors at FCIACs, but Darien still managed to come in 5th place overall- “which is still great!” Evanich added.

Next up for the team is States, which Evanich and 6 other varsity runners are competing at. “Preparing for States is mostly mental at this point,” Evanich said. The girls are all helping each other prepare, and are hoping to qualify for State Opens.

“I’m so happy to be finishing my Cross Country career with a great group of girls,” Evanich said. “I’m going to miss the team so much, but I hope to continue running on a club team in college.” Best of luck in your future running endeavors, Grace! 

Evanich (far right) with some of her cross country teammates after one of this year's races

Girls Soccer Ties Greenwich on Senior Day

by Cameron Van de Graaf

On Thursday (10/24), the Darien High School girls varsity soccer team faced off against Greenwich on the oval turf, eventually tying after 80 minutes of evenly matched play. First-year varsity goalkeeper Kellyn Berrigan, with contributions from fellow seniors Dillon Schoen, Kelly Karczewski, Morgan Sawitsky, was instrumental in shutting out the opposing side. Unfortunately, the Cardinals’ defense remained solid and impervious to the Wave’s shots on goal.

Before play began, the team conducted senior day festivities, which mostly consisted of juniors delivering short speeches recognizing their outgoing seniors. Injury-sidelined senior Julia Black kicked off the game, a truly heartwarming moment that elicited a standing ovation from the crowd. Bringing a 10 game undefeated streak into the game, the Wave looked to continue the march to FCIACs and States.

The first half featured quite a bit of back and forth play, and the ball rarely entered the vicinity of either team’s net. Karczewski and Schoen did manage several shots apiece, however. On a positive note, Darien’s defense was capable and repeatedly repulsed Greenwich. As the second half began, the action picked up somewhat – but in this balanced contest between two solid teams, neither Darien nor Greenwich was able to score.

Reflecting on the draw, senior Julia Black said, “The juniors made senior day really special for us…although we didn’t come out with a win, we kept up our undefeated home season.”

Be sure to come out and support girls soccer in their first FCIAC match on Saturday, October 26^th in a match against 2:00 p.m.

Senior Dillon Schoen in action earlier this year (Photo Courtesy: Darien Athletic Foundation)

Blue Wave Hockey Continues to Shine in Fall League

by Mike Cassidy

On Wednesday, October 23rd, the Darien Boys Hockey team faced off against Westhill High School. Darien had previously destroyed their other opponent from Stamford, Stamford High School, and made the scoreboard look like it was keeping track of a football game. Coming into the game, Darien did not have a strong attendance of players, but that held little relevance to the game. “We were short on bodies and a little rusty but we found a way to score,” senior Dillon Fitzpatrick said. “There was also a strong game in net,” he added. Westhill did not let Darien beat them as badly as the Blue Wave had beaten Stamford High School, but that’s about all the bragging rights they were able to skate off the ice with. Darien once again showed their talent, winning 8-1. Goals were scored from a variety of places including juniors Jack Pardue and Carter Joyce and seniors Rudy Blosio (twice) and Robby Juterbock. The defense also managed to put in goals; senior Nick Allam, junior Aidan Loh, and sophomore Sam Knowlton all scored.

With their win against Westhill High School, Darien improved to 6-1 in their Fall League tournament. The win allowed them to continue to hold the second place seed in the tournament. “We all worked hard, played well together, and were able to put the puck in the net,” sophomore Jack Pardue said as he recapped the game. Come watch Darien play their next fall league game vs. Trumbull on October 30th at 7:00 at Terry Connors Rink.

Senior Tommy Watters during action from last season against Greenwich

Top Premier League Transfers So Far

by Stephen Barston

As the English Premier League season continues on, there have been innumerable surprises. Arsenal remain on top of the table with a two point lead over crosstown rival Chelsea, while Manchester United have struggled to find their typical stellar form, falling heavily to Manchester City and failing to win against a comparatively weak Southampton side. In addition to several teams shocking the fans so far, there have been some new players in the league who have helped their teams immensely and can hardly go unnoticed. Below, I've listed (in no particular order) the top three Premier League transfers, based on performance as of the latest round of matches, October 19.

1. Mesut Özil, midfielder for Arsenal (approximately $68.6 million)- Özil's performance at this point in the season has been one of the main reasons for the success of Arsene Wenger’s side. In five appearances, he has two goals and three assists for the Gunners, but those basic stats do not tell the full story; according to the website WhoScored, he has had an average match rating of 8.0 in those five matches and has completed an astonishing 87.6% of his passes. Impeccable technique and vision allow Özil to set up his teammates well for scoring opportunities, and despite the large price tag, he has been entirely worth the sum so far.

2. Dejan Lovren, center back for Southampton (approximately $13.7 million)- One of the surprise teams of the season, Southampton and their supporters have several players in particular to thank for their current 6th place position. One of these is newcomer Dejan Lovren, a passing-oriented center back who has tallied an assist and a goal for his side in eight appearances. His superb vision is also complemented by an unwavering composure at the back line. The highlight of his season so far came on September 21st against Liverpool, where he scored the aforementioned goal and received the Man of the Match, with a WhoScored match rating of 8.63. Look for more performances like this one from the Croatian international in the future.

3. Romelu Lukaku, striker for Everton (loan, undisclosed amount)- After a slightly disappointing start to the season and a notorious missed penalty late in the UEFA Supercup final versus German power Bayern Munich, Lukaku was dealt out for the remainder of the season by new Chelsea manager José Mourinho. Everton just so happened to be the team lucky enough to get him. In his first appearance for The Toffees, he scored once in 45 minutes of action; however, this was just a small foreshadowing of things to come for the Belgian. In the September 30th matchup against Newcastle United, Lukaku had a say in all three goals that his team scored, scoring twice and tallying an assist in a full 90 minutes of play, receiving Man of the Match as well. The 20-year-old has loads of potential, and luckily for Everton manager Roberto Martínez, this season might be the year it is finally unlocked.

Lukaku is introduced to the Everton fans at Goodison Park shortly
after his loan deal was finalized (Credit: London Evening Standard)

Winter Olympics United States Men’s Hockey Team Preview

by Mike Cassidy

In 1980, the Soviet team came to Lake Placid, New York almost sure that they would win the gold medal, but Team USA pulled off the impossible and the unpredictable upset resulted in books, publicity, and a very famous movie. This coming February, Team USA will participate in the Winter Olympics in the city of Sochi, which is in Russia. While there are probably Russians who are thinking this is the perfect opportunity for revenge, it is a completely different picture than it was in 1980. For one, the Soviet Union no longer exists, and while it could be said that there is a political rivalry between the two countries, tensions are nowhere near where they were during the time “Miracle” took place. Both teams also have completely different rosters than they did thirty-four years ago (who would have guessed), and even their uniforms have changed! And of course, the United States is not as heavily favored as the Soviet team was in 1980.

The United States men’s hockey roster for the 2014 Winter Olympics is set to be released during the Winter Classic. There are some predictions I have of players that will be seen on the roster, and also how Team USA will fare in the up and coming winter Olympics.

Forwards

Possibly one of the best players in the NHL currently is the quickly improving Patrick Kane, who will, without a question, have a spot on Team USA. Kane, a forward for the Chicago Blackhawks, is very talented, has great hands, and knows how to get the puck in the back of the net, which makes him an even more vital player on Team USA.

Zach Parise has been representing his own state, and he now will represent his country again. He holds an indubitable amount of talent and will definitely make it on to Team USA for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Anaheim Ducks forward Bobby Ryan will find his way on to the team. Unlike Kane, Ryan does not shine with his ability at handling the puck, but is rather big for a forward. Bobby Ryan is another definite lock for Team USA.

New York Ranger’s Captain Ryan Callahan has been with Team USA before and will be with them in 2014 this year with the same goal: taking home the gold.

The Kessel brothers will both have a spot on the team, and putting Ryan and Phil on the same line could also make for some pretty cool publicity.

In 2014 we might be seeing a local on the roster. Well, as local as it gets, that is. Max Pacioretty, from New Canaan, Connecticut, appears to have a good chance at making Team USA. Who would have known that he could have made such a speedy recovery from a devastating injury earlier in his career and now have such a great shot at playing on Team USA?

The Blues also have some talented players that were “Made in America”. Both TJ Oshie and David Backes are both players that I would almost guarantee to be seen on Team USA’s roster.

Defensemen

             

If you can remember the 2010 Winter Olympics, than you will know exactly what I mean when I say, “needless to say” Jack Johnson will be playing on team USA.

Keith Yandle will be coming up from the deserts of Arizona to play in the artic country of Russia; his name is another one I almost guarantee.

Ryan Suter will not only be a part of the team, but can make a huge difference on the team if he plays his heart out.

Ryan McDonagh also could find his way on to this team. While this may seem like a stretch of a prediction, it is probably what is going to end up happening.

Goalie

While Ryan Miller did play amazing in Vancouver during the 2010 Olympics, that was four years ago. This Olympics, Miller probably won’t be the go-to goalie, but will be the backup to Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick.

Now its time for the predictions! While Canada will be holding what is clearly the best roster, being very biased, I do not have them wining the gold. The Canadian forwards consist of Steve Stamkos, Sidney Crosby, Rick Nash and others. Facing their defense wont be any easier either, however as stated earlier, Team USA won in 1980, so who’s to say they can’t do it again?

Gold: USA

Silver: Canada

Bronze: Russia

USA Hockey looks poised for a solid performance at the Winter Olympics

Varsity Boys Soccer Falls to Norwalk

by Morgan Sawitsky

On Monday, October 21, 2013, the Darien Boys Varsity soccer team took on the Norwalk at 7:00pm under the Norwalk Stadium lights. The boys were 5-7-2 before they faced Norwalk, and if they won this game they would qualify for the State Tournament, and possibly the FCIAC Tournament. They were coming off a 1-0 win against Trinity Catholic, so spirits were high.

Junior John Mackie scored the first goal of the game early in the half, starting DHS off on the right foot, but with 15 minutes left in the half, Norwalk scored, one of their players dribbling down the field with different skills. The first half ended in a tie, 1-1.

With five minutes into the second half, Norwalk scored again. It was off a corner kick, and the Norwalk team member headed it into the back of the net. Darien was playing hard, but there was a foul, ending up with a penalty kick for Norwalk. Norwalk slotted the ball into the back of the net and made the score 3-1. Darien did not let up though.  Then with ten minutes left in the game, Norwalk nicely put the ball in the right bottom corner of the net. This ended the game, making the final score 1-3, Darien leaving with a loss. 

Senior captain Alex Gunya noted that the first goal might have gotten the team a little too relaxed for the rest of the game. He continued to say that “Norwalk took advantage of that and hit hard. Their passing game was a lot better too.” Norwalk was good competition for Darien, emphasizing on the mistakes that the Blue Wave made. 

Go support Darien Boys Varsity soccer on their Senior Day, against Bassick on Wednesday, October 22 on the DHS soccer oval at 4:00pm.

Senior captain Andrew Morgan during practice earlier this season

Girls Swimming Celebrates the Seniors—and a Win

by Sarah Cattano

On Monday, October 21^st, Darien Girls Swimming and Diving took on Danbury in a duel meet at home. Their last home meet of the season, the Monday afternoon meet at the Darien YMCA doubled as the 2013 season senior day.

 Senior Michelle Wall spoke to the Blue Wave Sports Blog about the teams performance, saying, “Everyone was really excited to swim fast for their last home meet of the season.” Their high energy clearly paid off as the girls won yet another meet during their regular season. “It was a really fun meet since it was senior day. The team had great energy,” Wall says of their win against Danbury.

Senior divers Molly Klein and captain Olivia Piazza stepped off the diving board and onto the swimming block, each participating in an event. “Honestly, it was a terrible feeling to be in the pool!” Klein said jokingly of her short-lived swimming career. “I give my teammates credit, I don’t know how they do it.”

Tomorrow, Wednesday, October 23^rd, the girls will take on New Canaan High School. Cheer them on at 3:00 in New Canaan!

The 2013 Blue Wave Swim and Dive seniors

Football Victory at Homecoming

by Mike Cassidy

On Saturday October 19^th, the Darien High School varsity football team took on Trinity Catholic for its homecoming game. The game was close for one quarter, and at one point the winless Trinity team actually led Darien 14-7, but after that Darien had seen enough and began to take control. The final score was 56-29 with Darien walking away with yet another dominating win. Senior Nick Lombardo scored three touchdowns, and junior Griffin Ross scored two touchdowns. Sophomore Mark Evanchick recovered a fumble and scored, and sophomore Shelby Grant, along with senior Myles Ridder, all scored touchdowns.

“We came out slow but we're happy with the win,” sophomore Hudson Hamill said.

With that win, Darien improved to 5-1. Come watch the Varsity football team take on their next opponent, Ridgefield, on Saturday at 1:30. The game will be played at Darien High School.

Senior QB Silas Wyper throws downfield during Saturday's action against Trinity

JV Football Crushes Trinity

by Morgan Sawitsky

On Monday, October 21, 2013, the Darien Boys Junior Varsity football team took on Trinity Catholic on the stadium turf at 4:00pm.  They have had a successful season, with a 3-0 record. So far they have beaten Greenwich, Bassick, and Fairfield Warde.

Sophomore Shelby Grant scored a thirty yard touchdown to start DHS off right. About ten minutes after, sophomore Christian Trifone scored the next touchdown, also a thirty yard run, to lead Darien to have a 14-0 lead. Shortly after, sophomore Baylor Stewart scored the last touchdown of the first quarter. Darien was up 21-0 when the first quarter ended.

Darien came out ready to win in the second quarter, holding off Trinity Catholic and not letting them score. Stewart had his second touchdown of the game, but Darien went for the two point conversion. Sophomore Hudson Hamill threw to Christian Trifone, putting Darien up 29-0 by the end of the second quarter.

Junior Mitch Losito came out strong, scoring the final touchdown of the game. Darien was up 36-0 in the beginning of the third quarter, and kept it that way until the end of the game. Darien had a tight defense, holding off Trinity Catholic and leaving the game with a shutout.

Junior Peter Grant said, “Our defense really shut down Trinity. We did not let them do anything on the field.” It was very clear that Darien’s defense wanted another win to add to their undefeated season, as well as a shutout.

Coach Trifone talks with the varsity players during action earlier this year