Groton Varsity baseball is lucky to have so much young talent on this team this year. This season, Luke Beckstein ‘20 stepped right into a starting role at second base. He is a multidimensional player who is comfortable playing at any spot in the infield, and has developed great chemistry with fellow middle infielder Bennett Smith ‘19, the team’s shortstop. Jay Montima ‘18, team captain, said, “Luke has stepped up this year, and even though he is a freshman, he hasn’t shied away from the pressure of starting at second and being in the heart of our lineup. He goes out each and every day ready to compete and has been producing for us all year.” Admired by both his teammates and his coaches, Luke has certainly produced this season: he is currently hitting .346 with 8 hits and 4 RBI, and has been perfect in the field, recording all of his 27 plays for outs. Clearly, the Groton Nine have something to look forward to as Luke and his teammates progress even more throughout the coming years.

Joey O’Brien ‘20 only started rowing last year, but he has worked his way up a competitive ladder, rowing in the first boat for the first three races of the season. Joey stands at 6’6” and puts all his length to good use on the boat. Regarding his ability, teammate Richie Santry ‘18 said, “Joey’s had a good year so far, especially given that he’s only in Third Form. He has one of the fastest erg times on the team and has a ton of potential in the years to come.” All season, Joey has been a dependable and hardworking teammate and his effort has shown in the books, as the Boys Varsity has recorded 4 wins in 7 meets, including sweeps over Dexter, Pomfret, B.B.&N., and longtime rival St. Mark’s. Amidst fierce opposition from the opponent ISL schools, Groton Boys Crew has held their own and looks forward to competing in several more regattas, especially the NEIRA Championships on Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester at the end of May. Look out for Joey as he continues to grow and improve during this season and during the rest of his tenure on the water.

Second Former Russell Thorndike wasted no time in making his presence known on the Varsity Lacrosse team. The team lost several seniors from last year, but Thorndike has fit right into the system and made up for their absence. Teammate Andrew Rasetti ‘18 commented, “Russ is a key player in the offense despite being in the 8th grade. He has brought good energy all season and he is a naturally skilled player crucial to the success of our team.” Anders Orr ‘19 noted that Russell has played remarkably well even when matched up against defenders committed to Division 1 colleges, and Chris Brown ‘18 said he is hard to defend because he is so “slippery” on the field.  Boys Varsity Lacrosse is 3-5 on the year versus tough competition, but has benefited immensely from Thorndike’s contributions on the field.

Anya Hanitchak ‘21 has made a splash this year for Girls Varsity Crew, sliding right into a seat on the first boat. She has rowed previously for the Essex Rowing Club, based out of Methuen, MA. Her teammates praise both her ability and attitude. Annie Colloredo-Mansfeld ‘18 said, “Anya is a great rower. Although it is no surprise that she made first boat considering her strength and technique, it is very impressive that she accomplished this as a Second Former! It is great having her on the team this year.” Likewise, Layla McDermott ‘18 said, “She’s such a strong rower and an awesome teammate. It’s really impressive that she can row at such a high level and always bring a positive attitude to practice, and that she acts with such grace under pressure.” Clearly, Anya has made quite an impact on the program. Girls Varsity Crew is currently 1-0 and looks to improve its record with Anya and the rest of the first boat leading the team to victory.

Groton Varsity baseball is lucky to have so much young talent on this team this year. This season, Luke Beckstein ‘20 stepped right into a starting role at second base. He is a multidimensional player who is comfortable playing at any spot in the infield, and has developed great chemistry with fellow middle infielder Bennett Smith ‘19, the team’s shortstop. Jay Montima ‘18, team captain, said, “Luke has stepped up this year, and even though he is a freshman, he hasn’t shied away from the pressure of starting at second and being in the heart of our lineup. He goes out each and every day ready to compete and has been producing for us all year.” Admired by both his teammates and his coaches, Luke has certainly produced this season: he is currently hitting .346 with 8 hits and 4 RBI, and has been perfect in the field, recording all of his 27 plays for outs. Clearly, the Groton Nine have something to look forward to as Luke and his teammates progress even more throughout the coming years.

Joey O’Brien ‘20 only started rowing last year, but he has worked his way up a competitive ladder, rowing in the first boat for the first three races of the season. Joey stands at 6’6” and puts all his length to good use on the boat. Regarding his ability, teammate Richie Santry ‘18 said, “Joey’s had a good year so far, especially given that he’s only in Third Form. He has one of the fastest erg times on the team and has a ton of potential in the years to come.” All season, Joey has been a dependable and hardworking teammate and his effort has shown in the books, as the Boys Varsity has recorded 4 wins in 7 meets, including sweeps over Dexter, Pomfret, B.B.&N., and longtime rival St. Mark’s. Amidst fierce opposition from the opponent ISL schools, Groton Boys Crew has held their own and looks forward to competing in several more regattas, especially the NEIRA Championships on Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester at the end of May. Look out for Joey as he continues to grow and improve during this season and during the rest of his tenure on the water.

Second Former Russell Thorndike wasted no time in making his presence known on the Varsity Lacrosse team. The team lost several seniors from last year, but Thorndike has fit right into the system and made up for their absence. Teammate Andrew Rasetti ‘18 commented, “Russ is a key player in the offense despite being in the 8th grade. He has brought good energy all season and he is a naturally skilled player crucial to the success of our team.” Anders Orr ‘19 noted that Russell has played remarkably well even when matched up against defenders committed to Division 1 colleges, and Chris Brown ‘18 said he is hard to defend because he is so “slippery” on the field.  Boys Varsity Lacrosse is 3-5 on the year versus tough competition, but has benefited immensely from Thorndike’s contributions on the field.

Anya Hanitchak ‘21 has made a splash this year for Girls Varsity Crew, sliding right into a seat on the first boat. She has rowed previously for the Essex Rowing Club, based out of Methuen, MA. Her teammates praise both her ability and attitude. Annie Colloredo-Mansfeld ‘18 said, “Anya is a great rower. Although it is no surprise that she made first boat considering her strength and technique, it is very impressive that she accomplished this as a Second Former! It is great having her on the team this year.” Likewise, Layla McDermott ‘18 said, “She’s such a strong rower and an awesome teammate. It’s really impressive that she can row at such a high level and always bring a positive attitude to practice, and that she acts with such grace under pressure.” Clearly, Anya has made quite an impact on the program. Girls Varsity Crew is currently 1-0 and looks to improve its record with Anya and the rest of the first boat leading the team to victory.