In Review: this year in athletics

Athletic Director Sam Peyton-Levine recaps the year in sports in his preamble to last Thursday's Athletic Awards Ceremony:

I’m Sam Peyton-Levine, class of 05’, former math teacher, camping guy, current Winterfest champion, Director of Athletics, tonight's MC, and most importantly, Ms. Peyton-Levine’s husband. And, because of this, I’ve had the opportunity to read many great works of literature this year! Including a story you might all know, The Little Engine That Could. If you don’t know this story, it’s exactly how the title reads. 

If you’re following along, the little engine is a metaphor for Dublin athletics. And, spoiler alert – that little engine makes it over the mountain. And we’re here tonight to celebrate summiting our mountain!

One of the biggest reasons we got over the mountain this year is because we showed up. By showing up, we improved our skills, developed as athletes, and we became a team. 

And we had some good teams at that! 

Cross country with 5 of 6 podiums in our home race, Reach the Beach covering over 200 miles under 36 hours, Khaleena’s heroic saves in a playoff penalty shootout, Larry hitting a thousand points in Basketball,  Winter Outdoor Exploration - big win! Host of the NEPSAC Nordic Championships, taking home 3 of the 6 individual podiums, Girls Basketball hosting a semifinal playoff game, Boys Lacrosse beating Rocky Hill for the first time ever, Girls Crew rowing ahead to new lengths and Ultimate, with the most ultimate season to date. 

This all led to 36 All-League recognitions and 18 individual NEPSAC recognitions.

Now, to tie this all back to that little engine. When I read that book as a kid, I always thought the little engine got over the hill all by herself. But re-reading it as an adult, I discovered she had an entire crew of people helping her get over that mountain. So tonight we will recognize our incredible athletes and all of you, who helped get them there!

So let’s celebrate!

 

Department Awards

Service Recognition Award 

We are proud to recognize the work of an individual for his extraordinary contributions to all our athletic programs. Though his work often happens out of sight, its impact is felt by every student who trains, competes, or enjoys our athletic facilities. From grooming Nordic trails in the early morning hours to making snow late at night, Steve Sanders ensures our Nordic, alpine, and snowboard athletes have top-tier conditions. Rain or shine, he’s mowing and lining our fields, clearing trails, setting up tennis nets, and even hauling porta-potties across campus to support events at the Nordic center, Whitney Boathouse, and beyond.

Mr. Sanders' dedication goes far beyond routine maintenance. He’s the force that keeps our motorboats running-sometimes with little more than tape, glue, and a lot of know-how, tending to engines that most of us forget even exist. Whether he’s grading the alumni field access road or making sure we are on top of ordering enough paint to line each field all season long, Mr. Sanders does it all quietly and reliably, without seeking recognition. Today, we offer a heartfelt thank you for your tireless efforts and unwavering support. Because of you, our athletes and community get the very best of what Dublin has to offer. Thank you, Steve Sanders!
 

EDWARD WHITNEY DISTINGUISHED STUDENT-ATHLETE AWARD

NAMED IN HONOR OF A GREAT DUBLIN SCHOOL FRIEND, TRUSTEE, AND BENEFACTOR.  DETERMINED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS AND HEAD OF SCHOOL; GIVEN ANNUALLY TO A DUBLIN SCHOOL STUDENT-ATHLETE WHO EMBODIES THE MISSION OF THE SCHOOL AND THE ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT BY EXHIBITING SPORTSMANSHIP, TEAMWORK, DEDICATION, AND PASSION FOR THEIR ACTIVITIES WHILE MAINTAINING A HIGH LEVEL OF DILIGENCE TO IMPROVE THEIR SKILLS AND ENHANCE THE EXPERIENCE OF THEIR TEAMS. 

There is probably no student any of us would rather pass by on the quad or have on a roster. I think we are all familiar with his kind smile and his genuine greeting of, “What’s up, buddy.?”  

Bringing curiosity to the well-being of his teammates is a unique quality not only for a teenager but also for a competitive athlete. Tapped as a team captain both his junior and senior years, he is not only appreciated by his coaches, but well respected by his peers. He can make dynamic stretches fun, a long bus ride interesting, and make a loss feel like a win. He leads by example, brings his A-game to practice, works to develop his skills as an athlete and willingly plays any position to better the team. His infectious enthusiasm for his sport has ripple effects. His teammates show up and work harder because of him.  Coaches frequently comment on his maturity, feeling like they have an additional coach with him on the team. 

The Dublin mission cultivates resilience, and Brody Edmonds, you got it! 

Last spring, Brody had a severe shoulder injury, causing him to miss most of the season. The dedicated athlete that he is, he continued to show up for his teammates, to encourage and cheer them on. Additionally, he committed himself to the healing process and, as a result, was not only selected as a captain, but a vital resource in our first-ever boys lacrosse victory over Rocky Hill. 

Having had the opportunity to coach Brody in the past, I can say firsthand that Dublin athletics is better because of all you have given. I present this award with joy and a heavy heart, as it is hard to imagine our athletic program as strong, meaningful, and fun without you. 

It is an honor to present the Edward Whitney Student Athlete Award to Brody Edmunds. 

 

 ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

GIVEN TO THAT STUDENT OR STUDENTS WHOSE CONTRIBUTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS ARE CHARACTERIZED AS THE BEST AND MOST IMPACTFUL TO THE ATHLETICS PROGRAM AS DETERMINED BY THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AND HEAD OF SCHOOL IN COLLABORATION WITH THE DUBLIN SCHOOL COACHES.

We have two recipients for this award.

The first student joined our community four years ago and has been an integral part of our Mountain bike, Nordic and Lacrosse programs. Recognized each year by his coaches for his contributions to each sport. As an endurance athlete he’s inspired many to improve their skill and as a team player, he’s been an elected leader by his peers. 

He helps to set a culture of strong effort. 

His thoughtful training methods also showcase his care as an athlete - he takes feedback from coaches well and is patient, understanding that achieving goals in sport takes time and community.

He took home 7th place in the Mountain Bike Championships,  2nd place at this year’s Nordic NEPSAC Championship, 9th Place at the Eastern High School Nordic Championship, and 1st Team All-League and NEPSAC Honorable Mention for Boys Lacrosse. 

Ask Will what love is, and he will talk to you about sports. He loves to watch sports, he loves to play sports and he’s good at sports! 

Our athletics here have been better because of you. 

This year’s Male Athlete of the Year is Will Putnam.

It’s rare to be a great endurance athlete, it’s also rare to be a great team player. It’s rare to create a culture of hard work, and it’s rare to sprinkle pre-race glitter on your teammates' faces. It’s rare to be competitive, and it’s rare to be equally filled with compassion. 

She was a starter for her entire career in girls' soccer, taking home big wins and some tough defeats all with a smile and seizing the opportunity to grow. Her contributions to the Nordic team have been in both her personal records and the inspiration she brings to her teammates. She makes Nordic skiing look fun all the time! She can also take a hit in lacrosse and get back up with grace. 

Often called the nicest person on campus, she’s also a really good athlete! 

Taking home in Girls Soccer All-League 1st Team, All-NEPSAC Honorable Mention, in Nordic, All NEPSAC Team and 1st overall, 5th Place at the North Eastern High School Nordic Championship, and finally in Girls Lacrosse, 1st Team All-League and NEPSAC Honorable Mention.  

Holland is that rare athlete who makes friends at the finish line while holding the gold! 

This year’s Female Athlete of the Year is Holland Calcutt.