We understand this is an unprecedented time in our history. We are so proud of our students, teachers, coaches, and staff for adjusting during this pandemic and being smart and safe. We will all get through this together. Let’s celebrate some of the highlights of our Winter Sports and Activities:
Boys Basketball: Head Coach Jeremy Osborne did another outstanding job with our Boys Basketball Program, finishing 20-5 on the season. They won the very prestigious Machens Great 8 Holiday Classic in Jefferson City. Nate Schwartze earned First Team All AAA Conference honors. Coban Porter and Chase Martin earned Second Team All AAA conference honors, and Jevon Porter was Co-Defensive Player of the Year in the AAA conference.
Girls Basketball: Head Coach Kevin Kiley played one of the most competitive schedules of any of our teams with one of the youngest Girls Basketball programs in Mid-Missouri. Assisted by Thaddues Hamilton and Joe Henke, this team with no seniors improved their individual basketball skills, had fun, learned to play as a team, and represented us with class both on and off the court. Sophia Elfrink earned Second Team All AAA Conference honors.
Cheer: Head Coach Laura Sasser’s Cheer Team is amazing. These young ladies attend more games and practice more hours than most of our other student-athletes. They bring energy, enthusiasm, and excitement to every event. They help lead our fans in a very respectful way, and are a very important part of the success of all of our programs. Our Cheer Team won the 2019 State Championship Title in Division 2 Large this year, making them back-to-back State Champions. Claire Thurnau was named to the All-State team.
Dance: Renee Hulshof, the Head Coach of our dance team, the Blazer Girls, coaches seven of the most talented student-athletes at Tolton. Many of our dancers have been dancing since they were 3-4 years old, still take private lessons, and also find the time to practice and dance together and represent us with poise and class throughout the state in their many competitions. These young ladies finished second at State this season and have their sights set just a little bit higher for next year.
Scholar Bowl: Scott Henderson is the Head Coach of our Scholar Bowl Team. At the AAA Conference Championships at Lutheran High School, our team narrowly missed winning first place when it came down to the very last question of the night. Our team was a very strong second. The team members were Silas Glaude, Isabella Ngo, Ella Redford, and Dylan Seidt. Dylan was a First Team All AAA Conference selection.
Girls Swimming: We were very fortunate to start a Girls Swimming program this year with Jeff Hagan as our Head Coach. Coach Hagan swam at the collegiate level and brought a wealth of experience to our team. These student-athletes were in the pool most mornings at 5:30 a.m. before rushing to school with cold, wet hair to start their academic days. Lindsey Hervey, a freshman, was the State Champion in the 500-yard event and her sister Lauren, a junior, finished second in state at two events as well. This too, is a very young team and the future of our Girls Swimming Program looks very bright
Wrestling: Head Coach James Williamson quietly, efficiently, and effectively leads a group of student-athletes in one of the toughest disciplines in all sports. Most days, his team goes about their business practicing in one corner of our gym while the Boys or Girls Basketball team is practicing on the main floor. Teague Travis, a junior, was a State Champion for the third straight year. Brant Whitaker, also a junior, won his second consecutive State Championship.
I certainly want to thank all of these coaches, their assistants, and our remarkable student-athletes for not only competing at the highest level in their individual sport but also showing exceptional sportsmanship and representing Father Tolton Catholic High School in their competitions, in the classroom and in the community. We tell all of our student-athletes, “your uniform never comes off” – you are first and foremost representatives of our school.
Like most of you have heard me say on more than one occasion, the sport always wins! Games are won and lost, but the respect you show for yourself, your teammates, your opponents, your officials, your coaches, your parents, your fans, and your sport is what you will remember from your days and years as a student-athlete.
I also want to thank Head Coach Kevin Kiley, his assistants, Coach Hamilton and Coach Henke, as well as Head Coach Jeff Hagan as they have decided not to coach our programs next year. I respect this decision because I know if they can’t give it 100 percent of their energy, experience, and passion for the betterment of our student-athletes and our programs, it is time to let someone else lead. We are working to find the right fit for these positions moving forward. Candidates interested in a position with our Girls Basketball Program or our Girls Swimming Program should email their resumes to glink@toltoncatholic.org or mail them to Gary Link at the school address.
EVERYONE, Please BE SMART…and BE SAFE
GO BLAZERS!
Gary Link
