Athletic News

Smith & Way Athletes of the Year

Connor Smith ‘23 and Amberly Way ‘23 are the Wilson Hall Athletes of the Year and were recognized at the Spring Sports Pep Rally. Connor was a member of the bowling, cross-country, and track and field teams, and Amberly was a member of the basketball, softball, volleyball, and track and field teams.
 

Spring Athletic Recognition

Baseball
Region Player of the Year: Jes Schwedler
All-Star Team: Grayson Alexander, Jones DesChamps, Dylan Jones, Ben Reynolds & Jes Schwedler
All-Region Team: Grayson Alexander, Jones DesChamps, Dylan Jones, Clark Kinney, Ben Reynolds & Jes Schwedler
Soccer
Region Player of the Year: Brogdon Galloway
All-Star Team: Jackson Bonser & Brogdon Galloway
All-Region Team: Jackson Bonser, Brogdon Galloway, Milling Galloway, Jeremiah Jones, Shawn Michael Matthews & Michael Warrick
Softball
Region Player of the Year: Amberly Way
All-Star Team: Ashlyn Elmore, Sullivan Jarecki, Ellie Stone, Marybeth VanPatten & Amberly Way
All-Region Team: Kaylan Boudreau, Ashlyn Elmore, Sullivan Jarecki, Ellie Stone, Marybeth VanPatten & Amberly Way
Boys Track
Region Athlete of the Year: Boykin Wilder
Girls Track
Region Athlete of the Year: Lori Flemming

Softball Wins Third Consecutive State Championship

For the third year in a row the varsity softball captured the S.C. Independent School Association state championship, this time in the newly formed 4A division. Coached again by Mrs. Teresa O’Hare Alexander ‘98, the Region Championship team ended the season with a record of 27-6. 

A number one seed in the state tournament, the team defeated Hammond School 14-2 in the quarterfinals and Augusta Christian School 6-0 in the semifinal to advance to the championship series. Facing Laurence Manning Academy, the Barons won the first game 5-2 in dramatic fashion in the last inning at the team’s home field at Patriot Park. After losing the second game, forcing a third game in the best of three series, the championship game was played at Sumter High School as a neutral site. In front of an enormous crowd, the Barons claimed a 2-1 victory in the last inning to capture the trophy. 

The team was led by Ashlyn Elmore, Sophie Greene, Dani Hanley, Ellie Stone and Amberly Way, Class of ‘23. Completing the team were Kaylan Boudreau ‘25, Abby Bradley ‘24, Addie Griffin ‘26, Talan Griffin ‘24, Sullivan Jarecki ‘24, Logan Mims ‘25, Aubrey Payne ‘24 and Marybeth VanPatten ‘24. Assisting Mrs. Alexander in coaching were Mrs. Emma Catoe Ayres ‘13 and Mr. Jerry Allred. 

Cooper Signs with Wofford

Sumter Cooper ‘23 committed to participate on the track & field team at Wofford College. A signing ceremony, held in the Nash Student Center, was attended by fellow students, faculty, coaches, and family. Sumter is a member of the track & field team coached by Mr. Rip Ripley.

Flemming Signs with Queens

Lori Flemming ‘23 committed to participate on the track & field team at Queens University of Charlotte. A signing ceremony, held in the Nash Student Center, was attended by fellow students, faculty, coaches, and family. Lori is a member of the track & field team coached by Mr. Rip Ripley.

Sonntag Named State Scholar/Athlete

Sarah Sonntag ‘23 was awarded the Bill Simpson Award that recognizes the most outstanding male and female scholar-athlete in the S.C. Independent School Association. Each of the over 120 schools that are members of SCISA may nominate a scholar-athlete for this award, which is the highest award SCISA bestows upon a student. A resume with Sarah’s academic and athletic accomplishments, along with a recommendation from Mr. Fred Moulton, Head of School, was forwarded to the selection committee at SCISA that made the final decision. The criteria for the award include SAT score, class rank, involvement in extracurricular activities, academic and athletic achievement, coaches’ recommendations, and community service record. Sarah is the 13th Wilson Hall student to receive this award; Wilson Hall has had more students receive this award than any school in SCISA. 

Four State Champions, Boys Team Runner-up at State Track Meet

Four state champion athletes won a total of five gold medals for winning their events in the SCISA 4A State Track Meet: Emma Bradley ‘23 - 400 hurdles, Sumter Cooper ‘23 - 400 hurdles, Hugh Humphries ‘25 - high jump, and Connor Smith ‘23 - 1600 and 3200. Connor also earned silver medals for placing second in the 800 and as a member of the 4x400 relay team, and Sumter received a silver medal as a member of the 4x400 relay team and a bronze medal for finishing third in the 110 hurdles. The following athletes earned silver medals: Daniel Burton ‘24 - high jump, Aubrey Payne ‘24 - discus, Lori Flemming ‘23 - 200, Amberly Way ‘23 - shot put. Also winning a silver medal were the members of the boys 4x400 relay team (Sumter Cooper ‘23, Wilson Frerichs ‘23, Lee Mims ‘23 & Connor Smith ‘23) and the girls 4x800 relay team (Abby Bradley ‘25, Alli Reagan Fidler ‘24, Helen Fitzpatrick ‘24 & Molly Jones ‘25). Earning bronze medals were Lori Flemming ‘23 - triple jump, and the boys 4x100 relay team of Tucker Burnette ‘24, Caleb Howle ‘23, Blake VanPatten ‘24 and Boykin Wilder ‘23. The boys team finished as the state runner-up and the girls team placed fourth. Mr. Rip Ripley is the head coach of both teams. 

Sonntag Signs with Swarthmore

Sarah Sonntag ‘23 committed to participate on the track & field and volleyball teams at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. A signing ceremony, held in the Nash Student Center, was attended by fellow students, faculty, coaches, and family. Sarah is a member of the volleyball and track & field teams coached by Mr. Rip Ripley.

Coker & Jackson State Equestrian Champions

Coker Cutler ‘23 and Josie Jackson ‘25 won blue ribbons and the equestrian team won a total of nine ribbons at the S.C. Independent School Association Hunt Seat Equestrian State Championship held at Tally Ho in Timmonsville. Coker won the varsity open equitation on the flat and she placed second in varsity open equitation over fences, and Josie won intermediate equitation on the flat and placed second in intermediate equitation over fences. The following also received ribbons: Karsen Jones ‘29 - 2nd in beginner equitation on the flat (walk/trot); Elizabeth Busch ‘24 - 4th in intermediate equitation over fences; Emmi Leard ‘24 - 4th in intermediate equitation on the flat and 5th in intermediate equitation over fences; and Addy Burleson ‘30 - 5th in beginner equitation on the flat (walk/trot). Ms. Cali Bowman is the team’s coach and she is assisted by Mrs. Mindy Busch.
 

State Speed & Strength Competition

Wilson Hall hosted the S.C. Independent School Association State Speed and Strength Competition and five athletes received medals for placing in their weight class. Receiving second place medals were Sumter Cooper ‘23 and Luke Pedersen ‘24, and earning medals for third place were Slade Custer ‘24, Jes Schwedler ‘23 and Will Singleton ‘23. The athletes competed in the following events: 40-yard dash, pro-agility shuffle, vertical leap, bench press, broad jump, and power clean lift. The coaches of the speed and strength team are Mr. Adam Jarecki and Mr. Rip Ripley, Assistant Athletic Directors,  Mr. Sam Watford ‘16, Fitness Center Director, and Mr. Kurt Wilson, Assistant Football Coach. 
 

Spring Softball Clinic

Members of the varsity team, coached by Mrs. Teresa Alexander, hosted the annual Spring Softball Clinic for lower school students at Patriot Park after school on the final day before Spring Break. The players taught batting and fielding skills to the participants, giving tips they have learned through their experience as a varsity player. As important as the softball skills learned, the clinic provided the opportunity for the varsity players to interact with younger students.

Spring Break Challenge

Organized by Mr. Rip Ripley, head track & field coach, the annual Spring Break Challenge was held on Spencer Field after school on the final day before Spring Break. Students in grades 6-12 who are members of the baseball, golf, soccer, and track & field teams competed in challenges that tested endurance and mental toughness while encouraging leadership and teamwork. The event gives upperclassmen the opportunity to work with younger students, and it gives athletes from different teams the chance to collaborate. 

Winter Athletic Recognition

S.C. Independent School Assoc. North/South All-Star Basketball Team:
(boys) Daniel Burton, Hugh Humphries & Shawn Michael Matthews
(girls) Maggie Norris

All-Region Basketball Team:
(boys) Daniel Burton, Jones DesChamps, Hugh Humphries & Shawn Michael Matthews
(girls) Maggie Norris, Aubrey Payne & Marybeth VanPatten
Boys Region Coach of the Year - Mr. Rip Ripley

Sporting Clays 2nd in State

The team of David Texas Ardis ‘25, Ann Weathers Blankenship ‘24 and James Hiott ‘23, members of the shotgun team, was the runner-up in the S.C. Independent School Association (SCISA) State Sporting Clays Championship, missing the championship by only one target. 

The team also placed second in the S.C. Department of Natural Resources State Championship, and Ann Weathers was the Ladies High Over-All Winner. With the sporting clays being the final leg in the Governor’s Cup race, the team earned a second place finish. The cup  is a combination of the top three athletes’ scores per team in skeet, sporting clays and trap.

The team was recognized for two earlier competitions with trophies for winning the SCISA State Trap Championship (Ann Weathers, David Texas and James) and placing second in the SCISA State Skeet Championship (Ann Weathers, Eddie Donnald ‘24 and James). The shotgun team is coached by Mr. Brent Hiott.
 

Wilder Signs with The Citadel

Boykin Wilder ‘23 committed to participate on the track & field team at The Citadel. A signing ceremony, held in the Nash Student Center, was attended by fellow students, faculty, coaches, and family. Boykin is a member of the track & field team coached by Mr. Rip Ripley.

Trap State Champions

The team of David Texas Ardis ‘25, Ann Weathers Blankenship ‘24 & James Hiott ‘23, members of the scholastic shooting sports team, won the S.C. Independent School Assoc. State Trap Championship by scoring 145 out of 150. The team also won first place in the senior varsity squad division. Both James, who had a perfect score of 50, and Ann Weathers (49) were the High Over-All Shooters. The team of Eddie Donnald ‘24, Dominic Marro ‘23 and Bennett Wilson ‘24 placed second in the senior varsity division.

In the state skeet competition, the team of Ann Weathers, Eddie and James won the runner-up trophy, and the team placed second in the senior varsity division. Ann Weathers was the Ladies High Over-All Shooter with a 47. Dominic and James each received senior scholarships for both skeet and trap. The teams are coached by Mr. Brent Hiott.

Girls Bowling State Champions

The girls bowling team, coached by Mr. Curtis Helms, won the S.C. Independent School Association State Championship. Members of the team are Jada Hall ‘23, Mackenzie Helms ‘24, Caitlyn Schumacher ‘23, Caroline Warr ‘23 and Sarah Sonntag ‘23. In the tournament held at Gamecock Lanes in Sumter, the team was among the top four after the preliminary match to advance to the finals where they won by nine pins. 

The boys bowling team, also coached by Mr. Helms, placed third. The team members are Dillon Bartlett ‘24, Carson Geddings ‘26, Jacob Geddings ‘25, Patrick Norton ‘25 and Connor Smith ‘23.
 

Hanley Signs with Limestone

Dani Hanley committed to participate on the softball team at Limestone University. A signing ceremony, held in the Nash Student Center, was attended by fellow students, faculty, coaches, and family. Dani is a member of the varsity softball team coached by Mrs. Teresa Alexander. 

Talley Recognized for Coaching Career

Mr. Eddie Talley, who retired from coaching basketball at the conclusion of the 21-22 season, was recognized by Mr. Fred Moulton, Head of School, with a surprise presentation during halftime of the basketball game January 6. Nearly 40 of his former players returned to campus to congratulate him on a 36-year coaching career; his four sons were among the players who surprised him. In addition to a basketball signed by members of his teams, Sen. Thomas McElveen ‘96, a former player, presented Mr. Talley a resolution from the S.C. Senate in recognition of his achievements. Mr. Talley’s teams earned a record of 612-277, won three state titles, played in 12 state semifinals, and won 20 region championships. Mr. Talley is the Assistant Head of School and the Lower School Head. 

Smith Signs with Charleston Southern

Connor Smith committed to participate on the cross-country and track & field teams at Charleston Southern University. A signing ceremony, held in the Nash Student Center, was attended by fellow students, faculty, coaches, and family. Connor is a member of the cross-country team coached by Mr. Reid Schwartz and the track & field team coached by Mr. Rip Ripley.

Stone Signs with William Peace

Ellie Stone committed to participate on the softball team at William Peace University in North Carolina. A signing ceremony, held in the Nash Student Center, was attended by fellow students, faculty, coaches, and family. Ellie is a member of the softball team coached by Mrs. Teresa O’Hare Alexander.

Fall Athletic Recognition

Boys Cross-Country
All-State Team: Connor Smith
S.C. Track & Cross-Country Coaches Assoc. Moore Shrine Bowl Run: Connor Smith
S.C. Independent School Assoc. Athlete of the Week: Connor Smith
Region Runner of the Year: Connor Smith
All-Region Team: Abel Ayres, Connor Smith & Caulder Williamson
Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week: Connor Smith
Girls Cross-Country
All-State Team: Bailey McInerney
S.C. Track & Cross-Country Coaches Assoc. Moore Shrine Bowl Run: Bailey McInerney & Jordan Thornton
Region Runner of the Year: Jordan Thornton
All-Region Team: Abby Bradley, Bailey Flemming, Bailey McInerney & Jordan Thornton
Football
All-State 1st Team: Jackson Bonser, Landon Gilley, Owen Meyers, Will Singleton & Blake VanPatten
All-State 2nd Team: Cameron Coulter, Cooper Scott & Boykin Wilder
All-State Team Honorable Mention: Grayson Alexander & Clark Kinney
All-Star Team: Will Singleton & Boykin Wilder
Sumter Touchdown Club Player of the Week: Clark Kinney & Owen Meyers
Swimming
All-State Team: Jack Poag, Syd Richardson & Steve Scholz
Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week: Jack Poag
Tennis
All-Region Team: Claudia Rhodus
Volleyball
All-Star Team: Rylee Bath, Campbell Bauman, Maggie Norris, Aubrey Payne & Sarah Sonntag
American Volleyball Coaches Assoc. Player of the Week: Sarah Sonntag
S.C. Independent School Assoc. Athlete of the Week: Maggie Norris
Region Player of the Year: Aubrey Payne
All-Region Team: Rylee Bath, Campbell Bauman, Sullivan Jarecki, Maggie Norris, Aubrey Payne & Sarah Sonntag
Region Coach of the Year: Mr. Rip Ripley
Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week: Maggie Norris

Way Signs with Southern Wesleyan

Amberly Way committed to participate on the softball team at Southern Wesleyan University. A signing ceremony, held in the Nash Student Center, was attended by fellow students, faculty, coaches, and family. Amberly is a member of the softball team coached by Mrs. Teresa Alexander.  

Thornton Signs with USC Upstate

Jordan Thornton committed to participate on the cross-country and track & field teams at the University of South Carolina Upstate. A signing ceremony, held in the Nash Student Center, was attended by fellow students, faculty, coaches, and family. Jordan is a member of the cross-country team coached by Mr. Reid Schwartz and the track & field team coached by Mr. Rip Ripley.

Elmore Signs with Southern Wesleyan

Ashlyn Elmore committed to participate on the softball team at Southern Wesleyan University. A signing ceremony, held in the Nash Student Center, was attended by fellow students, faculty, coaches, and family. Ashlyn is a member of the softball team coached by Mrs. Teresa O’Hare Alexander.

Smith Athlete of the Week

Senior Connor Smith, a member of the cross-country team, was voted the Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week by the readers of The Sumter Item on November 3.

Smith Cross-Country State Champion

Senior Connor Smith won the S.C. Independent School Association 4A Cross-Country State Championship with a school record time of 15:52.54. The Region Champion team finished 3rd in the state competition. Other top finishers for the Barons were eighth-graders Caulder Williamson (11th) & Abel Ayers (12th). For the Region Champion girls team, senior Bailey McInerney finished 9th with a school record time of 19:31.73 and was named to the All-State Team, and senior Jordan Thornton finished 12th. Mr. Reid Schwartz is the head coach for both teams.

Norris Voted Player of the Week

Junior Maggie Norris, a member of the varsity volleyball team, was voted the Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week by the readers of The Sumter Item. 

Sonntag State Player of the Week

Senior Sarah Sonntag, a member of the varsity volleyball team, was named the Player of the Week for South Carolina on October 24 by the American Volleyball Coaches Association. 

Poag Voted Athlete of the Week

Senior Jack Poag, a member of the swim team, was voted the Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week by the readers of The Sumter Item on October 20.

Poag State Champion, Boys Swim State Runner-up

The boys swim team (50-2) was the runner-up for the second consecutive year in the SCISA 4A State Meet. Jack Poag, who earned four medals, won the state championship in the 100 breaststroke for the second year. He also finished 2nd in the 200 individual medley (points are awarded to the team for top-10 finishes, and medals are awarded to the top three finishers). Syd Richardson also received four medals, placing 2nd in the 200 freestyle and 3rd in the 100 freestyle. Steve Scholz won three medals, finishing 2nd in the 100 backstroke and 4th in the 100 butterfly. These three, along with Cliff Bath, were on the 2nd place 200 medley relay team and the 3rd place 200 freestyle relay team. Cliff also placed 6th in the 200 individual medley & 7th in the 500 freestyle. The following also earned points for the team: Daniel Burton - 7th-50 freestyle & 8th-100 backstroke; Logan Schumacher - 9th-50 freestyle; Banks Smith - 8th-200 freestyle & 10th-500 freestyle; Stirling Tindal - 9th-200 individual medley & 9th-100 backstroke; 400 freestyle relay team - 4th (Ryan Brown, Daniel, Banks & Stirling).

School records were set in every event this year. Syd holds the records for the following events: 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle, 500 freestyle, 100 butterfly and 200 individual medley. Jack holds the record in the 100 breaststroke, and Steve is the record holder for the 100 backstroke. The relay team of Cliff, Jack, Steve and Syd holds the records for the 200 freestyle, 400 freestyle, and 200 medley.

For the girls team, the 400 freestyle relay team placed 4th (Sam Richards, Joscelin Tarpen, Anika Tarpen & Mary Ellen Thorne). Joscelin placed 6th in the 200 individual medley & 500 freestyle, and Anika placed 7th in the 200 freestyle & 9th in the 100 breaststroke. The coaches for both teams are Hobe and Amanda Scholz. 

Kinney Named Player of the Week

Junior Clark Kinney, a member of the varsity football team, was named the Player of the Week (Offense) by the Sumter Touchdown Club. 

Norris Named State Athlete of the Week

Junior Maggie Norris, a member of the volleyball team, was named an Athlete of the Week by the South Carolina Independent School Association on September 12. 

Smith Named State Athlete of the Week

Senior Connor Smith, a member of the cross-country team, was named an Athlete of the Week by the South Carolina Independent School Association on September 12.

Meyers Player of the Week

Sophomore Owen Meyers, a member of the varsity football team, was named the Player of the Week (Defense) by the Sumter Touchdown Club.

Volleyball Team Earns National Recognition

The Wilson Hall Volleyball team has been selected as an American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Academic All-American Team for the seventh year in a row.  For the fourth time in six years, the team was also recognized as an "Honor Roll" team, setting it apart as one of the top 100 programs in the country. The AVCA, in partnership with the United States Marine Corps, recognizes volleyball programs across the country in high school and college that excel in academics as well as on the court.  
     As a team, Wilson Hall compiled a 4.67 GPA while team members were enrolled in 38 Advanced Placement courses and 18 honors courses. On the court the Barons earned a 26-14-3 record, and advanced to the quarterfinals of the state tournament. They had three players selected to the S.C. Independent School Assoc. (SCISA) All-Star and All-Region Teams, a SCISA Athlete of the Week, and a WACH Fox Student-Athlete of the Week. The AVCA selected  players for the All-America Watch List, the Phenom Watch List, the Best & Brightest First Team, and as a South Carolina Player of the Week.   
     The following students were members of the 2021 team: (Class of ‘22) Kate Eichburg, Mary Jones, Annie Lauzon, Lucy Matthews and Mary Ellis Waynick; (Class of ‘23) Campbell Bauman, Emma Bradley, Madison Crawshaw, Ashlyn Elmore, Sophie Greene and Sarah Sonntag; (Class of ‘24) Rylee Bath, Sullivan Jarecki, Maggie Norris and Aubrey Payne. Mr. Rip Ripley was the head coach and he was assisted by Mrs. Sierra Meiers Augustine, Mrs. Mary Peyton Zilch Clepper ‘14, Mrs. Sara Combs Missildine and Mr. Joseph Perez.