Athletic News

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.
 

Britton Scholar Athlete Awards

The Dr. & Mrs. John J. Britton Academic Awards are presented to one female and one male athlete who maintain the highest grade point average during an athletic season. The fall recipients were Jennings Frerichs ‘24 (cross-country) and Jada Hall ‘23 (swimming) who were presented their medals during a pep rally.

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.
 

Spring Athletic Recognition

Baseball
Region Player of the Year - Tyler Jones
All-Star Team - Dylan Jones, Tyler Jones, Clark Kinney & William Reese
All-Region Team - Dylan Jones, Tyler Jones, Clark Kinney, William Reese & Tate Sistare
Region Coach of the Year - Dr. Tommy Jones
All-Star Coach - Mr. Jay Jones
Boys Golf
Region Player of the Year - John Morgan Bates
Soccer
Co-Region Player of the Year - Evan Bell
All-Star Team - Evan Bell, Kieran Cosden & Nick Craine
All-Region Team - Evan Bell, Kieran Cosden & Nick Craine
All-Star Coach - Mr. Jason Bartlett
Softball
Region Player of the Year - Amberly Way
All-Star Team - Kaylan Boudreau, Ansleigh Epps, Talan Griffin, Dani Hanley & Ellie Stone
All-Region Team - Kaylan Boudreau, Ansleigh Epps, Talan Griffin, Dani Hanley & Ellie Stone
Region Coach of the Year - Mrs. Teresa Alexander
All-Star Coach - Mrs. Teresa Alexander
Boys Track & Field
Co-Region Athlete of the Year - Sumter Cooper
Co-Region Athlete of the Year - Connor Smith
Girls Track & Field
Region Athlete of the Year - Molly Jones

Sistare & Way Athletes of the Year

Tate Sistare ‘22 and Amberly Way ‘23 are the Wilson Hall Athletes of the Year and were recognized at the Spring Sports Pep Rally.  Tate was a member of the varsity baseball, basketball, football, and track & field teams, and Amberly was a member of the varsity bowling, softball, and track and field teams.

Softball Wins State Championship

The varsity softball team won the South Carolina Independent School Association AAA State Championship for the second consecutive year. The team, which also won the Region Championship and earned a record of 22-5, defeated Laurence Manning Academy in the state championship series with scores of 8-3 and 8-6. Cruising through the first rounds of the tournament, the Barons beat Cardinal Newman School 15-0 in the quarterfinal and Hammond School 14-1 in the semifinal. Mrs. Teresa Alexander served as the head coach and she was assisted by Mr. Jerry Allred and Mrs. Emma Catoe Ayres.

Anderson Commits to Wingate

Zuri Anderson committed to participate on the track and field team at Wingate University in North Carolina. A signing ceremony, held in the Nash Student Center, was attended by fellow students, faculty, coaches, and family. Zuri was a member of the track and field team coached by Mr. Rip Ripley.

Burton & Smith State Track & Field Champions

Daniel Burton won the high jump and Connor Smith won the 3200 meter race at the S.C. Independent School Association AAA State Track & Field Championship. Barons stood on the podium 20 different times to receive medals for finishing in the top three positions in their respective events; 45 athletes qualified for the state meet. As teams, the Region Champion  girls (51-2) finished 3rd and the Region Champion boys (43-5) finished 4th. 

Hanley Voted Athlete of the Week

Dani Hanley was voted the Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week by the readers of The Sumter Item. She is a member of the varsity softball team coached by Mrs. Teresa Alexander.

Epps Commits to Play Softball at Wofford

Ansleigh Epps committed to play softball at Wofford College. A signing ceremony, held in the Nash Student Center, was attended by fellow students, faculty, coaches, and family. Ansleigh was a member of the softball team coached by Mrs. Teresa Alexander.

Wilder Athlete of the Week

Boykin Wilder was voted the Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week by the readers of The Sumter Item on April 7. He is a member of the track & field team coached by Mr. Rip Ripley. 

​​Equestrian Wins State Title

The equestrian team won the South Carolina Independent School Hunt Seat Equestrian State Championship. Four members of the team won a total of five first place ribbons, and each team member competing received at least one ribbon for placing in the competition for a total of 15 ribbons. The team is coached by Ms. Cali Bowman who is assisted by Mrs. Mindy Busch.

The following is a list of ribbons earned by members of the team:
Joslynn Barrick - 7th in beginner walk trot
Elizabeth Busch - 5th in novice over fences, 5th in novice on the flat
Lottie Bynum -  4th in beginner walk trot canter
Campbell Cromer - 1st in beginner walk trot canter
Coker Cutler - 1st in varsity open on the flat, 4th in varsity open over fences
Sofia Dall’Erta - 4th in beginner walk trot canter
Avery Goode - 5th in beginner walk trot canter
Josie Jackson - 1st in varsity intermediate over fences, 2nd in varsity intermediate on the flat
Karsen Jones - 5th in beginner walk trot
Emmi Leard - 1st in novice over fences, 1st in novice on the flat
Sanders Warrick - 4th in beginner walk trot.

Boudreau Athlete of the Week

Kaylan Boudreau was selected as the Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week by the readers of The Sumter Item. She is a member of the varsity softball team coached by Mrs. Teresa Alexander.

Bryant Signs with Erskine College

Vivian Bryant committed to run cross-country and track & field at Erskine College. A signing ceremony, held in the Nash Student Center, was attended by fellow students, faculty, coaches, and family. Vivian was a member of the cross-country team coached by Mr. Josh Jennings, and she is a member of the track & field team coached by Mr. Rip Ripley.

Keziah Signs with The Citadel

Max Keziah signed to play football for The Citadel. A signing ceremony, held in the Nash Student Center, was attended by fellow students, faculty, coaches, and family. Max was a member of the football team coached by Mr. Adam Jarecki.

Winter Athletic Recognition

Boys Basketball
All-Star Team: Matthew Miller
All-Region Team: Matthew Miller
All-Region Tournament Team: Tate Sistare
Girls Basketball
All-Star Team: Vivian Bryant
All-Region Team: Vivian Bryant & Sullivan Jarecki
Girls Bowling
All-State Team: Rachel Bostic & Mackenzie Helms

State Skeet & Trap Champions

Members of the shotgun team won several awards at the S.C. Independent School Association/S.C. Department of Natural Resources State Trap Tournament held at the Palmetto Shooting Complex in Edgefield. The ladies middle school team of Campbell Cromer ‘26, Grace McArthur ‘28 and Lucy Hayes Mims ‘26 won the championship with Lucy Hayes earning the high overall award. Ann Weathers Blankenship ‘24 won the overall ladies championship and the ladies senior varsity school championship, and she placed third overall in the tournament for both ladies and men.

In the SCISA/SCDNR State Skeet Tournament, the middle school team again won the championship, and Lucy Hayes also earned the high overall award. The team of Ann Weathers, James Hiott ‘23 and Bennett Wilson ‘24 placed second in the senior varsity division and third overall. Ann Weathers won the ladies’ high overall award and James won the mens’ high overall award.