GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER BEATS BERWICK

GABBY GUTMAN '11

On September 24, the 2008 BCDS girl’s varsity soccer team played an unbelievable game against Berwick Academy. Coming into the came the team was 0-3 and was extremely motivated to win. Within the first 25 minutes Olivia Dynan scored the first goal of the season. At that moment everyone was so excited, and wanted to keep the lead.
There was great playing all around the field. The defense was preventing the opponents from shooting, but when they did get a shot Ibbie Yardley, our goalie, was saving everything. There were many shots taken but at the end of the first half the score remained 1-0. Anticipating that the other team would come out strong at the beginning of the second half, we did the same. Trying as much as possible to keep the ball out of our side we succeeded in not letting in any goals.
There were many shots taken on both sides of the field but at the end of the game we won 1-0. This was the first win for BCDS girl’s varsity soccer in 2 years, and everyone was thrilled to announce it. We hope our season continues with a few more wins, and are very happy that all the hard work we have put in so far had begun to pay off.
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Field Hockey: Season Preview

JEHANE SAMAHA '09


The field hockey team has been making great progress this year. With the additions of some great new players to the team, as well as the new coaches Jen Ryan and Emily Tansey, the team is ready and excited to have a successful season.


The team kicked off the season with a 3-0 win in a scrimmage against Brimmer and May. Then, in an intense, evenly matched home game versus Portsmouth Abbey (one of the best teams in the league) the varsity team narrowly lost 0 to 1. On varsity, the player of the game was Riki Adams,í10. The JV team fared better, winning 2-0. This was followed with a harsh defeat by Pingree, in a fast-paced game on their incredibly short grass. Pingree beat the varsity team 5-0 and the JV team 3-0. On varsity, the player of the game was senior Jehane Samaha.

Most recently, the team played against LCA, always one of the most closely contested games of the season. The varsity game ended in a 1-1 tie. LCA scored on a break away at the end of the first half, and after dominating the majority of the game, Beaver scored with five minutes to go in the second half. Beaver dominated for the ten minutes of 7v7 overtime, but neither team scored. The JV team beat LCA decisively, with a 4-0 victory.
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On It With Offit: Canned by the Tuna

ADAM OFFIT '09


Dolphins 38-Patriots 13

Frosted Flakes, Special K, or the Dunkin Donuts Bacon and Egg Sandwich. I don’t know what the Miami Dolphins team had for breakfast Sunday morning, but whatever it was, the Patriots need to get some of it in their cafeteria ASAP.

The last time the Patriots lost a regular season game against the Dolphins was December 10, 2006. Since then, the Dolphins have gone 1-20 and the Patriots, 23-2. Even with the abrupt and devastating season loss of reigning MVP (not just NFL, but life in general) Tom Brady, nobody predicted Miami to come out as fired up as they did on Sunday. Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington was nearly flawless with only 3 incompletions, while Ronnie Brown led the running game with 113 yards and four touchdowns. Brown had one run for 62 yards, which almost out gained the entire Patriots out-of-character-mediocrity rushing, of 67 yards, for the entire day.

Going into the season, many pundits thought Matt Cassel’s passing was so inaccurate that he couldn’t hit the side of a barn. That theory was proved itself when Cassel dumped the ball into the belly of linesman Randy Starks, Miami’s starting defensive end-weighing in at 305 pounds, standing 75 inches high. Along with his embarrassing interception, Cassel was sacked four times and led the Patriots offense to a miserable 28% 3rd down efficiency (4/14). It was a sad and ugly day all around at the Razor.

My MVP of the game: Not a lot of consistent performances by anyone in a white jersey on this particular Sunday. However, I was very pleased by the Special team efforts of Ellis Hobbs, who returned six kickoffs for 237 yards-an average of almost 40 yards per return. Hobbs also had two explosive run backs: a 50 yard return to open up the game and an 81 yard rumble to set up the patriots with good field position in the third quarter.

Up Next: Patriots head into the bye week at 2-1. The outcome can’t possibly be as bad as it was this week.
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BCDS Welcomes New Athletics Director: Coach Levin!

New athletic building......new athletic director.........definitely time for some investigation. We sent Emily Belowich '11 straight to the source. Meet Coach Levin!

EMILY BELOWICH '11

EB: What drew you to the athletic program at Beaver?

Coach Levin: I would definitely have to say the energy and enthusiasm behind the administration is what drew me to the Beaver athletic program. Having the opportunity to take this program to the next level is something that will take commitment, and I can see the dedication is beginning to show in many of the student athletes here at Beaver.

EB: So far, what do you like most about Beaver?
Coach Levin: No doubt, hands down, the kids. We have a great group of kids and I think the main thing is that we need to focus on setting high expectations. So far, these kids have demonstrated that they know how to do that. I find that I get personal satisfaction when guiding, helping, and inspiring these kids that want to achieve so much and invested so much of themselves into this program. “Treat a person as they are and they will remain as they are. Treat a person as they could be, and they will become what they should be.”

EB: What are your biggest challenges for the year and how do you plan to tackle them?

Coach Levin: Our biggest challenge for the year is to get everybody to understand the expectations. They are going to be set higher than what they have been in the past. Our emphasis this year will be to put in the effort and with effort (over time) comes success. If we can give it our all, that’s all we can do, and we can get the most out of that. We have to realize that every athletic honor is earned somehow. The smallest things make the difference—showing up to practice on-time, giving it your best, playing through adversity. If everyone does their best, that’s all we can ask for.

EB: What are your short and long term goals for the athletic program?

Coach Levin: Our short term goals are again, to increase the expectations. We also want to learn how to be competitive with every game and understand that competition is healthy. Our long term goals are definitely to have success, spread out in all of our sports, not just in the sports teams that have been particularly successful in the past. We are really looking towards becoming “Triple Threat” at Beaver: success in the academics, arts, and athletics.


EB: What drew you into athletics professionally? Who were your early influences?

Coach Levin: If I wasn’t coaching or running a camp, I was a guest speaker. I always wanted to be on television, which I was later on in my life. While I was in the television field, I was traveling. When my daughter was born, traveling became harder, which drew me towards coaching. I enjoyed making differences in young peoples’ lives, such as coaches inspired me as a student-athlete. Sports were and still are a part of me, and I would have to say my main influence in basketball was the head women’s basketball coach at Holy Cross, Togo Palazzi. I get a lot of my coaching techniques from the way that he used to coach me, and I’ve realized that as he has inspired me, inspiring others has become just as important.

EB: When you played basketball, what were the highlights of your career?

Coach Levin: As an individual player, scoring 2, 253 points at Holy Cross was my biggest highlight. Another individual highlight was scoring 1,150 points at Newton North High School because I was the first person to do that. I was also the first to receive a full athletic scholarship to Holy Cross. Looking back, it couldn’t have been possible without my coaches and my inspiration. As a team, the biggest highlights were beating our biggest rivals like Boston College, and in general, just the satisfying feeling that I had actually been part of the transition in improving the basketball program at HC. As a coach the Worcester Academy Class A championship is the most memorable because of 3 minutes and 12 seconds. We were down by 9 points and came back to win by 5. It was a moment in time that will stick with me for a lifetime.

EB: As a young basketball player, what motivated you to strive to do well?

Coach Levin: Genetics and my parents. Growing up, I wanted to be in the Olympics as a track star. I actually did pretty well in my high school career—I placed in the top 10 at my state championship. But I soon fell in love with basketball and in fact, in 1984, I was invited to try out in Colorado and made it to the top 40. I was satisfied because I knew I had done my best and I had given it my all. Athletics are a part of who I am; most people I know are connected through athletics whether it be coaches, players, teammates, coworkers, etc. I really want to help inspire those kids that need inspiration.

EB: Can you talk a little bit about your professional experiences up to this point? How will these experiences help you be successful at Beaver?

Coach Levin: I have been fortunate to have had many exciting careers that shape who I am today as a person. I was a sports reporter on television for many years. I worked on the PGA Tour as a TV producer and I traveled a lot. Later on, I started a business with Donna Orender, current president of the WNBA. We had a video production company and worked on the PGA and LPGA Tour for a while. I also owned my own video production company and I ran a lot of basketball camps around the area. Not long after that, Worcester Academy came along and I worked in the development office there, while I coached the girl’s varsity basketball team. Working at Worcester Academy led me to become the newly appointed Athletics Director at BCDS. I would say that all of these experiences have been incredible. It was particularly interesting to see everything what the players don’t see, “behind-the-scenes” if you will. As a player, I was so used to focusing on what was right in front of me but when I went behind-the-scenes, I learned about the video production, finances, and everything else that goes into the productions and is put on for the public. I also learned how hard people had worked for me when I was a player!

EB: What advice would you give to student athletes at Beaver?

Coach Levin: Do your best. Give it everything you have when you are out on the courts, fields, golf course, classroom or stage, etc. No one ever said it was easy to maintain success, but it’s the attitude—the little things that make the difference. Most importantly, have fun. You have to know that you can have fun out there, work hard and win all at the same time. Just enjoy it!

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Player Profile: Lily Moore

TYLER STARR '10


During summer play, Lily Moore reinjured her shins which have caused her to miss some of the Girls Varsity Soccer team’s season. Lily, as a junior, is one of the captains on the team. Even though she cannot play, Lily is consistently helping her teammates get better at the great game of soccer.


TS: When did you start to play this sport?
LM: I started playing this sport when I was five. Originally, I started playing when I was three, but they kicked me off the team because I didn’t pass the ball. They said it was better for me to wait until I was a little older, so I started playing again when I was five.

TS: What position would you player for Beaver if you weren’t hurt?
LM: Striker.

TS: When did you start to become the player you are today?
LM: Probably when I was eight and I started playing seriously. I tried out for a travel team, and I started playing for the Bolts (a club soccer team).

TS: Are you playing this sport outside of school, and if so what team?
LM: Not right now. I will be playing on a Newton travel team in the spring. I used to play for the Bolts.

TS: Is this your favorite sport to play?
LM: Definitely.

TS: Is this your favorite spectator sport?
LM: No, I like to watch tennis.

TS: If you could play for a professional soccer team, what team would you play for?
LM: The United States Women’s National Team.

TS: Is there a particular professional soccer player who plays in a similar fashion as you?
LM: My favorite player is Christine Lilly who I met when I was in second grade. And I actually got to have a private session with her and learn some of her moves. She is the captain of the United States Women’s National Team and plays striker. On her team they call her “Iron Woman”.

TS: Who has been the most influential family member, coach, or player in your soccer career?
LM: The most influential coach was my coach on my Newton team named Errol Smerkel. And he was the reason I switched from playing Bolts to Newton travel. I liked Errol better as a coach than my Bolts coach. Aril played on the Nigerian national team and was the captain on the team for three years.

TS: Do you see soccer in your future in anyway?
LM: I hope so, if my shins get better. It is all up to what my body can take.

TS: Do you have any goals for the team this year?
LM: Trying our hardest and putting every ounce of energy on the field that we can. I think this year is really a building year for us, especially our fitness level.

Best of luck to Lily in the upcoming weeks, and let us hope she has a quick recovery so we get a chance to see her play this fall.
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Mr. Touchdown- Waiver Students

SEBBY SMITH '11

Few know what a “sports waiver” is, and even fewer know about the students who have them here at Beaver. A waiver allows students to get credit for an afterschool activity outside of school for the term. Usually students apply for a waiver because they have an outside of school commitment that interferes with afterschool activities. This column exposes the hidden waiver students here at BCDS.
The weekend is a time for fun, parties, and other social events. Friday nights and Saturdays are occupied with friends and family enjoying each other’s company doing a number of activities. Sunday, on the other hand is usually spent preparing and resting for the long week ahead and relaxing. But for one student in the Beaver community, relaxation is the last thing on his mind when Sunday morning rolls in.


Kendall Dardy-Jones wakes up early each fall Sunday and suits up to play an exhilarating game of football. Kendall is one of the few students who has a waiver this term, which allows him to be fully committed to his favorite sport. Kendall has been given a waiver each fall to play football, but this year is different for Kendall, and he is working harder than ever before to make his football dream a reality.
Kendall Dardy-Jones is a quick and agile sophomore. He is around five foot six inches and 125 pounds; despite his size he is still very strong. He also participates in school athletics; Kendall is a talented point guard who was a leading scorer on the thirds basketball team last year. He aspires to become a large part of the varsity basketball team in the coming years; you can find him in the gym each day taking practice shots and honing his skills. He is also one of the most talented young lacrosse players at Beaver, and will be an asset to the team this year.
Kendall is undoubtedly a proficient athlete, but his abilities did not come from pure talent. Kendall is die-hard dedicated. He has always done little things to become stronger and faster than his competition on game day. Each day he performs drills, does exercises and runs. His determination and persistent work has increased his strength and improved his speed tremendously.
But this year Kendall is taking his training and his game to the next level working out daily and putting in his greatest amount of effort to improve his skills both on and off the football field. Kendall is the starting running back for the 2008 Boston Bangals football team. He has worked vigorously because he is determined to help his team make it to the playoffs, something he has never experienced in his still-young career. Kendall has a long year ahead of him, but he is confident in his skills and sure his team is capable of fighting their way into the state playoffs. Until then, we can only wait until Sunday.
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Player Profile: Gabe Reich

TYLER STARR '10

The player profile section of the newspaper is a great way to learn more about BCDS athletes. The players featured in this section will be asked the same ten questions about the sport they play at Beaver.

The first player profile is of Gabe Reich. Gabe is a senior and has been a captain of varsity soccer for the past two year. Through his leadership and skills, he plans on leading the Boys Varsity Soccer team to a winning season this fall.

TS: When did you start playing soccer?
GR: I started playing soccer when I was four years old. My dad would pass me the ball and I would kick it back to him in the air. TS: What position do you play for Beaver?
GR: I play sweeper at the moment, but I could also be playing striker, center mid, or outside mid.

TS: When did you start to become the player you are today?
GR: Ever since I started being a leader on my Brookline travel team in seventh grade where I would play with the eighth graders, I would always have an important role on the team.

TS: Are you playing this sport outside of school, if so what team?
GR: At the moment I am not on a team, but I am looking to join one for the spring.

TS: Is this your favorite sport to play?
GR: Yes, this is the only sport I play.

TS: Is this your favorite spectator sport?
GR: Yes, I enjoy watching the English league and the Italian league.

TS: What professional soccer team would you play for if you had the choice?
GR: Manchester United.

TS: Is there a particular professional athlete that plays in a similar fashion as you?
GR: Yes, Gattuso on AC Milan.

TS: Who has been the most influential coach, player, or family member on your soccer career?
GR: My parents who started my career when I was four.

TS: Do you see this sport in your future in any way?
GR: Yes, I plan on playing in college. Right now, I am hoping to play on Wheaton next fall.

We look forward to see how Gabe performs during his last season at Beaver. Hopefully one day we will be wearing Reich Manchester United jerseys. Good luck to you Gabe in the up coming years!
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