CCHS Spring previews
Years of hard work, club ball helps Catholic Central soccer
By Mike Ramczyk
Sports Editor
For years, Catholic Central High School girls that played soccer only had one choice – club ball.
Now, after increased interest in the world’s most popular sport, the Lady Toppers finally have a varsity soccer squad.
The program officially began last season, and per WIAA rules, the team was forced to play a junior varsity schedule.
In March, the school’s first varsity season began with 16 players, only one of which is a senior, and the road hasn’t been smooth.
But any program needs time to grow, and first-year coach Victor Jabrial is counting on growing pains and eventual success.
“A few years ago, there were some girls that wanted to play soccer,” he said Tuesday. “Last year, we had enough students to make a team.”
“This year, we don’t have enough girls to make a great team, but all the girls are working hard. At Catholic Central, you know everybody is supporting us.”
Jabrial, who has been a math teacher at the high school since 2000, said he worked with soccer coach Andy Steager as an assistant for two years. Jabrial played soccer collegiately.
The bumps have been massive, two losses by a combined 17-0, but the victory, a 4-3 triumph over Whitefish Bay Dominican, gave a glimpse into this team’s potential.
Liz Klein scored two goals in the victory, and goalie Mikelle Miles played well in the contest at Uihlein Soccer Park in Milwaukee.
Liz Klein is one of six freshmen along with Emma Klein, Rachel Czerwinski, Krista Klein, Miriam Ward and Miranda Pinnow.
While Laura Klein is the team’s lone senior, the team features juniors Kelly Aldrich, Abby Horner, Brooke Bleser, Olivia Antlfinger, Bridget Bittman and Griselda Rebollar.
Sophomores include Jessica Kempken, Jennifer Rebollar and Miles.
The Toppers’ solid foundation of nine underclassmen should pave the way for 2017, when Amber Wardzala, a key player from last year, is due back after an injury.
Jabrial said at least three incoming freshmen will join the potential 15 returners next season.
As for this year, everyone must play on varsity, so competition disparity can be alarming.
“We’re playing better, but we still have a long way to go,” Jabrial said. “It is too hard for freshmen to play on the varsity level. Also, we are facing some great teams.”
So is life at a school of 181 students, where players of all ages are sometimes forced to play varsity.
It causes kids to mature and learn quickly, and Jabrial hopes to build the program into a perennial success.
“We want to find more girls to join our team,” he said. “I want to work with individuals who have never played soccer before.”
Catholic Central plays its home games at Bushnell Park, Highway 142, Burlington.
There are two homes left on the schedule, May 16 against Racine St. Catherine’s and May 25 against Martin Luther.
Toppers boys rebuild in post-Stemper era
For the last two seasons, Jeff Stemper ruled the roost for Catholic Central boys golf.
The all-around athlete qualified for state twice and was a regional champion. The Toppers qualified for team sectionals the past two seasons.
It’s a new era with Stemper graduated, and head coach Matt DeLorme, in his ninth season, is ready with 19 athletes in the program.
“The future of golf at Catholic Central looks bright,” DeLorme said Tuesday. “Overall, we have a terrific group that has passion to learn the game.”
“We are a young team, but we have some talented upperclassmen that can lead the way.”
Despite only two seniors and a junior in the top four spots, DeLorme said the Toppers can make it a third straight trip to sectionals.
Also, he said the goal is to finish in the top three in the Metro Classic Conference, despite a loaded league with Martin Luther, Prairie School and Racine St. Cat’s.
On Wednesday, Catholic Central placed fifth at their third conference mini-meet, with a team score of 200.
Freshman Luke Sassano, who has improved his score in each mini-meet, and Sean Kramer led the card with 48s, and John Pum fired a 49.
Catholic Central placed fourth and sixth in the team’s first two conference mini-meets, and Jack DeSmidt’s 46 has been the lowest score.
DeSmidt and Kramer are the team’s leading seniors, and junior Bryce Hocking and sophomore John Pum round out the starting four.
Doug Januszweski, Simon Pedone and Sassano will be key freshmen this spring.
Senior Kevin Maus has improved his game by 30 strokes over the last four years, according to DeLorme.
“Kevin loves the game itself along with the social aspects,” he said. “He’s just overall a great teammate.”
DeLorme will be joined by assistant coach Max Vos.
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