Gators Dominate Winter Sports Season

After three months of discipline, teamwork and hard-earned wins The Rumson Country Day School winter athletes are celebrating great success in each of their respective sports. The RCDS boys’ basketball team ended their season with an undefeated record in their league while they and the girls’ basketball team were both crowned Shore Athletic League Champions. The club squash team proudly represented RCDS for the first time ever at the Middle School Squash Nationals and the RCDS hockey team celebrated a 5-0 win against their biggest rival in the Princeton Cup – a seventeen-year-old tradition.

RCDS Athletic Director Paul “Campy” Campanella attributes the recent achievements to the dedication and teamwork that the RCDS Gators exemplified. 

“I’m so proud of our athletes, some of which were new to their sport,” said Coach Campy. “They committed to their team, juggled busy schedules, overcame injuries and stepped-up when they needed to. This year was particularly special to have two of our teams win their championship games – an accomplishment that has happened concurrently only twice in my 21 years of coaching at RCDS.”

Being a part of such a successful season was all the more meaningful for RCDS eighth-grade basketball players Finn Kelly and Iva Carton who will graduate from RCDS this spring.

“Winning the championship game will be one of my fondest memories made at RCDS,” said Finn who hopes to continue playing basketball at CBA next winter.

“This season was amazing,” added Iva. “It helps that we play alongside teammates that we have known for years. Because of our strong bonds we were able to push through challenges and pull it off as a team.”

Among their memories, Finn and Iva say they will never forget their coaches who were a constant source of motivation and made each player feel like an important part of their teams.

“The biggest reward is teaching our young athletes how to be responsible teammates who give it their all,” said boys’ basketball Coach Michael LeCardi. “As long as everyone works together I consider that a win and this year there were no exceptions.”

This outlook lays the groundwork for measuring success in a number of aspects at RCDS, from work in the classroom to a performance on stage or a victory on the sports field. This year’s spring season kicks off with practice during the first week of April, followed by the first game of the season for the baseball team on April 13 against Ranney at home. Go Gators!