By Madison Krauss – Staff Reporter

Senior Co-Captain Paige Kantor recently closed out the 2024-2025 gymnastics season by being named All-SCC. 

Kantor played a key role in leading the Law gymnastics team to a runner-up finish in the recent SCC Tournament, alongside senior Co-Captain Olivia Pisacane. Their leadership was crucial in helping the team achieve a strong season.

“I think we got off on a rocky start at the beginning of the season and we weren’t scoring our best,” Kantor said. “As the season progressed we all got better and competed better, helping us end up making states which was really exciting.”

Kantor competed in every event at meets this past season. Her consistent participation across all events highlighted her dedication to the team and her determination to contribute to its successes. 

“One of my biggest accomplishments for this year was making the SCC team, along with placing fourth at the SCC meet on vault,” Kantor said. 

Kantor served as a strong role model for her teammates throughout the season, offering guidance and support whenever needed. Making a safe and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged.

“Paige is always motivating everyone to do their best no matter what,” sophomore Ashna Punjabi said. “She always makes sure everyone feels supported and confident in their skills.”

Kantor’s dedication to the team is truly evident in everything she does, her teammates said. Her commitment and hard work are constantly recognized and appreciated by the the team’s underclassmen.

“Paige is a very hard worker that is supportive and positive towards others,” sophomore Lily Stankevich said. 

Law gymnastics has qualified for State competitions each of the past four seasons. The team is determined to continue this success and aims to make States in the seasons ahead. 

By Connor Ryan – Staff Reporter 

The Law boys basketball team recently finished off the winter season with a record of 7-13.

The senior captains of this year’s team were Alex Rodriguez, Cam Upchurch, and Charlie Becker. The captains thought the season went unexpectedly well after posting a 4-16 record a year ago.

“I think the season this year went better than many people expected,” Rodriguez said “We had some really fun, intense, and exciting games.”

Assistant Coach Mr. McPartland said that Law will use this season’s outcome as fuel for next year.

“If you lose your very last game of the year, it’s the worst day of the season by far,” McPartland said “However, I do think it’s important to hold onto that feeling a bit and use it to fuel the work we do in the offseason.” 

Upchurch said his most enjoyable game this season was at Branford.

“The most enjoyable game for me was probably Branford away,” Upchurch said “It was a great team win and it was fun before the game and a great bus ride home.”

Becker he enjoyed all of the games as well as watching his younger teammates play.

“I didn’t have one most enjoyable game,” Becker said. “I enjoyed all the games in general, I liked watching the young kids play JV and freshman ball, and lastly, I loved the group of kids we had on this varsity team.”

The Law basketball team is a very young team and returning members are excited to see even more improvement next season.

“We have lots of young players in the program on the JV team as well as the varsity team,” freshman Dylan Gaillard said. “On this year’s team we had six seniors and we had seven non-senior players on varsity.”

McPartland thought that the captains did a wonderful job being the leaders on this year’s team. They made the underclassmen feel welcome and at home.

“A huge part of what we do revolves around the standards we have for each other and how we do things., McPartland said “The upperclassmen have not only modeled what we expect from our players on the court in terms of doing the little things how we hardly play etc… but they have also shown them what it means to be a Lawman to put other people first into care deeply about the community of which we are a part.”

By Taylor Mola – Staff Reporter

As the 2024-2025 Law cheerleading season comes to a close, junior Charlotte Baldieri and sophomore Maddie Nash are enjoying a very strong, successful finish.

Baldieri and Nash were judged based on their performance at the recent SCC Cheerleading competition and were named to the All-SCC Team. As a team, Law also had a great performance, placing ninth.

“It feels like a big accomplishment to make All-SCC,” Baldieri said. “Ï didn’t have this opportunity last year so it’s very new to me.”

Baldieri and Nash practiced different drills four times a week to prepare for the competition.

“It feels really well to make All-SCC,” Nash said. “I know that everything that I have had worked on for months finally pays off. I really want to work on getting stronger and grow my tumbling.”

They will both now turn their attention to what they need to improve on for next year’s competition season.

“Next season I would want to have cleaner tumbling,” Baldieri said. “It would help my teams score and my individual SCC score overall.”

The pair has been taking notes and making plans for what they need to improve on. They also want to continue to grow as leaders of the Law cheer team on and off the mat.

“We prepare as any other team would, by consistently working on improving and perfecting our skills,” Head Coach Morgan Colombo said. “In our case, when stunting, you must work as a team and stunt group. If one person not do their job, then the whole stunt falls. We work on consistency and improving our level of difficulty.”

The cheer team is eager for its last competition of the season this weekend. They will be competing at the State Tournament on March 1 at Trumbull High School.

Nash is excited to end the year on a positive note.

“This season was really fun and I cant wait for next season to see what new people bring to the team,” Nash said.

By Brady O’Neil – Staff Reporter

After a two-year rebuild, the Jonathan Law girls basketball team is back and better than ever.

With a strong team mentality and a lot of hard work, Law won 13 games, qualified for States, and are now preparing for a big run in the State Tournament.

“It wasn’t an easy season for the team,” Senior Captain Lily Baird said. “We wanted to make a statement after last year and our record of 10-10 after a tough 0-20 year before. We wanted to be great this year, and once we figured out how to work together and play for the team and not just ourselves, we got to where we wanted to be.”

One of the biggest turning points of the season was Law’s dominant 17-point win over Foran at home. It was a game that proved just how far the team had come.

“Beating Foran at home by 17 was a great display of how strong our team is when we all work together,” Senior Captain Tessa Piselli saod. “It showed what we are capable of, and it was definitely a game that gave us confidence heading into the rest of the season.”

That confidence has helped Law put together one of its best seasons in recent years. But none of it has been easy; the players and coaches have put in hours of hard work every day in practice to keep improving.

“Our coaches have continued to push us throughout practice, and as we enter states, we have all been putting in hard work,” Senior Captain Ella Franzman said. “We know that nothing is guaranteed, and if we want to make a deep run, we have to give everything we have and work together as a team and not individually.”

The players are proud of how much they’ve improved. While there were plenty of great moments throughout the season, the Foran game stands out as the one that proved their growth.

“Our record displays our hard work paying off,” Coretti said. “Our Foran win at home was our most rewarding moment from this season. It showed everyone our improvement as a team.”

Now, all eyes are on the State Tournament. Law feels ready to take on the challenge.

“Working together as a team has helped us get the results we want,” Senior Captain Chloe Konareski said. “We have a great lineup for states, and we are hoping to make it past the first round. We have been working really hard at practice to make this happen.”

By Reid Moulton – Staff Reporter

The Jonathan Law boys basketball team finished their season with a 7-13 record with a freshman on varsity playing a key role.

Freshman Dylan Gaillard had spent most of the season playing varsity and helped the team by being one of the first players off the bench and contributing with a game-winning three-pointer against Guilford at home.

“I tried to be the best version of myself for the team, and fulfill my role and help us be the most successful team we could be,” Gaillard said. “During the offseason, I’ll prepare for the next season, practicing and working harder and really focusing on being the best player I could be and helping the team be even more successful.”

Assistant Coach Mr. McPartland has helped Gaillard throughout the JV and varsity seasons, helping him become a better player as the year progressed.

“Dylan was dealing with a knee injury for the first week or two of the season, once he came back, he quickly moved up from freshman to JV and then to both JV and varsity; however, upon returning from his injury, Dylan brought a spark of energy to practices and games. He communicated well with his coaches and always challenged his teammates to be the best versions of themselves at practices – after all, iron sharpens iron,” McPartland said. “One thing about Dylan is that he’s always looking to get better, he improved a ton throughout the season from his shot-making to the mental side of the game, he was always asking questions about what he could do better and it was clear that he’s looking to make a big impact and I’m looking forward to seeing the work he does in the offseason.”

Senior Captain Alex Rodriguez helped Gaillard with his seasonal playing style, while both helping each other become the better version of themselves.

“Dylan really stepped up in his freshman year, bringing the energy and a much needed shooter this season,” Rodriguez said. “As a freshman, Dylan showed leadership with his work ethic in practices and games, as well as his support and encouragement.”

Senior Captain Cam Upchurch, who was a freshman starter earlier in his career, helped Gaillard get through the season. The two had an early connection with each other which helped as the season went on.

“Dylan contributed to the team by bringing great shooting and leadership off the bench,” Upchurch said. “He was a leader for the freshman and the younger guys because he is a freshman so he relates better with younger players, especially since he spent time on all three of the levels, freshman, JV, and varsity.” 

Sophomore Matthew Wittiman, a freshman starter for part of the season last year, also formed a bond with Gaiilard.

“Dylan contributed in some crucial moments,” Witteman said. “He helped out in every way, whenever people needed he was there for them. He brought a very positive attitude and was always ready to get after it which is important for leadership.”

By Kishal Shah – Staff Reporter

Law’s gymnastics team recently wrapped up a successful winter season by placing at the SCC Tournament.  

As the season came to a close, the gymnasts reflected on their season and their individual and team accomplishments. 

Senior Co-Captains Paige Kantor and Olivia Pisacane played a vital role in helping to lead the other gymnasts through the season and boosting the team’s morale. Kantor’s main goal as a senior gymnast and leader was to set a positive team environment and promote a fun and collaborative environment. 

“As a leader and fellow athlete to the underclassmen, I hope they learned that the most important thing in Law gymnastics is to have fun, and bond with each other,” Kantor said. “I wanted them to know that there is no reason to get stressed out from a bad score or a bad routine so they should just have fun with it.”

Kantor acknowledged that the most vital part of a productive team dynamic is to always support your teammates.  

“I hope they learned to be very supportive of other gymnasts and teams and to always work hard,” Kantor said. 

Kantor’s favorite aspect about meet days was that they allowed for the opportunity for team bonding.

“My favorite part of meet days was definitely when the whole team would eat our sandwiches together before the meet,” Kantor said. “ I wouldn’t say I had any personal rituals, but as a team we would always wait to be the last team to do our cheer before we competed. It gave us good energy, hyped us up, and was sort of a good luck charm for our team!”

Pisacane feels very satisfied with her individual and team performance this season and over the past four years. 

“I did accomplish what I wanted,” Pisacane said. “It’s been amazing watching the team grow the past four years and each year seeing the new gymnast come in.”

Even though Pisacane was injured for most of the season, she had the opportunity to watch her fellow teammates achieve major milestones this season.

“Personally, I was injured most of the season and was not able to compete a lot,” Pisacane said. “However, I loved watching teammates achieve their records and achievements.” 

Junior Hailey Zapata has one more year left on the team, and as this season ends, she is focused on setting future goals for the upcoming season. 

“I wish to have a fun season next year with the team and just make the best out of my last season,” Zapata said. “I strive to do my best and challenge myself, but more importantly I want to enjoy my last year.”

As a freshman, Abbi Leydon felt very welcomed as a newcomer to the team, and remembered feeling a sense of reassurance knowing that the upperclassmen and sophomores were welcoming to her.

“The team is always positive and supporting others, cheering each other on and always happy and in a good mood,” Leydon said. “They’re very welcoming and funny and always know how to make anyone laugh. Some memories I remember are funny TikTok’s on the bus and (Head Coach) Mr. Simon always had a smiley face clipboard and would always hold it up when we would compete to make us laugh and be happy not nervous.”

By Henry Smith – Staff Reporter

Senior wrestling captain Will Smith recently placed second at the SCC Tournament and third at Class Ms and hopes to continue his success into the upcoming State Open Tournament.

Smith has had lots of success this season with a record of 32 wins and 17 loses. He has placed in three out of the four tournaments the team has participated in, third in the Berlin Invitational, second in the SCC Tournament, and third in the Class M Tournament.

“I can attribute my success this season to a couple things such as my teammates and coaches who push me to be my absolute best,” Smith said.

Smith hopes to make the “Blood Round” at the State Open Tournament and place in the Top 6 at the 190 pound weight class.

At the Class M Tournament, Smith placed third, losing to the eventual champion. He wrestled the whole tournament with a cold.

Smith wrestled all offseason with Team Tugman wrestling club. He traveled to Penn State and other places to wrestle the best of the best and improve himself.

“Ever since Will started wrestling in the offseason he has improved by gaining more skills and pursuing his goals,” senior Tim Firla said.

Smith’s coaches have been with him throughout his years wrestling and have helped him the most.

“Throughout my wrestling career my coaches have helped me the most,” Smith said, “After wrestling for a little less than seven years they’ve always been in my corner.”

Smith exemplified his captain role after his placement in the Berlin invitational. He sets a good example for the team on how to practice.

“If he asks me to do something I listen; he sets an example of how to practice,” junior Santiago Peganos said. ”He has helped me improve my own wrestling skills by being a good example.”

Smith has helped the team by making new and less experienced wrestlers push themselves and become better.

“Will pushed me when I thought I had nothing left and made me try over and over until I did the moves correctly,” junior Max Steele said.

Smith’s height gives him an advantage when on the mat. 

“Will is so tall it is hard to do any moves on him,” sophomore Alex Morillo said. “It helps me by trying new styles and techniques, it really challenges me.” 

By Dylan Gaillard – Staff Reporter 

Senior captain Faisal Karzoun is a sprinter for the Jonathan Law boys indoor track and field team.

Karzoun led the team to an incredibly successful season.

“I think the team exceeded expectations this season,” Karzoun said. “We lost a lot of seniors last year, which is always pretty hard to overcome, but we did.”

Karzoun is a strong leader and pushes his teammates to be the best they can be. 

“He is a positive role model and starts practice with stretching and talking to really connect to his teammates,” Assistant Coach Liam Fedigan said. “By him being one of the best it makes people naturally look up to him and want to learn from him and become one of the best up there with him.”

Karzoun puts a lot of work in during the offseason and pushes himself to compete at a high level during the season. 

“What I did to train for the upcoming season was work my hardest in practice,” Karzoun said. “Also anytime I had the time I would try to get to the track.”

Karzoun is an accomplished sprinter but that isn’t his only ability. He is commended for learning on the fly and taking advice from coaches. 

“He is a positive role model and starts practice with stretching and talking to really connect to his teammates,” Fedigan said. “By him being one of the best it makes people naturally look up to him and want to learn from him and become one of the best up there with him.”

Karzoun is always reliable, rarely making mistakes. But even when he makes mistakes, he doesn’t let them get to his head and let it affect his game. 

“Almost every meet I’ve seen him PR and if he doesn’t he pushes people to their best and by him being positive and happy jumping around and hyping people up,” Nash said. “But he can be very serious when he needs to be but funny when necessary.”

Karzoun said he always tries to support the underclassmen. 

“Faisal has helped me improve by giving helpful tips and always supporting me,” sophomore Logan Mullarkey said. “He makes me want to work harder by pushing me to my limits.”

By Christian Galligan – Staff Reporter

The Jonathan Law wrestling team has concluded their regular season with a dual meet record of 18-18, and now hopes to storm into States and finish the season even stronger than it started.

Although unexpected challenges have arisen throughout the season, the team holds out hope that its preseason goal of qualifying four to five wrestlers for State Opens will be met.

“Thus far, the season has gone slightly below expected in terms of our overall record – we finished the season with a dual meet record of 18-18 overall which wasn’t the goal we’d been trying to achieve,” Head Coach Mr. Schoonmaker said. “With that being said, we continue our preseason goal of having four to five Class M place winners.”

The team has been reliant on its upperclassmen and has had great success leaning on their seniors, especially their captains.  

“I believe my season as an individual has gone extremely well. I ended with a record of 33-15, placed second at SCC, and placed third in Class Ms,” Senior Captain Will Smith said. “As a team, I believe we performed up to our coach’s expectations, but I believe we could’ve done better in some areas.”

The upperclassmen have led the way and leave the team with high expectations for next year. 

“I feel like I will use this season as motivation for next year,” sophomore Amilio Venditti said.  “The seniors have helped the underclassmen discover what they’re capable of, and helped the team connect on another level.”

Not only have the underclassmen realized the success the upperclassmen have brought to the team, but fellow upperclassmen also acknowledge and recognize their teammates’ contributions  to a successful season. 

“I feel the seniors have been able to display what being a member of the Jonathan Law wrestling team means, on and off the mat,” senior Tim Firla said.

The team was led by seniors but also relied on the hard work and dedication of some underclassmen.

“At state qualifiers, we should have a few wrestlers make the State Open,” sophomore Henry Smith said.  “Senior Brayden Hancock, senior Will Smith, and sophomore Amilio Venditti have put in hard work all season for this tournament.”

The team remains excited for the State Tournament and the noise they feel they are capable of making.

By Aiden Ramos – Staff Reporter 

With the 2024-2025 wrestling season now concluded, sophomore Amilio Venditti is reflecting on a strong finish to his year.

Venditti was a key contributor to the squad this season, and his hard work and determination were evident in both practice and competition.

Building on a solid freshman campaign, Venditti pushed to surpass his previous accomplishments, but was one win short from going back to State Opens. Last year, he placed sixth at the Class M State Championship, a performance that earned him a spot in the State Opens.

“During practice, Amilio always puts in his best effort,” sophomore wrestler Henry Smith said. “His effort and focus during practice makes his teammates want to work harder”

Venditti’s dedication paid off on the mat. As a freshman, he posted a respectable 28-22 record. This season, he made noticeable improvements, finishing with a 30-12 record. With his strong performance, he reached the 30-win mark an impressive feat for any high school wrestler, let alone a sophomore.

“As a first-year freshman last year, he placed 6th at Class M’s, and qualified for State Opens,” senior Peter Gill said. 

Venditti’s leadership qualities gained recognition among his teammates. His commitment and example set a high standard for others to follow.

“Amilio is just one of those guys and you can see that he is leading by example and putting in the work where others don’t,” Senior Captain Will Smith said. 

With the season now behind him, Venditti remains focused on his future goals. His coaches took notice of his commitment to growth.

“Amilio is a hardworking and supportive teammate who pushes himself and others to improve,” Assistant Coach Mr. Ruzbarsky said. “He leads by example, showing dedication in training and competition. His positive energy and willingness to help others make him a strong presence in the team “ 

Looking beyond this season, Venditti hopes to be a contender for a state title before his high school career is over. For now, he reflects on his accomplishments while embracing every opportunity to improve and contribute to his team’s success in the coming years. 

“Unfortunately his season did not end as he and I would have liked as he was one match away from returning to the State Opens (lost in the Blood Round) but he had a successful season finishing with 30+ wins this season,” Head Coach Mr. Schoonmaker said. “I am extremely excited to have two more years to coach him.”

By Amilio Venditti – Staff Reporter

With the 2024-2025 Law indoor track season recently completed, sophomore Logan Mullarkey Has his eyes set for the future. 

Mullarkey’s work ethic is one of his defining traits during this past season. During practice, he always gives his best effort, constantly pushing himself to his limits. Whether he’s sprinting or enduring intense drills, Mullarkey’s dedication is evident. 

“Logan is a very hard worker during practice and he always tries his hardest,” sophomore teammate Talia Hagan said. “He pushes himself to his limits and always makes sure he puts in 100 percent.”

Mullarkey’s commitment to track has made him a strong leader on the team. Not only does he excel individually, but he also helps those around him. His power to motivate his teammates and keep them focused is one of his greatest strengths.

“Logan motivates us mentally and physically, making sure we’re all putting in the work,” sophomore teammate Alivia Bogert said. “He also makes sure we’re ready mentally.”

Mullarkey puts a good deal of work into the preparation mentally before a race. He emphasized the importance of mental preparation.

“Before a race, I try to block out everything except my lane and my goal, I focus on my breathing, visualize my start and finish, and remind myself of all the work I’ve put in during practice,” Mullarkey said. “I also love to listen to music to build confidence and stay calm, and I always made sure to always eat correctly beforehand.”

A standout moment in Mullarkey’s season came when, after a particularly tough practice, he stayed behind to put in the extra work.

“While others had gone home after the practice ended, Logan stayed after practice to work even more,” junior Molly Croce said. “His hard work paid off for him, and in the following meet, he broke seven seconds in his 55 and had a massive PR.”

As Mullarkey prepares for the two seasons ahead, one thing is clear: his future in track is bright, and he’s ready to tackle every challenge that comes his way.

“I believe that improvement takes time, so I focus on my own progress rather than comparing myself to others,” Mullarkey said. “The key is staying consistent with training and enjoying the journey.”

By Dani Kotansky – Staff Reporter

The Milford Boys swim and dive team is wrapping up its 2024-25 season with their final meet on February 25.

The swim team, a combination of students from Law and Foran, is entering the final stretch of their season before they head to the playoffs. Their current record is 4-5 with their last meets scheduled for February 21 and 25. The captains of this season were Luke Vidosevic, Joe Lahav, Onuralp Unal, and Logan McCorkle. 

“I think the season went really well,” McCorkle said. “As a captain, I’m proud of how the team came together and put in the effort at every practice and meet.”

The team welcomed several new athletes this season to compete in individual and team events. 

Junior Sam Porzelt felt a sense of welcome during his first season on the team, not only from the coaches but teammates as well, which allowed him to improve as time went on.

“This season, I would say I improved a lot on my own personal times and form, but we also improved as a team working on the relay performances,” Porzelt said. “This being my first year swimming, I learned a lot from coaches but also other members of the team such as Logan McCorkle and so many others.”

Junior Hunter Corris noted that the team had a close connection, leading to success 

“The team atmosphere was very close-knit, and everyone was able to connect on a different level about the swim season,” Corris said. “One thing that helped the team get to know one another was the pasta parties before meets.”

Freshman Markiian Chervonyy emphasized that joining a new team can be difficult, but working together made it much easier for him. 

“Honestly, the first season is never easy for anyone and it was the same for me,” Chervonyy said. “But swimming is not only about challenges, it’s about team unity and how we cheer for each other, which we do very well and that’s what makes me want to stay part of the team.”

The team’s home matchups this season included Xavier, Daniel Hand, Sheehan, Fitch, Shelton and Cheshire. They also had a non-league meet against Waterford/Ledyard. 

Captain Onuralp Unal not only believed the team had a successful season, but also made personal progress this year. 

“I believe that the overall season was great especially with our first meet taking a win against Xavier which has always been a powerhouse,” Unal said. “Within my event the 100 fly I have seen my time decrease from my freshman year to this year as my technique has improved.”

Regardless of the outcome of this season, the team has been an important piece in many athletes’ lives. 

“It was definitely bittersweet since it was my last year, but I couldn’t have asked for a better group to finish my high school swim career with,” McCorkle said. 

By Haley Stroffolino – Social Media Editor-in-Chief 

The Jonathan Law gymnastics team is preparing for a successful season.

Practices are in full swing as gymnasts work on perfecting routines, focusing on individual strengths, and team building for upcoming meets.

“Each gymnast works on their own routine based on their strengths and ability to perform advanced elements,” Head Coach Pat Simon said. “Our goal is to qualify for the CIAC State Championships and have as many girls as possible compete in the CIAC State Open.”

The team has a strong foundation, supported by a well-equipped gym. Over the years, the program has expanded to host major events such as the CIAC Divisional Meets and this year’s New England Championships.

“We’ve added a lot of equipment over the years, which has made it possible for us to host these big events,” Simon said.

Senior gymnast Paige Kantor explained how the team is preparing for competition.

“We’re working on building and practicing our routines so we’re ready for the first meet,” Kantor said. “I’m really looking forward to seeing what my teammates can do and having a successful season.”

For some gymnasts, their love for the sport started early. 

“I started gymnastics when I was really young because I thought it was fun to go on the bars and beam,” junior Lily Stankevich said.

Simon has been coaching the team since 1978 and continues to enjoy working with the athletes.

“The best part of coaching is working with excellent athletes and seeing former gymnasts return to support the program,” Stroffolino said. “It’s rewarding to see the program grow and thrive over the years.”

By Matthew Sanchez & Adrian Vitale – Staff Reporters 

Freshman sprinter Yusuf Genc is a new addition to the Jonathan Law boys indoor track team.

Genc has been running for years and hopes to bring that experience to the team. He feels that high school running is much more competitive and challenging than the competition he is accustomed to.

“I feel challenged but I feel as though I will be able to overcome them throughout the year to improve myself as a sprinter for the team,” Genc said.

Genc’s fellow freshman sprinters – Fiad Rahman, Erik Borowski, Marcos Tepetl, and Vincenzo Mannino – are excited to have him on the team.

“I think Yusuf is a very good fit for the team because he’s very athletic and smart,” Rahman said. “He’s always very focused in class, and I can tell he is determined about what he does.”

Mannino said that Genc’s printing talent is clear.

“When I saw him running, I knew he had the potential to be something,” Mannino said.

Tepetl said that Genc has the potential to have an immediate impact on the team.

“I think that he has great potential if he works hard,” Tepetl said. “He just needs to put his mind into it while also being consistent with his training.”

Borowski agreed.

“If he works hard consistently, he can become one of the fastest sprinters in the school’s team,” Borowski said. 

By Henry Smith & Amilio Venditti – Staff Reporters

With the 2024-2025 Law wrestling season underway, senior captain Brayden Hancock is looking to lead the team to a strong finish this season.

Hancock has helped the Lawmen in many ways, being a leader and good example that the team needs, from good power, and technique, and never fearing his opponents. He wrestles with passion and is willing to do whatever it takes to win on the mat.  

“I’m looking forward to seeing how far I can go this season in terms of States,” Hancock said. “Also, I’m looking forward to catching up with some of the wrestlers from other schools.”

Hancock has qualified for the State Tournament the past two years and looks forward to a third. He hopes to go further in the State Tournament than previous years.

“Brayden is always the hardest worker in the room,” senior Will Smith said. ”Our teammates see Brayden going 100 miles an hour during practice and seeing it makes them want to work harder.” 

Hancock has qualities that most wrestlers do not have. His stamina, power and a combination of technique helps him power through matches and to win.

“I’ve seen Brayden go from all power and a little skill to having good power and skill which really improved his ability to win,” Smith said.

Hancock has wrestled since his sophomore year. His success has come from the work that he puts in during practice.

“Brayden’s work ethic is unmatched,” Head Coach Matthew Schoonmaker said. “Day in and day out, Brayden commits 100% and works harder than virtually any wrestler I’ve coached in my 30 years as a wrestling coach.” 

Hancock’s work ethic is one of the examples he sets for the team.

“Brayden has been an outstanding leader for the team through both his actions and his attitude. One of the key ways he leads is by setting a strong example in training,” Assistant Coach Mr. Ruzbarsky said. “He consistently gives his best effort, showing up early, staying late, and pushing himself and others to improve every day.”

Hancock helps his teammates to get better every practice by pushing them harder and giving 100% all the time.

“Brayden is the lead example for the team,” senior Tim Firla said. “He never misses a rep and is always giving his all 100% of the time.”

By Connor Ryan and Dylan Gaillard – Staff Reporters

The Jonathan Law wrestling team is looking forward to their upcoming winter season.

Law’s first match is at home against New Haven. This year’s coaches are Mr. Ruzbarsky and Matt Schoonmaker. 

“This season we have eight wrestlers returning that have done a good amount of off-season work,” Assistant Coach Mark Ruzbarsky said. “We are looking to have a 50% winning record as a team and some of our individuals have some very high goals personally as well.”

This year’s captain is senior Brayden Hancock. Hancock is looking to improve and lead the lawmen to a successful season.

“To prepare for the season, most returners have participated in offseason wrestling usually with a club such as Southside or Tugman,” Hancock said. “In addition, we’ve organized offseason team lifts to get in shape and get stronger for the season.” 

Schoonmaker expects to have multiple key players. He also hopes that they can improve record-wise.

“We are expecting to be above .500 this season, qualify four wrestlers to the State Opens this season and have at least one female State Champion,” Schoonmaker said. “Also, we are expecting five female State place winners at the women’s State Tournament and to finish Top three with two New England qualifiers and one New England Place winner.” 

The Lawmen are participating in many tournaments this winter. 

“This year we are bringing back our JK invitational tournament in February which we host,” Ruzbarsky said. “Also, we are very excited to have seven female wrestlers on the team and are very excited for the three girls tournaments we are attending. Lastly, the end of the season is always fun with our culminating girls and boys CIAC state tournaments.” 

Members of the team consider Law wrestling to be a second family.

“I am looking forward to spending more time with my team and supporting them,” sophomore Selena Batres said. “Also, I want to watch them succeed in their matches.” 

The Lawmen lost six seniors from last year’s team, so their main goal will be to fill these spots before their first match.

“The team has gotten multiple new wrestlers to replace seniors that left,” sophomore Henry Smith said. “They have learned a lot preparing for our first meet. Jaden Oyola will make a big difference at heavyweight.”

By Reid Moulton & Logan Thomas – Staff Reporters

As senior Cam Upchurch enters his fourth and final season on the Law basketball team, he hopes to make a deep run through the postseason.

Upchurch has been a starter for his last three years and was a member of the 2022 team that won 17 games.

“My goals for the season are to make States again and to win more games than we did last season,” Upchurch said. “To get ready for the season, we have been having open gyms, lifts, conditioning, scrimmages, and skill work to get ready.”

Upchurch is a role model for the varsity team on and off the court. He guides them to succeed and win games and helps them become a better team.

“Cam has grown in a number of ways, certainly as a basketball player, but also as a leader,” Assistant Coach Mr. McPartland said. “In terms of his evolution as a basketball player, the game has most definitely slowed down for him and each year he seems to see the floor better and better, he understands that the game wears and tears on your body and because of this, he has worked a ton on his pull-up jumper, which has improved tremendously. My hope for Cam this year primarily is that he stays healthy. He knows as one of the leaders of the team that he can never have a ‘bad day’ – that’s not to say that he can’t miss shots, turn the ball over on the occasion, or have off days basketball-wise, but he knows he needs to be focused, engaged, and vocal with the team.”

Upchurch plays a huge role as a captain of the varsity team, where he strives to excel on both sides of the floor.

“Cam brings so much to our team,” sophomore Emelio Garcia said. “His leadership and experience are invaluable, guiding us both on and off the court. He always motivates us to give our best and maintain a positive attitude even in tough moments, additionally, his ability to communicate effectively and make quick decisions during the game helps keep us focused and united.”

Over the past three years, Upchurch has gained his teammates’ respect on and off the court. 

“Cam is a great leader because he has a lot of experience of being on varsity and he is someone we can look up to,” sophomore Matthew Witteman said. “He helps us win because he contributes a lot to the offense and he is a great defender.”

By Yeiden Nieves & Cesar Mendez – Sports Editors

The Jonathan Law Powderpuff team defeated the Foran Lions 21-17 on November 27.

Law was led by captains Paige Kantor, Chloe Konareski, Ella Franzman, and Taylor Corretti. The offensive MVPs of the game were senior Chloe Konareski and senior Paige Kantor and the defensive MVPs were senior Tessa Piselli and senior Sophia Abbaspour.

Konareski scored three touchdowns – two rushing and one receiving – including one late in the fourth quarter to secure Law the win. She finished with close to 300 total yards on offense.

“It felt good to have someone step up like Chloe did after a rough first drive,” junior quarterback Charlotte Doyle said. “She kept on running hard and the rest of us did our best to do our job.”

The defense held strong throughout the game to limit the Lions to only 17 points.

“I felt that we all worked great together as a team and executed our plays very well,” senior linebackerTessa Piselli said.

This wins gives the Lawmen a two game win streak against the Lions and they have no plan on slowing down next year. This was the first back-to-back win for either team since 2015.  

“One thing I would tell the juniors next year, is to be aggressive,” Kantor said. “If you want to win, you can’t be afraid. You have to give it your all.”

Coaches knew going into the game that the game was not going to be easy and it would take lots of hard work. But all of the practices definitely paid off in the end and the win felt very rewarding. 

“I thought they did fantastic,” Head Coach Mr. O’Reilly said. “We moved certain athletes around very last minute and we were nervous with how they’d do but they excelled under the pressure of the game. “

Overall, this years Powderpuff game was one to remember and the seniors will never forget it. The juniors on the team are prepared to work hard and bring home a three-peat.  

“I was very excited going into the game because we were going up against our cross town rivals,” Abbaspour said. “Overall I was just very happy to be able to play and the win made it feel so much nicer.”

By Logan Mullarkey and Chloe Edmonds

The Jonathan Law indoor track team is gearing up for an exciting winter season, ready to build on past successes and push for even better results.

The team kicks off their season on December 19 at the Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven.

“Our goal every season is to improve with each meet and make an impact at both the conference and state levels,” Head Coach Frank Gaines said.

Senior captains Faisal Karzoun and Riley Lapham are stepping up as leaders this year. Lapham hopes to inspire her teammates both during practices and on meet days.

“My focus is to set the tone with hard work and positivity,” Lapham said. “I want to make sure everyone feels supported and motivated to give their best effort.”

Karzoun, who specializes in sprints and relays, is eager to help his teammates succeed in every event.

“This year, I want to encourage everyone to push past their limits and have fun while doing it,” Karzoun said. “It’s all about building each other up.”

Sophomore Talia Hagan, a rising star in the 4×200 relay and 300-meter dash, is eager to make her mark this season.

“I’m really looking forward to competing against Foran and the friends I have made in the past few years,” Hagan said. “There’s always a friendly rivalry, and it motivates me to train even harder.”

The team has spent the preseason preparing with conditioning sessions and technique-focused practices. According to junior captain Alani Velez, the preseason training has been key in setting the team up for success.

“Before the first meet, we’re focusing on perfecting the technical details of each event,” Velez said. “We’re also prioritizing teamwork and building a strong sense of unity within the team.”

The team has a mix of experienced upperclassmen and eager underclassmen, which Gaines sees as a strength. With athletes excelling in multiple different events, the team is ready to face the competition.

Despite their challenges, including the loss of key athletes from last year, the team is determined to perform well and make the most of the season ahead.

“I’m really excited about the upcoming season,” sophomore Jeremiah Dos Santos said. “After competing in outdoor track last year, I’m ready to bring that experience to the indoor season and see what our team can accomplish.”

The indoor track team is ready to bring energy and determination to each meet, focusing on personal and team success throughout the season.

By Dani Kotansky & Cora Aitkenhead – Staff Reporters 

The Milford Mariners hockey team – with a combination of players from Law, Foran, and Platt Tech – is kicking off its season on December 18 against Branford at the Northford Ice Pavilion. 

This year’s captains are seniors Sean Luxeder (Law), Nolan Fortier (Foran), Daniel Lavallee (Foran), and Connor Benz (Foran). Luxeder plans to guide underclassmen as a captain this season. 

“This season, my primary goal is to enhance my leadership abilities,” Luxeder said. “As a captain and senior, I aim to set an example for the underclassmen, helping them grow into stronger hockey players, supportive teammates, and future leaders.”

Joey Kerzner, a junior at Foran, has high expectations for the Mariners as a returning player this season. Milford finished last season with a record of 4-15-1 and is looking to make the playoffs this season. 

“Some goals for the season I look forward to is putting pucks in the back of the net and winning games as a team,” Kerzner said, “We have high standards for our team this year and we are confident that we can be a playoff level team.”

Freshman Blaise Strate (Platt Tech) is looking forward to hitting the ice with his new team. 

“Something that I am looking forward to this season is playing with my new teammates and getting to know them, along with the experience of high school hockey,” Strate said. “A skill I would like to develop more is my speed along with my shot and deceptiveness.”

The Mariners’ first home game will be played on December 21 against Fairfield Co-op at the Milford Ice Pavilion. To see the rest of the Mariners’ schedule, fans can go to @milford_puck on Instagram. 

Fortier plans to lead by example his final year and put the team first. 

“Things that make up a good team are players who are there for each other on and off the ice,” Fortier said. ”I believe a good player puts his teammates first and gives 100% effort no matter what the situation is, and the team this year has a lot of these types of players and I look forward to seeing what we can do this year.”

Junior and goalie Aiden Riker (Law) is ready to begin the season with a few personal goals. 

“One thing I’m trying to improve on and develop is my post plays and following the puck behind the net,” Riker said. 

By Molly Lynch – News Editor

Junior Madison Krauss is getting ready to start the girls hockey season as a member of the Hamden High School Co-op team.

Krauss plays right wing and is one of the few Law – and Milford – students who play on Hamden High’s girls hockey team.

“I contribute to the team by being one of the few kids who are from Law that play for Hamden,” Krauss said. 

The Hamden Co-op team won the SCC Girls Hockey Championship last year. Krauss is a talented player and has been playing hockey since she was a kid. 

“She is really talented, a hard worker, and her skating ability is impressive,” former teammate an Law freshman Danielle Kotansky said.

Winning the SCC Tournament after losing the year before was Krauss’ most memorable moment from last season.

“The most memorable moment from last season was winning SCCs after losing the year before in double overtime in the finals,” Krauss said.

Off the ice, Krauss is excited to bond with her teammates this upcoming season.

“I am most looking forward to more team bonding like pasta parties this season,” Krauss said.

By Courtney Russo – News Editor

The Jonathan Law girls basketball team is excited to start the winter season.

Law opens the season on December 13 at home against Amistad. This year’s captains are seniors Chloe Konareski, Tessa Piselli, Taylor Corretti, Haley Struffolino, Ella Franzman, and Lilly Baird.

“As a captain, I help incoming freshmen by always being there for them if they have any questions or need support on or off the court,” Stroffolino said. “I ensure they have fun and always feel part of the team.”

The Lawmen finished 10-10 last season and hopes to improve on that record this year. 

“This season I hope we better our record,” sophomore Maddy Bonnano said. “I think if we keep up how we have been playing at practice then we can achieve that goal.”

The team has been putting in a lot of hard work by consistently practicing and training hard.

“This year’s practice hours are 2:30-5:00 p.m. every weekday,” sophomore Madi Black said. “We also practice 9:00-11:00 on weekends.”

This year, the team has set goals to make sure they thrive and improve on the court. Team members described this year’s squad as energetic, determined, and committed.

“Im hoping that we can improve our communication skills and be able to talk more on the court,” Franzman said,. “I think a big factor that comes into some of our losses last season was our lack in communication skills.”

Nine incoming freshmen have also joined the team this season.

“My expectations as a freshman are to play good minutes on JV and work hard at practice,” freshman Addie McKenna-Hansen said. “Hopefully, that will get me on the varsity bench.”

Law added a new workout schedule this offseason to get ready for the year.

“Something we did differently this year was during the off-season we didn’t enter the fall league,” Franzman said, “We held open gym workouts twice a week which was super beneficial because we were able to work on ourselves and work on tons of drills.”

By Ella Franzman – Editor-In-Chief & Editorial Editor

The Jonathan Law boys basketball team is excited for the upcoming winter season. 

This season the Lawmen open up at Bridgeport Central on Tuesday, December 17. 

“The expectation for our program each year is to continue to get better everyday in order to make both our league, and state tournaments,” Head Coach Jamie Anderson said. 

Anderson has now been the head coach for the team since the 2017-2018 season. Alongside him, the team is coached by one of Law Spanish teacher Matthew McPartland, Law history teacher Nolan Beardsley, and Dan Maxwell. 

Senior Cam Upchurch is one of two captains for this year’s team alongside senior Alex Rodriguez. This is Upchurch’s second year as a captain and hopes to lead the team in all ways possible. 

“I hope to help this team by bringing my experience and helping guide them to success,” Upchurch said. “We have a young and inexperienced team and I hope to help them on and off the court and any way that can help bring us some wins.”

Another key player for the team last year was Matt Witteman. Witteman, who is now a sophomore, is looking forward to being a player that Anderson can trust and rely on. 

“I am looking forward to playing Foran this year because they beat us 2-0 last year and I’m excited to get another shot at them again,” Witteman said. “I am also looking forward to playing them because I have friends on that team that I grew up playing with.”

The team had been working hard all offseason, utilizing the summer workouts allowed by the CIAC, and any chance they had for open gyms in the fall. 

“Our goals before game one are to put in the repetition needed on both the offensive and defensive ends to execute at game time,” Anderson said. “We will also work extremely hard on our conditioning so we are in game shape.”

Anderson emphasized how the group of seniors on the team have been a huge part of their success. Along with Upchurch and Rodriguez, seniors Charlie Becker and Dalton Evans and a handful of others have been great leaders on the team. 

The Lawmen lost 11 seniors from last year’s team, so it will be their main goal to fulfill these spots before their first game. 

“I’m going to do my best to lead by example for the younger guys and work my absolute hardest for my teammates,” Rodriguez said. 

The Lawmen have been considered an “undersized’”team as they have struggled to fill the center spot. Previously, Class of 2023 graduates Nolan McKenna-Hansen and Aidan Ryan had been the go-to guys, since then the team has struggled to find their big. 

A big part of the offensive attack for Law has been their shooting as they have have been very successful outside of the three-point line. 

“Before our first game, we’re looking to continue to get in game shape – we have to play fast, as we’re a relatively undersized team,” McPartland said. “It’s important that our guys understand their roles and feel confident in our offensive and defensive systems. Building chemistry is also a key priority this early in the season.”

By Kayla Markowitz and Harshitha Kothapalli – Editors-In-Chief 

The Law football team reigned victorious in the annual Thanksgiving Day Game against rival Foran for the fourth year in a row.

The Lawmen and Lions, both entering the game with 5-4 records and with a spot in the playoffs on the line, faced off in brutal, rainy conditions. Ultimately, the Lawmen’s defense rose to the occasion, securing a 3-0 victory. 

“I’m proud that the program found a way to keep its resolve under the conditions,” Head Coach Chris Haley said. “Especially proud of Aiden (Ramos) for the kick, as well as Jack (Distassio) and Jack (Lefevre) for the snap and hold. I’m also proud of Milford for keeping the game on as scheduled and playing regardless of weather. I don’t want them to ever change that.” 

Law was able to take the Mayor’s Trophy home for the fourth consecutive year. The win earned the Lawmen the #7 seed in the Class M State Tournament and a matchup against #2 Brookfield.

Despite the added challenges of the rainy conditions, the team achieved both of those goals by trusting their hard work and skills they’ve been building throughout the season.

“I was a little nervous going into this game becauseI knew a lot of people were going to be watching it, in person as well as on TV, but I try to not think about all the people counting on me so I can focus and play my own game,” sophomore quarterback Matthew Witteman said. “I felt very good going into the game but when I heard it was going to rain hard, I knew it was going to be a rough game.” 

Sophomore Aidan Ramos kicked a 33-yard field goal in the second quarter for the game’s only points. Ramos gave credit to his practice routine and mental preparation. 

“I handle the pressure by trusting my preparation and sticking to my routine,” Ramos said. “Every kick, whether in practice or a game, is part of building confidence in my ability. I also lean on visualization and positive self-talk.”

This year’s team prided itself on supporting each other and having close-knit relationships on and off the field. 

“The best part about playing Law football is being able to have a good time with all of my teammates,” senior linebacker Cesar Mendez said. “Every time we step on the field, win or lose, the experience of playing with all my brothers is like no other.”

During the off-season, the Lawmen will continue to work hard and keep practicing to prepare for the 2025 season.

“My biggest advice to underclassmen is to hold yourself to high standards and work hard during the off-season to be the best you can be,” junior captain Nicolas Cosmas said. “Play everyday like it’s your last game because soon enough it will be over.”

By Harshitha Kothapalli – Editor-in-Chief 

The Jonathan Law girls swim season recently came to an exciting end with a record of 9-4. 

They also finished the postseason with many swimmers competing at the Class M State finals, including Senior Captain Ella Franzman.

“Another goal we had throughout the whole season, regular and postseason, is to make it to State Finals and I’m proud of all of us for working so hard to get there,” Franzman said. 

Head Coach Rob Rosner guided the team to a successful season, building athletes who have learned to persevere through the lows and maintain the highs. 

“I’d say a constant challenge is the mental and physical battle that comes with our long season,” Rosner said. “The ability to stay healthy but also stay focused on our goals.”

With the season wrapping up, the inevitable goodbyes to the seniors of the team have begun. 

“It is definitely a bitter sweet feeling that my senior year season has come to an end,” senior Sana Joshi said. “I am sad that I won’t be able to swim with this team anymore but also very thankful for all the people I met and the those I was able to build strong connections with.”

Junior Kayla Markowitz has had a season filled with victories, friendships, and personal growth but the biggest impression made on her were the ones created by her senior role models. 

“The seniors have made such a positive impact on the team this year by bringing everyone together and always being so supportive,” Markowtiz said. “It’s going to be hard to see them go but they have shown me what it means to be a leader on this team and I hope next year I can do the same for underclassman what they did for me.” 

Senior Captain Paige Kantor was proud of the ay she finished her final swim season.

“My goal for this season was to break my PR diving score of a 207,” Kantor said. “I was able to get a 208 on my Senior Night this year and it was so awesome.”

These moments filled the season and concluded with an incredible Senior Night win against Foran High School.

“It was a very close and nerve racking meet but we ended up on top,” Kantor said. “It was an amazing experience and I am so proud of our team for bagging that win on our Senior Night.”

Rosner coaches the team along with Assistant Coach Mr. Lui and over the past years they have greatly impacted every athlete on the team.

“I can speak on behalf of the team when I say we are so grateful for our coaches,” Senior Captain Natalia Gagliardi said. “They have put in an insane amount of effort every day, helping our team get better.”

By Ella Franzman – Editor-In-Chief & Editorial Editor

Senior Hannah Engel and junior David Lickteig were recently named October’s Student-Athletes of the Month. 

Engel, a senior on the volleyball team, helped Law to four wins this fall – Amistad twice and East Haven twice. 

“I think I was nominated because I had put in a lot of hard work and effort into this season and was grateful my coaches and school community recognized it,” Engel said.

Loch said that Engel improved greatly over her four years at Law. Engel was used to playing front row but a handful of times she would be moved to back row. 

“I felt Hannah had a really good season this year,” Loch said. “She has really improved and started finding her ‘groove’ with hitting. Over the past few years I worked with Hannah on keeping the ball in front of her to give her a stronger hit.”  

Within the first few weeks of the season, Engel was becoming a stronger hitter than before. There were times she even had to play back row and over the course of the season, and her skills in the back row improved.  

“My coaches have worked to improve my skills and also to get each player on the team better,” Engel said. 

Lickteig, a junior on the boys cross country team, was also honored with the October award. Head Coach Mr. Beler described Lickteig as a top runner all season, where he was constantly improving. 

“He has a unique combination of stamina for distance but also a strong speed skill set,” Beler said. “This is important due to the variety of courses we run. Some are hills-based, which are geared towards stronger runners, some are flatter, which favor the faster runners. David’s skill set allows him to excel on both types of courses.”

Lickteig said he is excited for the next two seasons of this school year where he is a member of the boys indoor and outdoor track teams. 

“I feel happy that I was nominated for and achieved Athlete of the Month,” Lickteig said. “It feels nice to be recognized for all the athletic achievements I helped gain for our school.”

Lickteig’s times have already drawn attention from colleges, where he hopes to continue his success next season.

“David won the Milford Championships and is officially the fastest cross country runner in Milford,” Beler said. “He had been the #1 runner in Milford all season.”

By Matthew Sanchez – Staff Reporter

The Jonathan Law girls soccer team was a force to be reckoned with this season. 

The team broke the school record for regular season wins, finished with a record of 13-3, and qualified for the SCC and State tournaments. Sophomore Emily Vella scored 20 goals – the most goals in a single season in Law girls soccer history. 

“I am beyond proud of my team this season,” Head Coach Mrs. Francisco said. “Even if we didn’t make it far in the State Tournament, we still accomplished so many things this season.”

Senior Captain Taylor Coretti said that this was her most memorable soccer season. 

“I think my senior season was the best out of all four seasons,” Coretti said. “This is because we had a winning record and I felt confident in my playing. I think having a strong team play beside you helped me a lot with my own personal play.”

Senior Madelyn Baranowsky said she was proud of how she was able to set an example for the younger players. Baranowsky is sad to see her career end, but was proud of what the team accomplished. 

“I was able to set an example of working hard to meet our goals while also having fun,” Baranowsky said. “What I will miss most about Jonathan Law is the great community and school spirit.”

Junior Molly Croce is extremely proud of the work done by the team this season.

“I think this season went very well,” Croce said. “We had a lot of success even though we had many injuries. We qualified for both the State and SCC tournaments, along with breaking the school record for regular season wins. Overall, I would say this season was pretty successful and we really came together as a team this season.”

Freshman Cora Aitkenhead said she is excited for the future of the girls soccer team.

“There’s no doubt that law is heading in a great direction,” Aitkenhead said. “Every single player on the team put in tremendous effort this season and we’re already looking forward to a strong season-finishing comeback next year. While we’ll be losing many talented seniors, playing in their honor will only fuel our drive to win, and our coaches’ expertise and passion will continue to be crucial to our growth. The best is yet to come.”

By Vaughn Kraynak – Staff Reporter

The Law boys cross country season recently wrapped up their season on Saturday, October 26, at the Cross Country State Championship. 

The championship took place at Wickham Park in Manchester, CT. Head Coach Mr. Beler said he was proud of how the team competed at States – and all season long.

“Our team’s strength was our constant improvement,” Beler said. “The majority of our team improved meet by meet.”

Beler prides himself on a team that shows they have what it takes to be serious competitors at the State Championship.

“At States, a combination of how much everybody improved,” Beler said. “But most importantly, my captain Harry Fisher ran his PR at States.”

Guiding the team alongside Fisher was Senior Captain Ryan Chay.

“I try my best to embody the greatest traits of a captain to carry on the old way,” Chay said. “After practice as an underclassmen, I’d have to wait a long time for my ride to pick me up, so as a captain I made it known that anyone could ask me for a ride.”

Teammates said that Chay has represented what it means to be a captain and what it means to be a Lawman. 

“In terms of my biggest strength, I think it was helping make possible cherishable memories among the underclassmen and helping them bond,” Chay said. “In terms of the team’s greatest strength, it was automatic acceptance. 

The boys cross country team accepted all new teammates with open arms, including the only new freshman, Aaryan Doshi.

“My biggest improvement this season was my 5K time,” Doshi said. “I started out with 28 minute runs and made it down to 22 minute runs by the end of the year.”

Doshi proved himself on the course, running a new PR by over two minutes at the SCC Championships.

“My favorite moment during the season was running my PR,” Doshi said. “It felt awesome hearing everybody around me cheering me on.”

Sophomore Pierce Marini also made a name for himself this season, finding himself running alongside the seniors at the varsity level.

“Coach Beler has helped me succeed with his thought-out practices,” Marini said. “He sets something up to prepare us for every situation.”

Marini plans on improving himself even more next season as well as helping his teammates. 

“I improved myself most on my pacing while running this season,” Marini said. 

Sophomore Eli Bludevich began his first season as a member of the XC team this year.

“I plan on improving by running everyday,” Bludevich said. “Increasing my distance will help me achieve my goals.”

By Henry Smith – Staff Reporter

Sophomore wide receiver Hunter Kendzierski is looking to help the Law football team make their way to the playoffs.

Kendzierski is a first-year starter who was a kick returner last year. He has set two goals for himself and the team for the rest of the season.

“My goal for the rest of the season is to make it to the playoffs so we can have extra games,” Kendzierski said. “I also want to get a trophy on Thanksgiving.”

Kendzierski plays wide receiver at the X position. In the offseason, he worked on his strength and agility.

“I trained 3-4 days a week in the weight room over the summer,” Kendzierski said. 

Law Head Coach Chris Haley said that Kendzierski’s biggest asset is his toughness.

“His impact on the team is one of toughness and effort,” Haley said. ”He is one of only a few multi-sport athletes in the school that remains firmly committed to off-season strength and performance training regardless of what season he is in, this helps him remain explosive and durable year round even with a smaller build.”

“Hunter’s burst and change of direction makes him very explosive on the field; as he continues to grow in the offense and find space more effectively he will continue to excel” Haley said.

Kendzierski recently helped the Lawmen to a 28-6 win against New Fairfield to improve to 5-2 on the season.

Kendzierski and quarterback Matthew Witteman have had non-stop chemistry since their time playing together on the Milford Eagles football team.

“Hunter and I have a very good connection as we have been playing on the same team since 7th grade,” Witteman said. “We are always on the same page which helps us a lot on the field.”

Kendzeirski has been playing football since he was 10 years old.

This season, Kendzierski has scored four touchdowns in seven games. He scored touchdowns against Brookfield, Rham, East Haven, and Notre Dame West haven.

“Hunter’s ability to block has vastly improved, and that makes me very proud,” sophomore guard Eli Fernandez said. “I love seeing receivers getting pancake blocks.”

Freshman Dylan Gaillard said that Kendzierski is mentor to the team’s younger players.

“Hunter is a leader on the team because he really helps out the young players if they don’t know the routes or need help,” Gaillard said.

By Dylan Gaillard – Staff Reporter 

With the 2024 football season halfway completed, sophomore Elijah Fernandez is looking to help the team to a strong finish. 

Fernandez is the starting left guard and he works as hard as he can for the team’s success.

“He’s constantly pushing himself, whether it’s in film sessions, lifting, or on the field, he’s always asking questions to get better,” Offensive Line Coach Andrew Paulus said. “Despite being only a sophomore, he’s already incredibly talented and committed to refining the little things.”

Coaches said that Fernandez is a trendsetter – when he works hard, everyone else does. 

“Eli is a weight room freak who takes lifting very seriously and it shows up on every Friday night,” Offensive Coordinator Ryan Pearson said. “Eli is our tone setter and when we know we need a statement run or need to set the tone for the game we run it to him.”

While Fernandez is only a sophomore, he is a role model for the rest of the line.

“Eli has helped me tremendously since me being a freshman on varsity is difficult,” freshman Ryan Woods said. “He has helped with the plays and gets me through practices and games.”

This past offseason, Fernandez worked very hard to be the best he could be for the 2024 season. 

“Last offseason, I lifted every day for two hours, having the weight room open after school really helped me,” Fernandez said. “My mom would make protein packed meals including all the nutrients I needed to grow bigger and more powerful for the season.”

Teammates said that Fernandez is always reliable and rarely makes mistakes. 

“Playing right beside him is a privilege because he knows what he’s doing and I never have to question him on anything,” Junior Jack Lefevre said. “Eli teaches them to be smart and just use your head. Playing offensive line is not difficult unless you make it.”

Sophomore Matt Witteman said he has complete faith in Fernandez on game night.

“Eli and I have a great connection because we have played on the same team since Milford Eagles,” sophomore Matthew Witteman said. “I trust and feel comfortable with him protecting me on Friday nights.”

Fernandez’s goal is to makes everyone’s life easier, coaches and teammates.

“As a new coach, fresh out of college football, I had my own doubts about making an impact, but players like Eli have put me at ease,” Paulus said. “His dedication and respect for the game make my job easier, and I’m genuinely grateful to be able to coach him.”

By Amilio Venditti – Staff Reporter

As he closes out his final soccer season, the impact that Senior Captain Daniel Haluza has made on the Law boys soccer team and the community is evident.

Haluza has helped the team in numerous ways as he is a highly versatile player. He is relied on as an offensive and defensive player and a fearless opponent.

“Dan has been one of our most impactful players game in and game out,” Head Coach Mr. Gruber said. “He controls and covers so much ground it’s impossible to replace him with one player.”

Haluza played only one position for all four years of his high school soccer career – center defensive midfielder.

“I enjoy being able to come up with new ways to receive a pass and distribute the ball to my team so that we can stay fluid and progress up the field,” Haluza said. “As a CDM I have to play quickly and hold my ground, players run at me from all directions and it is important that I work to control the center.”

Haluza leads the team by encouraging his teammates and motivating them to be better. At both practice and games, he puts in 100% effort which inspires others around him to follow in his footsteps.

“Dan inspires our team by organizing extra practices and boosting morale during tough times,” sophomore Harkaran Sekhon said. “His collaborative leadership fosters unity, enhances our performance, and I really appreciate his unwavering positivity, which keeps us motivated.”

Haluza has made it very easy for the beginner and first year players to adapt and understand the game.

“Dan makes sure to let everyone know where and when to be,” sophomore Arnav Saxena said. “Being my first year, Dan has helped to be a romodel and mentor for me.”

Haluza has found a way to keep himself physically and mentally prepared for game day. 

“I believe it is important to be the hardest worker on the field and to always be prepared in anything you do,” Haluza said. “Physically, the day before a game I make sure to stretch and drink at least two gallons of water so that I do not cramp.”

Off the field, Halusia makes sure to put the “student” in “student-athlete” at Law. He is a part of the Math, Spanish, and Science Honor Societies while maintaining a 4.75 GPA with 10 AP classes and 230 community service hours.  

“Dan has helped me time and time again for class work and homework,” senior Michael Montes said.

Although he has enjoyed his time playing high school soccer, Haluza has other interests pasts graduation

“I do not plan on continuing soccer after high school; I want to focus on education,” Haluza said. “Soccer has taught my valuable lessons in terms of my work ethic and focus, but I have chosen to fully pursue medicine in college.”

Haluza started soccer at eight years old when he joined the Milford United youth soccer team. He started out as a striker but quickly switched to midfield.

“I am from Europe, so a lot of my life was already surrounded by the sport before I even started playing,” Haluza said. “That’s what really led me to want to play the sport.”

By Reid Moulton – Staff Reporter

The Jonathan Law football team has started their season 5-2 and has made a real statement in the SCC.

Law started their season with a 41-14 loss to Brookfield, but then went on a four-game winning streak following the loss. After a loss to Hamden, Law took down New Fairfield last weekend by a score of 28-6.

As the Lawmen start to finish the regular season, they currently stand fifth in Class M, and hope to continue this magical season with a playoff berth.

“What is making the team successful is the same thing that has made for any successful Law football team for six and a half decades – tough players choosing to sacrifice for the common good,” Haley said. “Like most teams, the biggest opportunity for a leap forward is from Week 1 to Week 2. The team evolved from that point forward to hang tough and outlast Notre Dame, which set a trajectory for the season. Last year, an opening loss to Barlow followed by a loss to West Haven set a different trajectory. “

Junior Captain Nick Cosmas leads the team in tackles per game (9), interceptions (5), and sacks (5). Cosmas has made a big impact with the defense, helping them win in close games.

“The team has evolved through a lot of studying and hard working practices,” Cosmas said. “The work efficiency we have and the knowledge we have to go against teams is unmatched around the state, we feel more prepared for games then ever.”

Sophomore quarterback Matt Witteman has also come up big for Law in close games, including scoring the game-winning touchdown against Amity to help the Lawmen win 15-14.

“This team is really special,” Witteman said. “With everyone being able to contribute to the team, it helps us win games, and is a real reason why this team is successful. Everyone has started to know their role and everyone knows the connections they have with each other.”

Senior safety Connor Woods also plays a big role in the Lawmen defense, helping the defensive pass game and allowing minimum points a game in the air.

“I think the team has evolved a lot,” Woods said. “We did not have a lot of confidence coming into the season, but now, the way we play, and the way we are coached, we know we can beat anyone. We are very well coached and everyone is bought in, we all want the same thing, to make it to the state playoffs.”

Junior center Jack Lefevre is the leader of the offensive line and contributes by leading the line and helping Witteman get the ball off.

“I think that all of us believe in each other, offense believes in the defense, defense believes in the offense, and we have chemistry to be a good, successful football team,” Lefevre said. “I think we evolved by just gaining experience as a team. We’re a young group and as we get more experience, we get better.”

By Cora Aitkenhead – Staff Reporter

Freshmen Zach Hyatt and Ryan Woods have already made their mark on the Law varsity football this season. 

Hyatt and Woods start on the varsity team as offensive linemen, where their job is to protect the quarterback from the onslaught of defensive players. The boys have nicely adjusted to the team atmosphere and are loving their time with the Law football team. 

“My favorite thing about playing at law has been the relationships I have made with some of my teammates and also waking down that hill on a Friday night during a home game it will be a feeling I will never get over,” Woods said. 

Zach too is proud to be a part of the Law community and represent the school and team on and off the field. 

“My favorite thing about playing for law is the team and coaches were like a family and we fought sometimes but at the end of the day were all there for eachother,” Hyatt said. “Kind of like when we lose people say we suck but when we win they party alongside us.”

Head Coach Chris Haley is pleased with the effort the boys have put in and is ready to see how they grow and fulfill their positions for the rest of the season and future seasons to come. 

“They’ve taken well to it, and continue to improve each week,” Haley said. “There’s been a lot of building the airplane while we fly it this year, but things seem to be settling down as we approach the late season.”

As a freshman on varsity, Ryan has the privilege to play with his older brother, senior defensive back Connor Woods.

“Knowing it’s my only year with him I am trying to cherish every minute,” Connor Woods said. “But I know next year he will be very well-seasoned and be able to play a big role in their season next year.”

Both Zach and Ryan have been playing football for a long time; however, since beginning to play together, they have found a new passion in the game, and are able to face the struggles of adjusting to high school football, not alone, but with a friend alongside them. 

“This is my seventh year playing football but only my second year playing with Ryan,” Hyatt said. “My favorite thing about playing with Ryan is the chemistry we have and that it’s comforting to know there’s another freshman on varsity so it feels like I’m not alone.”

As far as pre-game rituals go, Hyatt trusts a meal of chicken, rice, and broccoli. Ryan, however, instead of sharing a pre-game ritual, shared a lighthearted team tradition. 

“I have no pre-game rituals but there is a team celebration which is if we have a big win at home we go to our locker room and turn on the speaker and play ‘Heaven Is A Place On Earth’ by Melinda Carlyle,” Ryan Woods said. 

The Law football team is currently 5-2 and has three games left in their regular season. 

“This year has been another rung on the ladder for the program,” Haley said. “Last season was the first step in playing against a respectable schedule; this year, we’ve seen the same, handled ourselves better in situations, and continued to punch above our weight.”

Law’s next home game will take place on November 15 at 7 p.m. against Shelton. 

By Dani Kotansky – Staff Reporter 

The Jonathan Law volleyball team recently capped off their 2024 season with a record of 3-15.

Many freshmen joined Head Coach Ms. Loch’s team this season, and senior captains Addy Barber, Alexandra Fino, and Ellie Coddington played their final season at Law. Sophomore Jocelyn Larracuente felt that overall the team had a great season together. 

“This season was honestly an amazing season,” Larracuente said. “Even though we didn’t achieve every goal we wanted we still became closer as a team and created a great atmosphere.” 

Barber finished her final season at Law this year and reflected on the time she spent on the team. 

“Our team is our own little family and Law volleyball will always hold a special place in my heart,” Barber said. “It didn’t really hit me until Senior Night that my time was almost up, but I definitely focused a lot on enjoying my last games with some of my best friends.” 

Senior Julia Ryan said the freshmen on the team were able to adjust quickly to the differences of high school sports. 

“The freshmen were able to learn through the upperclassmen and gain relationships with us as we would encourage each other before games with little notes,” Ryan said. 

Loch mentioned the progress she hopes to see in the team next season.

“Hopefully the girls work on some skills in the offseason to get better and stronger as a volleyball player next season,” Loch said. 

While there may have been challenges along the way, that only gave the team chances to grow. 

“The season had ups and downs with injuries and playing new teams but it gave us many opportunities to improve our skills,” Larracuente said. 

Freshman Sammy Marini shared how she felt to be surrounded by such a great group of girls.

“Something that the team does well is getting excited for each other,” Marini said. “When you get a kill or a block or even a good pass, you have 23 teammates cheering you on, and I think that’s a big part of where we shine at Jonathan Law.”

Seven seniors will graduate from Jonathan Law this school year, giving chances to many younger athletes on the team. 

Junior Nadia Nuzzo will return next season and she has goals she would like the team to achieve. 

“Some goals for next season would be to keep the same team dynamic,” Nuzzo said. “I also think another goal we can have is to communicate more on the court, and lastly, we would all love to have the opportunity to make it to states.” 

Loch emphasized the importance of teamwork and cooperation for future seasons. 

“The varsity girls have been together for a few years now and know the dynamic I expect the team to have,” Loch said. “It’s important to be able to collaborate on the court and work together.”

By Christian Galligan – Staff Reporter

After a successful regular season, the Law boys soccer team opened postseason play with a 4-1 win over New London in the first round of the Class L State Tournament on November 2.

Law next plays on Tuesday, November 5, against East Haven at Lawmen Stadium at 6 p.m.. 

“Simply being locked in every moment, from the players on the field to the subs coming in.” Head Coach Mr. Gruber said. “Energy and effort need to be 100 percent through all 80 minutes and overtime if needed. Each player at this point in the season knows their role and what is expected from them.”

Although the team had its struggles earlier this year, they feels it’s all behind them and they feel ready for a deep State Tournament run. As the season progressed, the team became more like a family and their play on the field improved.

“Early in the season, we struggled to play together as a team and understand our identity,” senior Ivan Galicinao said.  “But as we continued to practice and understand our system we started to play the way we knew we could play.”

The team has been working very hard to stay together and work through the downs of the season to stay together and make a strong push deep into the state tournament.  The team has different approaches to every game, but all hope to remain on the same page.

“We’ve been preparing from a game-by-game standpoint, each practice depending on the next opponent determines the way that we practice,” senior Captain Ryan Nastasia said.  “If we’re playing a weaker team we practice being on the ball more. If we are playing a stronger team we practice defending and staying connected as a team.”

The Lawmen will continue to use what they felt worked best throughout the whole regular season – defense.

“From the start, we were able to defend at a very high level, and play well out of the back,”  Senior Lucca Venditti said.

The team’s hopes are very high and they feel they have all that it takes to reach the ultimate goal at the end of the State Tournament.  

“In these playoffs, we have a great chance,”  sophomore Evan Esposito said. “We will have to continue to play our best brand of soccer and elevate all levels of the game, including our defense.”

By Taylor Coretti – Staff Reporter

Junior Molly Croce is assisting the Law girls soccer team as they continue their run through the postseason.

Croce has been playing with the Law girls soccer team since she was a freshman. She has been a starting varsity player for all three years, and is a big contributor to the team, scoring seven goals and having seven assists this season. 

“I’ve scored some good goals in important games, like the SCC Tournament game against Guilford,” Croce said. “I feel like I have found consistency and confidence in my playing, which has improved since last season.”

Head Coach Mrs. Fransisco has seen a lot of growth through Croce’s play throughout the past three seasons and believes she is a key player on the field. 

“The biggest growth Molly has shown is her confidence on the ball,” Fransisco said. “She now knows that her speed is a threat and that her skills are strong enough to beat players 1v1.”

Croce was also recently named to the All-SCC Second Team this year. 

“Becoming All-SCC Second Team has had an impact on me because it was a big confidence booster, especially going into postseason,” Croce said. “Soccer is all about the success of the team but it feels nice to be recognized for my individual contributions.” 

Junior Captain Layla Alogna plays midfield with Croce. She finds that Croce is a positive player and is able to connect with everyone on the team. 

“Molly’s the player that you know you can always trust,” Alogna said. “She has chemistry with everyone on the field and is the teammate to always make you laugh.”

Junior Fiorella Gargiulo has been playing alongside Croce for many years and she loves that she is able to share this sport with her.

“Molly and I have been playing soccer together for over 10 years on and off,” Gargiulo said. “Playing with her is an instant confidence boost and I’m so excited to be on the same club team again this spring.”

Sophomore Abigail Merenda also plays outside midfielder like Croce, and mentioned how uplifting Croce is on and off the field. 

“I love playing outside mid with her,” Merenda said. “She always brings me up whenever I make a mistake on the field and is always there for me whenever I need advice.”

By Abigail Merenda – Staff Reporter 

As the Law girls soccer team finishes a record-breaking 2024 regular season, and prepares for the Class L State Tournament, Senior Captain Taylor Coretti is excited to end her final season on a high note. 

Coretti has been on the girls soccer team for four years. She made the varsity team as a freshman and was named captain before her senior season. 

“I feel like I have accomplished a lot when it comes to playing soccer,” Coretti said. “When I was a freshman, I never played soccer before and I think over the past four years, I improved a lot and was able to keep a starting spot on varsity.” 

Coretti has faced a number of challenges over her four years. 

“Some challenges I have faced are some injuries, but I was able to get better and continue playing soccer,” Coretti said.

Head Coach Mrs. Francisco has been coaching Coretti since her freshman year.

“Taylor has been very fun to coach over the last four years,” Francisco said. “She is ruthless and a natural athlete and watching her soccer IQ develop over the years has been exciting.”

Coretti has made many strides on and off the field and has proven to be a respected captain. Francisco said Coretti is always connecting with her teammates and making them feel comfortable. 

“Taylor is ‘the people’s captain’ meaning she is always welcoming and friendly to all her teammates,” Francisco said. “She includes all teammates in drills and groups, while also knowing when it’s ok to have fun and when to focus. She also shows her teammates what it means to come back stronger after injuries.” 

Senior Co-Captain Madelyn Baranowsky said she loves being a leader on the team with Coretti. 

“Being a captain with Taylor is so much fun,” Baranowsky said. “She has this amazing and funny personality that makes any situation fun whether it is practice, team bonding, or a game.”

Coretti has become close with many of her teammates, especially her left back defender and fellow senior Tessa Piselli. Piselli has loved every moment playing defense with Coretti. 

“The best part of playing with Taylor is how she lifts everyone up,” Piselli said. “She encourages everyone to have a positive attitude during practices and games.” 

According to her teammates, Coretti has made such an impact as being captain and a player on the team. 

“Taylor has made a huge impact on every single person,” junior Fiorella Gargiulo said. “Especially as captain this year, Taylor knows exactly when to lighten the mood or when to lock in. She is a ‘brick wall on the field’ as Cisco says.”

Coretti said she is going to miss the connections she has built with her teammates the most.

“What I am going to miss the most is the bond I have built with this team,” Coretti said. “I have never been on a team like this one before. The coaches and my teammates make it so comfortable to be around. I will also miss playing with everyone because they are all so amazing at the game and it will be sad knowing I won’t be playing with them after this season.”

By Madi Black and Courtney Russo – Advocate Editors

Sophomore Emily Vella made her mark on the Law girls soccer team this year by breaking the school record for goals in a season.

Vella scored 19 goals in the regular season and one more in first round of the SCC Tournament. 

“My goal is to break the career scoring record this season,” Vella said. “I was excited that I broke the single season scoring record.” 

Sophomore Talia Hagan complimented Vella on her hard work on and off the field. 

“Emily as a player is trustworthy and strong on the front line,” Hagan said. “My favorite thing about Emily is her support on and off the field.” 

Many of Vella’s teammates and captains have been impressed with her play this season.

“My favorite thing about Emily is her passion for the game and her kindness on and off the field,” Junior Captain Layla Alogna said. “Emily is a strong player with incredible foot skills and composure with the ball.”

Head Coach Mrs. Francisco said that Vella is an all-around player, not just a goal scorer.

“‘The best players make those around them better’ is the best phrase that describes Emily,” Francisco said. “Not only is she fast, has impeccable ball skills, and a crazy amount of power in a small size, but she is also always looking to make our team better and stronger by looking to give assists, crosses, help back on defense, and more.”

By Ella Franzman – Editor-In-Chief & Editorial Editor

Sophomore girls soccer player Emily Vella and senior boys soccer player Lucca Venditti were named September Athletes of the Month. 

Each month, two student-athletes are honored with this award for their achievements in and outside of school. 

“I think qualities that fit an ‘Athlete of the Month’ are coachable, respectful, having good sportsmanship, and being a hard worker,” Vella said. “Being Athlete of the Month makes me feel good because it means that my hard work has been paying off.”

Vella has had a great start to her girls soccer career at Jonathan Law and continues to be unstoppable. In the team’s first 10 games, Vella scored a total of 13 goals, including three hat tricks.

“Emily isn’t just an incredibly skilled player, scoring a hat trick in three separate games; she is the type of player that makes the players around her better,” Head Coach Mrs. Francisco said. “She is a playmaker, always looking to score but also always willing to give an assist, take a corner, play a different position, just do anything to help.” 

Vella not only plays on the soccer team but plays on the girls basketball team and is a member of the girls outdoor track team. Vella emphasized how excited she was that people saw her work paying off and voted for her. 

Venditti, meanwhile, has been a member of the boys soccer team since freshman year has now stepped up to be the goalie for his senior season. Venditti saw some time in the net last season, but for the Lawmen it was mostly Declan Wywoda. 

“I think I had some great saves that lead to us beating foran, and some all around good saves even in games that we lost,” Venditti said. “I am very excited that I was able to win this honor and look forward to continuing with the quality I have been showing.” 

The boys just recently qualified for states after defeating Lyman Hall 4-2 on their Senior Night. The Lawmen now sit 7-5-2 with two regular season games left. 

“I think Lucca embodies what a Jonathan Law athlete of the month stands for. Strong academics and high level play on the field,” Head Coach Mr. Gruber said. “Lucca has made some big saves on the soccer field that led our team to get some much needed results. He has been a leader on and off the field to our younger players and has been a pleasure to coach.” 

Venditti looks to continue to help the team in his last three regular season games and then throughout the postseason to try and extend his senior season as long as possible. 

Vella and Venditti were nominated for Athlete of the Month differently than previous nominees. In previous years, a Google Form would be posted on the Jonathan Law Athletics social media pages and anyone could nominate athletes for Athlete of the Month.

This year Athletic Director Tom Drew decided to switch things up. 

“By adjusting the way we select our athletes of the month we have increased participation significantly,” Drew said. “The convenience of a poll rather than filling out a nomination form has allowed for more voices in the Jonathan Law community to be heard when selecting this monthly honor.” 

By Adrian Vitale – Staff Reporter

Freshman Matthew Sanchez has made his mark on the Law boys soccer team this season as a swinger playing for both varsity and JV. 

Sanchez thinks playing both varsity and JV is a good opportunity to get better through more practices and games and he is grateful for the chance.

“I love having the chance to play with varsity players that have more experience with the sport,” Sanchez said. “While having JV can really bring an opportunity to help work on things like leadership.” 

Freshman Erik Borowski, who also plays both JV and varsity, agreed with Sanchez about the benefits of participating in both.

“As a freshman I would like to improve as much as I can,” Borowski said. “I can really do that, playing on both JV and varsity.” 

Many of Sanchez’s teammates and captains have been impressed with his play this season.

“After being on the same team as Matthew for a while now, he has shown great leadership skills and I can see him becoming a captain in the future,” freshman Yusuf Abdelsalam said. “He is always motivated and always strives to be better and brings his team with him. I believe in him and wish him the best.”

Showing how it is to be a teammate of Sanchez’s and how he has had such an affect on his teammates.

“He’s a good player that listens to the captains,” junior captain Jared Saludes said. “I’m glad that he’s a part of our team.”

Sanchez said he is very grateful that his teammates and captains think so highly of him.

“I am grateful and very happy to know that my teammates, and captains alike think of me so highly,” Sanchez said, “I’m glad to make my mark on this high school team at such a young age, and hope to bring this to varsity next year when I do hopefully make strictly varsity.” 

Sanchez said that he has been playing soccer since he was four years old.

“I think that my experience has also given me a great advantage in this field,” Sanchez said. “I think it has also given me a great advantage in my leadership skills compared to many of the other JV players.” 

By Logan Thomas – Staff Reporter

Senior Cam Upchurch has greatly impacted Jonathan Law’s fall and winter sports during his high school career.

The Law football team has started their season with a 2-1 record with wins against Notre Dame-West Haven and RHAM and a loss to Brookfield. Upchurch had an interception helping the team earn the victory over Notre Dame and made huge plays to stop Notre Dame’s offense.

Upchurch said he could not wait to start playing football at Law once he arrived. 

“I started playing when I came into Law as a freshman when all my friends were playing and I always wanted to play as well,” Upchurch said. 

To make Law football a better team, Upchurch’s goal is to make huge plays when they are needed. He tries to put his heart into his defense to stop the opposing team.

“He is an upperclassman on our team that is very respected,” sophomore quarterback Matthew Witteman said.

Upchurch’s hard work has paid off so far in the football season. 

“He does his role and listens to what he has to do and that makes him make plays,” senior Michael Merchant said. “He works hard on and off the field during practice and helps us push each other.”

This football season, Upchurch’s goal is to make states and win as many games as possible.

After football season is over, his attention turns to basketball. Two years ago, Upchurch helped the Law basketball team qualify for the State Tournament.

“I think most noticeably, Cameron’s level of confidence not only in himself but in his teammates has skyrocketed during his years at Jonathan Law playing hoops,” Assistant Coach Mr. McPartland said. “This not only positively impacts our team on the court, but also positively impacts his work in school as he has grown into a leader that our younger guys look up to and follow, and we’re proud to have him represent us as one of our captains.”

Teammates said that Upchurch is a very skilled basketball player due to his shooting and driving ability. His goal for the basketball team this season is to bring them back to States.

By Connor Ryan – Staff Reporter

Freshman Gabby Rodriguez, a goalie for the Law girls soccer team, is looking forward to the rest of the season.

Rodriguez has played soccer, softball, and basketball for years. She has been looking forward to her high school career, and she has already helped Law qualify for the State Tournament.

“Gabby has adapted very well to the varsity level,” Senior Captain Maddy Baranowsky said. ”She meshes really well with the team and is confident in her abilities.”

Junior Captain Avery Moulton has helped out Rodriguez, being open to her and helping her on and off the field. 

“As a captain, I have helped Gabby open up to the team on and off the field,”  Moulton said. “Being so close to Gabby on the field shows that we need to have a strong connection and have trust in one another.”

Rodriguez was nervous going into her freshman season. Once she arrived she felt very welcome and was invited to many of the activities the team had planned. 

“The team was very welcoming and friendly,” Rodriguez said. “They also went out of their way to include me and other underclassmen in everything.”

Moulton realized that Rodriguez was shy at first, but that has since changed.

“At the start of her freshman season she was very timid,” Junior Captain Avery Moulton said. “Everyday at conditioning or practices, I would talk to her and get her to open up and feel more comfortable around the team.”

Rodriguez has been a key player to this team this year and hopes to do the same for the rest of the season.

“Gabby has stepped into a starting varsity position without looking nervous,” Head Coach Mrs. Francisco said. “She has made huge saves to keep us in the lead and meshes well with the returning varsity players.”

Sophomore Emily Vella also gets help from Rodriguez by her communication skills. 

“Gabby is very communicative with us and is always very encouraging and supportive,” Vella said. “She also never fails to make us laugh, but she makes sure to listen to others instructions when the time comes.”

Rodriguez’s teammates and coaches are impressed by her calm demeanor on the field.

“Even though Gabby never seems nervous on the outside, I think as she develops over the next four years, she will gain confidence that is visible to all and intimidating to other teams,” Francisco said.

Francisco said she’s blessed to have two freshman goalkeepers – Rodriguez and Tamlyn Maher. She looks forward to seeing the two of them grow and develop.

“I am lucky to have two freshmen goalkeepers that I am confident in having in net,” Francisco said, “I look forward to seeing both of them develop the confidence and intimidation factor that I know they can have.”

By Brady O’Neil – Staff Reporter

Junior Jack Lefevre is entering his second football season at Law and is looking to improve from sophomore year.

Lefevre transferred to Law from Platt Tech after his freshmen year. He set some goals for himself and his team coming into this season. 

“I want to bring Law football to the playoffs and make the Honor Roll,” Lefevre said.

Lefevre plays on the offensive line as a right guard. Going into the offseason, he worked on his physical strength and endurance to make sure he can make an impact from day one.

“I wanted to make sure that I get in the weight room everyday to get stronger, and that I’m conditioned so I can have the endurance when it matters,” Lefevre said.

Lefevre has proven to be a leader to the incoming freshmen.

“Jack knows when to focus and pay attention when the time comes,” freshmen Connor Ryan said. “He’s made the adjustment to high school a lot easier for me, being an upperclassman he does a good job at welcoming the incoming players to make them a part of the community.”

By being an upperclassman, Lefevre has the responsibility of being a leader on the team. He can help his teammates in-game and in practice, no matter the state of the game.

“Jack does an excellent job at helping his teammates on the O-line,” freshmen Dylan Gillard said. “I hear him at practice all the time, yelling out tips to the linemen, and getting on people if they need it.”

Lefevre has worked hard for a very long time to reach his goals. He started at a very young age to have a chance to play at the collegiate level.

“My love for football started at a very young age when my dad took me to my first football game,” Lefevre said. “I used this as inspiration to get to college, as I hope that in the future I can get a walk-on spot for long snapping, or offered as a lineman.”

Levefre’s work ethic can be seen by many members on the team.

“Ever since I got close to Jack in middle school, he’s been one of the most hard-working people I know,” junior Roman Belbita said. “His knowledge of the game is what makes him stand out and on top of all that he’s a really good teammate.”

Lefevre’s determination also inspires members of the team to improve themselves.

“When you got a guy like that out there on the field, you see how his leadership and aggression is shown both on and off the field,” junior Brian Gonzalez said. “Hitting people until there helmet pops off and letting our team know when to wake up is what our team needs.”

Lefevre and the Lawmen are looking to make a statement in the coming weeks. They enter a long stretch of away games, after coming off of a huge upset against Notre Dame and a win against RHAM.

By Christian Galligan – Staff Reporter

With the 2024 boys soccer season underway, senior captain Alex Rodriguez is looking to lead the team to a strong finish.

Rodriguez has helped the team in many ways being the utility player the team needs, from playing defense, offense and never fearing his competition.  He plays with passion and is willing to do whatever it takes to win on the soccer field.  

“Alex is one of our most versatile soccer players on the pitch, when we need goals we try to move him up to the attacking areas on the field,” Head Coach Mr. Gruber said. “When we need to keep a lead or play tougher defense he is a center back that helps us win balls in the air and cuts off any through balls with his size and speed.”

Rodriguez said he always pushes the team to be their best. Teammates said mentality and commitment to the team helps to make him a strong player, and someone the younger players can look up to.

“Rodriguez took the preseason games seriously and showed up to every preseason practice,” senior Co-Captain Daniel Haluza said.  “One of our goals is to score at least one goal every game, and Alex can help contribute to that with his attacking ability.”

Rodriguez has never backed down from competition, and will play through injury if that’s what it means to help the team.

“Rodriguez knows what it means to be a Lawmen soccer player and has been battle tested over the years,” Gruber said.  “He has a presence about him that earns respect because of his work ethic.”

Rodriguez has tried to make freshman and first year players feel welcomed. 

“I always try my best and always think about the younger players as they are the future of the team,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez has made it very easy for the first year players to adapt and understand what it takes to be a varsity soccer player.

“Alex makes sure to let everyone know where to be, and when to be there,” first-year junior Ryan Nobles said.  “Being my first year, Alex has helped introduce me to the game, and makes sure everyone feels welcomed and knows what’s going on.”

Rodriguez helps to keep the team in every game, even against tougher competition, with his constant drive and determination to win games.  

“Alex keeps our team in games with his great defensive effort and has helped us greatly against good teams we have faced,” sophomore Max Moller said. 

Rodriguez has his eyes set on a goal for the year and is looking for ways to meet those goals.

“The team’s main goals are to make states, and beat Foran,” Rodriguez said.

The Jonathan Law soccer team has high hopes for the remainder of the season and Rodriguez is very confident he’ll be able to reach his goals and be able to lead the team to their goals.

By Aaryan Doshi – Staff Reporter 

Senior Michael Merchant is a key player on both the baseball and football teams at Jonathan Law. 

In his sophomore season as a pitcher, Merchant committed to play Division 1 baseball at Rutgers. Merchant got into football when he was younger because his brothers both played and taught him how to play. 

“When I committed, I felt very proud of myself and very grateful for the coaches to give me the opportunity and it was very awesome celebrating with my family and friends,” Merchant said.

Merchant likes to play safety in football because it is similar to baseball. He likes to be behind everyone on defense and make great plays, and he credits his coaches for helping him get ready to play. 

“Our coaches help us every day by working on many things that are making us better daily and preparing us for the future,” Merchant said. 

Merchant brings leadership to the baseball and football field by helping his teammates fix their mistakes.

“Michael is a good team player because he helps teach the younger players how to be better and play their position the right way,” Senior Cameron Upchurch said. “Michael works with his teammates by telling them what they are doing wrong and the right way to do things.”

Merchant’s goal for football is to win on senior night and celebrate with his friends and teammates. 

“Michael just does what helps the team, no matter what is asked on and off the field,” Senior Christian Galligan said. “He’s always rooting for his teammates, no matter what, and he always has faith in his teammates.” 

His goal for baseball is to make it farther than they did last year and win the state championship game. Merchant has helped his team by doing his job and focusing on the good, not the bad.

“What makes me a great team player is that I do what I need to do and I help the kids that are younger than me that are trying to learn how to play,” Merchant said. 

Merchant’s coaches believe he is a role model to the younger players.

“Michael, particularly this past summer, has taken a number of the younger players under his wing,” Assistant Baseball Coach Mr. McPartland said. “He has set up a few captain’s practices to best prepare our guys for the upcoming season.”

Merchant helps kids and players learn the fundamentals and he gets people to join him for summer practices with other captains. 

“Michael is a good team player because he picks people up on the bench if they did something bad and always keeps everyone happy,” Sophomore Aiden Ramos said. “ During the off-season, he gets people together to go to the field and hit and he offers rides to people who don’t have them.”

By Reid Moulton – Staff Reporter 

Junior Captain Avery Moulton and the Law girls soccer team have started their season 7-1 and have officially clinched a state berth.

One of the reasons for the team’s strong start is the play of Moulton on the defensive side of the ball. Moulton helped the team last year on their way to states and made All-SCC First Team. 

“My personal goals for this season are to make All-SCC First Team again“ Moulton said. “My teammates make the game more fun, they all have such high energy and positive attitudes that they brush off on me.”

Moulton says that she has been working during the whole offseason, as she hopes to get recruited by a Division I school.

“The connections and confidence we have in one another, we push each other at practice to make each other better,” Moulton said  “During the summer, I would train with college players, some of my teammates, and other girls from high club teams three times a week, we would work on fitness, shooting, and technical skills, this helped me stay in shape for the season.”

Moulton has been a key player for the defense for three years, and as she continues to play, she hopes to keep the defense close as a group.

“She pushes other girls off the ball with ease, does not ever ask for a sub, and is a clear leader on/off the field,” Head Coach Mrs. Francisco said. “She always puts in 110% effort into anything she is doing.”

Junior Captain Layla Alogna and Moulton have been playing with each other for a couple of years.

“She brings positivity and encouragement to the team, she knows how to give constructive criticism to help myself and our teammates grow,” Alogna said. “Avery is one of our key players, she controls the defensive line and has great vision of the field and is always communicating to the rest of the team on and off the field.”

Freshman goalie Gabby Rodriguez and Moulton have developed a strong chemistry during the season.

“Besides Avery’s many soccer skills, her leadership on the field is essential to winning each game, this is because she is great at controlling the back line and making sure everyone stays out of their heads,” Rodriguez said. “From the start of the season, Avery has always reached out to the underclassmen and made us feel welcomed. Since then, she and I have become good friends and I relied on her with any questions.”

Junior Fiorella Gargiulo and Moulton have been playing for two years, and since Gargiulo is a midfielder, she helps Moulton on defense.

“Avery has always been a great player but recently she has really upped her game,” Gargiulo said. “She directs the field and doesn’t let any balls go by her. Avery pushes the team by making sure we are all on time for practice and making the best out of time on the field.”

By Dylan Gaillard – Staff Reporter 

Senior Charlie Becker, one of the captains of the 2024 Jonathan Law football team, is looking to lead the Lawmen to a successful season. 

Becker is a three-year starter. He was the starting quarterback his junior year and moved to wide receiver for the remainder of his junior season and has remained a wide receiver for his senior season. 

“He works just as hard if not harder than everyone; he shows up to everything and takes every bit of coaching you give him,” Offensive Coordinator Ryan Pearson said. “Charlie has always done what the program has asked from him.”

Becker always puts his best foot forward and tries to help the team in any way possible.

“I will help by giving my all for the team and working hard every day,” Becker said.

His coaches said that Becker is a role model on the field but even more off the field.

“Off the field, he models the ideal image and lifestyle of what we are looking for in captains,” Head Coach Chris Haley said. “He is a trusted member of our family and is incredibly fitting for the job.”

While Becker is a great athlete and teammate on the field, Peasrson said is an even better person off it. 

“While he does a lot on the field, he also excels in the classroom and is a very respectful to all staff in the building and always polite to anyone he comes across,” Pearson said.

Becker’s teammates see his devotion to the team and his ability to drive and make the Lawman better these past four years. 

“Charlie has shown four years of hard work, has shown up to every event and every workout,” senior Jack DiStassio said. “So no one deserves it more than him.”

Becker being a captain and a senior he has the responsibility to help and make sure his fellow teammates know what they are doing. 

“He is very talented and cares alot about the development of the underclassmen,” sophomore Matthew Witteman said. “He should be a captain because he has been here for four years and has always been someone everyone looks up to.”

The Becker family has been a part of the Law football team for a long time. Charlie’s older brother Mikey Becker was the starting quarterback for the Lawmen in 2019.

“The Becker family is a huge name in Law football and Charlie has surpassed all the hype he had coming into the program and continues to excel,” Pearson said.

By Dani Kotansky – Staff Reporter 

The Jonathan Law girls volleyball team welcomed freshman Cayleigh Glynn as one of its newest team members this season. 

Glynn started playing volleyball at open gym sessions after deciding not to play basketball this past winter. She has settled in well to her role, despite being younger than most of the rest of the team.

“At first, it was a bit hard to talk to the upperclassmen, but they were so welcoming and accepted me right away,” Glynn said.

The middle hitter has loved the energy the team has brought so far this season. 

“The team atmosphere is very welcoming and cheerful and everyone on the team is so nice to me.” Glynn said. “The whole team has such nice girls and always encourage you to do better.”

Varsity coach Ms. Loch saw many great qualities in the freshman star.

“Cayleigh is very coachable,” Loch said. “She takes her coach’s corrections well and works to adjust immediately.”

Glynn’s positive attitude has not gone unnoticed, especially to senior captain Ellie Coddington.

“Cayleigh puts so much effort into playing and it definitely does not go unnoticed,” Coddington said. “She brings positivity to the court and loves to celebrate her kills and our overall team wins.”

Glynn has made a good impression on her teammates with her skill, but her personality has been an even bigger factor in her success. 

Junior Maddie Benedetti just started playing with Glynn this season, but has already seen her talent and responsibility shine. 

“She knows that her responsibilities on the court are different when she plays on varsity versus junior varsity and respects everyone on the team,” Benedetti said.

Glynn hopes to have success throughout the rest of the season. 

“I think if our whole team keeps our energy up and communicates during games and plays to our full potential then we will make it far,” Glynn said.

Freshman Emma Heinmiller has been playing with Glynn on the junior varsity team and appreciates the talent she has brought to the team. 

“Cayleigh’s biggest strength is her serving,” Heinmiller said. “She almost never misses a serve and gets an ace every game.”

Glynn enjoys all the aspects of playing volleyball, but her favorite part is spiking. 

“I love everything about volleyball, but my favorite part is probably spiking and hitting,” Glynn said. “I just always love when we do hitting drills or anything like that.”

By Ella Franzman – Editor-In-Chief & Editorial Editor

Jonathan Law senior Chloe Konareski committed to University of Connecticut to continue her athletic career playing Division I womens lacrosse. 

The decision comes from years of training and hard work playing not just lacrosse but playing basketball, soccer, running cross country and many other sports played throughout her life before high school. 

“My recruiting process was incredibly stressful,” Konareski said. “Playing club, there’s this intense focus on the future, with everyone aiming to reach to play at the highest level possible in college”.”

Konareski played club lacrosse with Nor’easter Lacrosse Power ’25 and is a defensive midfielder. 

“It feels so relieving to be committed,” Konareski said. “After putting in so much work and time into the game and it all finally paying off is such a good feeling.” 

Law Athletic Director Mr. Drew formerly coached the girls lacrosse team at Foran and faced Konareski on the field.

“I remember coaching against Chloe her freshman year and it was clear then that she was destined for great things,” Drew said. “Chloe has established herself not only as one of the best lacrosse players in Law history but one of the great leaders as well.  She will go on and do great things at UConn.”

Konareski has already made some great bonds and friendships with her soon to be teammates, including a member of her club team who has also recently committed to UConn. 

“The feeling of being best friends with all my future teammates already and knowing I made the best decision I could is such a weight off my shoulders and makes me so excited for the future,” Konareski said. “I believe I wouldn’t be this happy committing anywhere else.”

Konareski described the recruitment process to be stressful but super exciting all at the same time.

“Attending tournaments every single weekend, looking over to see the sidelines packed with college coaches, the rush of checking which coaches viewed your IWLCA profile after the game, it’s such an exhilarating, specific feeling,” Konareski said.

Law girls lacrosse coach Chloe Oliver described Konareski as an extremely humble and special athlete who elevates the level of game around her. 

“Chloe is commended often by other coaches, referees, and fans for her astounding grit,” Oliver said. “We know that Chloe is going to do great things at UConn and are very proud of her.”

By Chloe Edmonds – News Editor

The Jonathan Law cross country team kicked off the 2024 season on September 6 with their first meet at Sheehan on a 2.8 mile course. 

The team is keeping things similar to last year in terms of practice and have already seen their times improve.

“The team has been doing most things the same as last year,” sophomore Matt Montini said. “It’s our second year with our new coach Mr. Beler.”

The boys captains this year are seniors Matt Berendt, Ryan Chey, Carl Wischow, and Harry Fisher. The girls captains are seniors Alana Pires and Skye Hamilton.

“My hopes for the season is to have a good one since it is my last,” Pires said. “I want to enjoy it and work hard to try to achieve goals.”

Members of the team want to continue to improve upon their times and are looking to PR this season. 

“We all really just want to improve our times during meets – thats the main goal,” sophomore Pierce Marini said. 

The team is focusing on the underclassmen, training them for future meets and their upcoming years. 

“My first year on the teams going well the team is super welcoming and I’m happy to be a part of it,” sophomore Alivia Kaplanka said. 

Team members are making individual goals for themselves as well.

“Im looking to improve on my stamina and pace as well as motivation and mentality,” sophomore Sam Mayugba said.

Overall, the team is ready to work hard and make this season a great one. 

“I’m looking to improve on courses with lots of hills and run a 5K in under 19 minutes,” Montini said. ”One hope I have for the season is for everyone on the team to run a personal best time.”