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Athletics Update: Lightbody Joins Coaching Staff

John O’Neill, Director of Athletics
January 17, 2025

Xander Lightbody ’20 has signed on to help coach the wrestling team this season. Xander was introduced to wrestling at Belmont Day during middle school and had a successful high school career on the mat. In his freshman year at the University of Massachusetts, Xander wrestles recreationally but shifted his focus to jujitsu. Xander has teamed up with long-time assistant coach Vlad Hucko and has immediately impacted the team thanks to his wealth of technical knowledge and ability to connect with the athletes. During his first interscholastic meet on the sidelines, the Blue & Gold wrestled strong, taking Roxbury Latin the distance and winning some impressive matches. Rookies Gael Cruz Marcos and Colin Walker looked like seasoned veterans by winning tough matches against more experienced opponents while second year wrestler Ashley Fleming stole the show with a gritty three round win. The team will look to keep their momentum rolling next week at home against Fenn.

  • The boys’ JV basketball team had their first win of the season this week, taking down Shady Hill 38-15. Santi Aguerrevere ran the court well and Clark Rutherford was a beast in the paint.
  • The girls’ JV basketball team remains undefeated following a 20-13 win over Shady Hill. Christian Samuel played amazing defense and Bella Tan scored a game-high 11 points.
  • Fencing improved to 4-0 after a 19-8 win against Shady Hill. Rookie epee fencer Jacob Jarbeau shined on the strip, winning 2 of his 3 bouts. Classmate Raphael Hsia also had a nice win.
  • Samantha Cuming played her best game of the season during girls’ varsity basketball’s big win over Shady Hill. Penny Gottesman and Colby Schneider both had strong minutes.
  • Boys’ varsity basketball newcomers Ben Fleming and Zeke Fine continue to gain experience on the court. The team dropped their fourth straight game of the season vs SHS.
  • Seventh grade classmates Eyan Morales and Sam Springer had a good week of practice for the intramural basketball team. Both players were active on the court, improving their skills.
  • The sixth grade squash team traveled to MIT this week. Olivia Hu dominated on the court with long rallies and great serves while Boya Yun enjoyed success with strong shot placement.
  • Tallulah Chipman, Mika Elsner, and Josie Goldstyn have been learning holds, tying knots, and route planning during the climbing team’s work on the Belmont Day traverse wall.
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