High school athlete Q&As

May 24, 2009

Q&A // Matt Soldano, Annapolis Area Christian, boys lacrosse

Annapolis Area Christian School senior Matt Soldano couldn't have asked for a better way to close out his high school career. In Monday's Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association B Conference championship game against John Carroll, the standout attackman produced seven goals and one assist, including all five of the Eagles' first-half goals. Soon after teammate John Phillips scored in the second overtime for a 14-13 win, Soldano was holding up the elusive championship plaque that signified the program's first title. Soldano, a four-year varsity player, broke the program's single-season record for points this season with 110, scoring 59 goals and dishing out 51 assists. A three-sport standout, Soldano also played football and basketball for the Eagles. While academics and sports dominated his high school days, Soldano also was a member of the marching band in his freshman year. Maintaining a 3.3 grade-point average, he will attend Eastern University in Philadelphia and was recently accepted into the school's Templeton Honors College program.

May 24, 2009

Q&A // Marie Yuille, Oakland Mills, track and field

If there is anything to complain about junior Marie Yuille, said Oakland Mills coach Sam Singleton, it is her work ethic.

May 17, 2009

Q&A // Kyle Fairchild, Chesapeake, track and field

Chesapeake senior runner Kyle Fairchild played soccer, basketball and baseball in his first year of high school. But the challenge and dedication that comes with running was something that soon became a passion.

May 17, 2009

Q&A // Josh Bair, Mount Hebron, Track and Field

Just a year ago, Mount Hebron's Josh "Jay" Bair couldn't so much as qualify for the finals of his best event, the triple-jump, at the Howard County championships. With his other event, the 300 hurdles, taking place just before his first jump, he was simply too spent to be effective.

May 3, 2009

Striving for success

The Harvard-bound senior is first in a class of 124 at St. Mary's, maintaining a 4.375 grade point average while excelling in athletics and community work. Gonos, a standout and captain on the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association B Conference champion football team, now hopes to close out his athletic high school career with an A Conference championship in lacrosse. A captain and one of the area's most gifted defenseman, Gonos thrives on the challenge of containing some of the league's most dangerous attackmen. Among his numerous achievements, he was awarded the St. Mary's Citizenship and Spirit Award; Kevin Reichardt Scholarship Award and Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award. Gonos has been a retreat leader, assisted in food drives during the holidays and enjoys coaching youth lacrosse. He plans to study engineering at Harvard.

May 3, 2009

Gravdahl 'knows how to play the game'

At Long Reach High School, softball coach Chuck Struhar said "a coach could go an entire career without finding another player" like senior catcher Michelle Gravdahl.

May 10, 2009

Q&A // Wes Hand, Atholton, baseball

You have to keep an eye on Atholton's No. 5, because the player wearing that number could be on the pitching mound, at short stop, catcher or catching fly balls in center field. Wes Hand willingly lends one whenever Raiders coach Kevin Kelly calls.

May 10, 2009

Q&A // Meghan Eshleman, Broadneck, lacrosse

Broadneck junior attacker Meghan Eshleman takes pride in being at her best in the toughest moments. In those times, she wants the ball and wants to make the difference, whether she's scoring or finding a teammate. The No. 3 Bruins took a season-opening loss to Annapolis as a lesson learned, rolling through the regular season with a 13-1 mark that included the Anne Arundel County championship and the inaugural District V championship, when they beat Howard County champ and No. 4 Mount Hebron last week, 11-9. Eshleman, who went into yesterday's playoff game with 52 goals and 13 assists, scored the Bruins last three goals in the win. Along with lacrosse, which she has been playing since the first grade, Eshleman also is a standout midfielder in field hockey and is a member of the National Honor Society. Maintaining a 4.15 grade-point average, she has already committed to playing lacrosse at James Madison.

April 26, 2009

Q&A // Karlee Martini, North County, softball

A few days after this interview, Karlee Martini, the Knights' senior pitcher and captain, learned she had a blood clot in her right arm, which prematurely ended her season. Despite the setback, it's safe to say Martini got plenty of mileage out of her high school career. In her four years on varsity, Martini played every position for the Knights aside from first base and catcher. This year, she welcomed the responsibility of being the Knights' No. 1 pitcher while taking on the leadership role that comes with playing on a young team that has only four starters.

April 26, 2009

Q&A // Curtis Adams, Glenelg, lacrosse

A year ago, Curtis Adams was a junior on Glenelg's state championship lacrosse team. This season, he is the lone senior starter on an 8-2 team (7-1 in Howard County) and, according to his coach, Josh Hatmaker, providing the core leadership the Gladiators need to return to the state playoffs and, perhaps, another title.

April 23, 2009

Q&A // Sasha Smallwood, Pikesville, track and field

Ever since she was a little girl bouncing off the furniture, Sasha Smallwood has liked flying through the air. Now, as a sophomore pole vaulter at Pikesville, she does it almost every day - reaching a Class 1A state-record 11 feet, 1 inch in winning the state indoor championship two months ago in only her second year in the sport. Small for a pole vaulter at 5 feet 2, Smallwood, 15, hopes to reach the Olympics someday, but first she wants to qualify for the Junior Olympics this summer. She will be vaulting Thursday at the Penn Relays. Also in the drama club, Smallwood had a major role in A Raisin in the Sun.

April 12, 2009

Q&A // Austin Lopez , Northeast High, cross country

An excellent student and accomplished musician, Northeast senior Austin Lopez was looking for a challenge that would take him outside of his comfort zone when he began high school. He found running. Lopez, a distance runner for Northeast's outdoor track and field team for four years, ran cross country for three and participated for two years in indoor track. Taking part in athletics, he said, has brought camaraderie, a formidable challenge and a diversion from his other activities at Northeast. Lopez is the school's valedictorian, maintaining a 4.56 weighted grade point average. Last week, he was accepted by Princeton, where, he said, he plans to study something involving research. Along with academics and running, Lopez plays saxophone in the school band. He is a member of the men's ensemble, and he plays and teaches the ukulele.

April 12, 2009

Q&A // Travis and Tyler Clark , Hammond, baseball

The Clark twins, Travis and Tyler, are described by Hammond baseball coach Mike Lerner as "dramatically" different from each other in personality, but quite similar in nature when it comes to baseball.

April 9, 2009

Q&A // Andrew Huber, Patapsco, baseball

Baseball has become a way of life for Andrew Huber, a second baseman and pitcher for No. 8 Patapsco. The senior right-hander, 18, is still coming back from an operation in August 2007 to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow, commonly known as Tommy John surgery. He plans to play baseball next year at CCBC-Catonsville. He also played soccer for the Patriots.

April 5, 2009

Q&A // Beth Glaros, Wilde Lake, lacrosse

Wilde Lake coach Sherri Malloy is momentarily silent when she is asked about what it is the Wildecats' lacrosse midfielder Beth Glaros does well.

April 5, 2009

Q&A // Stefanie Paskal, Archbishop Spalding, lacrosse

Spalding senior Stefanie Paskal has plenty to do in a short period of time as her high school days come to an end. The prom and graduation are givens, and winning an Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference championship would be a nice bonus. Paskal, a four-year starter, has moved to midfield after playing her first three years on attack, helping the No. 7 Cavaliers get off to a 7-0 start. She's made a smooth adjustment, scoring 20 goals and adding nine assists while enjoying the other responsibilities that come with playing in the middle of the field.

March 15, 2009

Q&A // Ron Vaughters, Old Mill, wrestling/lacrosse

A little over a week ago, Old Mill's Ron Vaughters claimed his first state wrestling title, defeating Urbana's Peter Tatanish at Cole Field House.

March 15, 2009

Q&A // Scott Trench, River Hill, multiple sports

River Hill senior Scott Trench is what his wrestling coach Brandon Lauer calls "a throwback" - a high school athlete who excels not at one or even two sports, but three.

March 12, 2009

Q&A // Nichelle Groom, Digital Harbor, basketball

At 5 feet 3 inches, Nichelle Groom is the driving force behind No.7 Digital Harbor's offense. The junior point guard averages six assists to go along with nine points and five steals for the Rams (22-3), who are headed to tomorrow night's state Class1A semifinals for the second year in a row. Groom, who has a 3.5grade-point average, wants to play basketball in college.

March 8, 2009

Q&A // Gionni Williams, Oakland Mills, basketball

Oakland Mills senior Gionni Williams says he's always been a scorer, even from his earliest days playing basketball.

March 8, 2009

Q&A // Jen Whitfield, South River, track and field

South River senior Jen Whitfield got hooked on pole vaulting in her freshman year, and she's been clearing the cross bar ever since. Competing in the indoor and outdoor seasons for four years, she has won one state title (her sophomore year in indoor) and has finished second at states in each of her first three years of outdoor. She would like nothing better than to come away with that elusive outdoor state title this spring.

March 5, 2009

Q&A // Xavier Drake, Milford Mill, basketball

A 5-foot-11 point guard, Xavier Drake averages 15 points and six assists for No.3 Milford Mill, which won the Baltimore County championship two weeks ago. The senior can't get enough of the game and plays year-round, including through the summer with recreation leagues and Baltimore Neighborhood Basketball League. He has drawn some attention from DivisionII and III college coaches and hopes to play DivisionI. He has a 2.9 grade-point average and wants to become a sports agent.

March 1, 2009

Q&A // Houston Zemanski, Broadneck, wrestling

Broadneck senior Houston Zemanski was 6 years old when his father took him to a youth wrestling practice. His first year didn't go so well, and he quit. Not one to quit, he was back on the mat the next year, and the sport has become a fixture that has helped define him.

March 1, 2009

Q&A // Jennifer Shacreaw, Atholton, basketball

Jennifer Shacreaw's name is not going to be found at the top of the Atholton Raiders' scoring or minutes-played lists, but on the court and in the locker room, Shacreaw, one of two seniors on the Raiders' 13-9 team this season, is the lifeline to a steady, stable performance and a direct line into what coach Maureen Shacreaw, her mother, is thinking.

February 26, 2009

Q&A // Rachel Smith, Perry Hall, basketball

A junior forward for Perry Hall's up-and-coming girls basketball team, Rachel Smith has been a varsity athlete since the first season of her freshman year. She also plays field hockey and lacrosse and was captain of the hockey and basketball teams this school year. Smith, whose Gators are seeded second in the Class4A North region, averages 10.2 points and 6.3 rebounds. She plans to become a nurse. Smith also hunts deer with her dad.

February 22, 2009

Q&A // Adam Senholzi, Severna Park, basketball

Away from the basketball court, Severna Park's 6-foot-5 senior center Adam Senholzi will tell you he's a quiet guy for the most part. On the court, that all changes.

February 22, 2009

Q&A // Chris Baker, Hammond , basketball

Hammond boys basketball guard Chris Baker leads the team in scoring with 20.1 points a game, but the senior also sets the level of play for his Golden Bear teammates through his vocal encouragement and his physical efforts.

February 19, 2009

Q&A // Terrell Vinson, St. Frances, basketball

After playing three years for the nationally ranked boys basketball program at Montrose Christian in Rockville, Terrell Vinson returned home to play his final season for St.Frances, emerging as one of the best players in the area. Vinson, a 6-foot-7 forward, scored 16points in Tuesday's Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association AConference semifinal win over Loyola. His No.2 Panthers finished the regular season 18-0 in the AConference and 14-0 in the Baltimore Catholic League. Vinson, who has a 3.0 grade-point average, had made an oral commitment to Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles, but he reopened his recruiting after the head coach resigned last month.

February 15, 2009

Q&A // Alex Vega, River Hill, basketball

River Hill point guard Alex Vega doesn't get much attention, but she is a key contributor and anchor of the Hawks, who were 19-0 as of Thursday.

February 15, 2009

Q&A // Simone Egwu, Arundel, basketball

Simone Egwu for president? Maybe someday. For now, Egwu's attention is focused on finishing her senior year at Arundel, leading the Wildcats to a state title and getting ready to play basketball and study political science at the University of Virginia next year. A four-year starter and All-Metro forward, the 6-foot-4 Egwu averages 16 points, 12 rebounds and is a dominant player on defense. One thing she is missing on her impressive basketball resume is a state title. The program has captured three, with the last coming in 2004. Last year, the Wildcats fell to Eleanor Roosevelt, 52-50 in the Class 4A title game. With a weighted 4.3 grade-point average, Egwu excels in the classroom. She has aspirations of becoming a senator or the president. Along with sports (she also played volleyball) and her studies, Egwu is a council member of the school's Kickoff Mentor Program, which helps freshman adjust to high school; treasurer of the International Honor Society; and a peer mediator.

February 8, 2009

Q&A // Steve Canterbury, Howard, wrestling

Howard High School wrestler Steve Canterbury is a senior tri-captain on a rebuilding team for the second time in his four-year career with the Lions.

February 8, 2009

Q&A // Aaron Williams, Meade High, track and field

Senior sprinter Aaron Williams was surrounded by outstanding talent at Meade in past years, including 2008 grad and Clemson freshman Justin Murdock. This season has been Williams' time in the spotlight.

February 5, 2009

Q&A // Karl Green, Mount St. Joseph, wrestling

Karl Green grew up wrestling. His father, Tom Green, and all four of his brothers - Tommy, 24; Joe, 20; Michael, 15; and Matthew, 13 - were into the sport. By the time Karl got to wrestling power Mount St.Joseph, he fit right in. Last season, he won the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association and state private schools titles and finished fifth at the National Preps championships in the heavyweight division. Now a junior, 6feet3 and 290pounds, Karl is 29-1 as the No.1 Gaels head into this weekend's MIAA finals. He also played football for the Gaels and works in his family's business, Atlantic Catering. When he has free time, he likes deer hunting and paint ball.

February 1, 2009

Q&A // Alicia Seelaus, River Hill, basketball

The label "smart player" is often overused, but few descriptions are more appropriate for River Hill High School senior Alicia Seelaus.

February 1, 2009

Q&A // Kim Wayson, Southern, basketball

From a sports standpoint at Southern, senior Kim Wayson has things covered from every angle. As a four-year varsity player on the soccer team, she played forward and scored plenty of goals. In lacrosse, her favorite sport and the one she will play next year at York (Pa.) College, Wayson does a little of everything. She has played midfield on varsity since her freshman year. Now, her attention is on basketball, and she specializes on defense at her guard spot. After reaching the state tournament in her sophomore season, she would like nothing better than a return trip to close out her career. By the time Wayson ends her three-sport career, she will likely have earned 10 varsity letters.

January 29, 2009

Q&A // Keirah Hicks, Western, basketball

Senior Keirah Hicks started her high school basketball career at Southside but transferred after her sophomore year to Western, looking for stronger academic and athletic challenges. She played in the state finals with Southside as a freshman, but when coach Dafne Lee-Blakney left, Hicks departed too. With the No. 2 Doves, she is one of the better players in a strong backcourt. The 5-foot-6 guard averages 11.1 points as well as 2.7 assists and two steals. Hicks wants to play in college and is considering her options. An Amateur Athletic Union veteran, she has a "B" average and plans to major in business.

January 25, 2009

Q&A // Nathan Kraisser, Centennial, wrestling

Nathan Kraisser is a freshman at Centennial High School who has already become a standout in the Eagles' wrestling program.

January 25, 2009

Q&A // Felipe Aleman, Old Mill, wrestling

In his first season as a starter on varsity, Old Mill's 119-pound junior Felipe Aleman will tell you there's pressure that comes with wrestling for such a storied, successful program.

January 22, 2009

Q&A // Giles Smith, McDonogh, swimming

McDonogh senior Giles Smith is an eight-time All-America swimmer who had three national age-group rankings last year. He excels in the sprints, especially the 50-yard freestyle and the 200 butterfly, and he is an integral part of several Eagles relay teams.

January 18, 2009

Q&A // Kathleen Stafford, Mount Hebron, basketball

Junior Kathleen Stafford does all the little things that give her Mount Hebron basketball team a chance to win. Her coach, Scott Robinson, can't say enough good things about her.

January 18, 2009

Q&A // Felipe Aleman, Old Mill, wrestling

In his first season as a starter on varsity, Old Mill's 119-pound junior Felipe Aleman will tell you there's pressure that comes with wrestling for such a storied, successful program.

January 15, 2009

Q&A // Shamika Williams, Catonsville, basketball

Catonsville guard Shamika Williams drew a lot of attention last year when she led the Comets to an upset victory over Western at the Basketball Academy. She later scored 27points in leading her team to the Baltimore County title, earning a spot on the All-Metro first team. This season, Williams, 17, is again the centerpiece of the Comets' unbeaten No.9 team. The multitalented 5-foot-7 player averages 15.7points, 9.3rebounds, 4.3steals and 3.5assists. A veteran of the Baltimore Cougars Amateur Athletic Union program, Williams signed early to play for UMBC. She plans to study social sciences and is interested in the therapy field. She also has a job as a waitress as the Charlestown retirement community.

December 28, 2008

Q&A // Eddie Moon, Annapolis, basketball

Every successful basketball team could use a player like Annapolis senior Eddie Moon. The 6-foot-4 forward works hard in practice and brings positive energy to the game, always coming with a team-first approach that is infectious. In his second year of varsity and first as a starter, Moon is averaging five points and seven rebounds a game to help the Panthers get off to a 5-1 start.

December 28, 2008

Q&A // Brandie Wingate, Howard, basketball

Howard senior Brandie Wingate, the daughter of David Wingate, who played at Dunbar, Georgetown and in the NBA, isn't afraid to tell her teammates what she thinks before and after games. During games, the 6-1 point guard/forward is busy averaging 15.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 steals and three assists.

December 28, 2008

Q&A // Amanda Deller, Aberdeen, basketball

Aberdeen senior Amanda Deller has grown into one of the most solid centers in Harford County.

November 30, 2008

Q&A // Kristin Anderson, Centennial, volleyball

Centennial volleyball player Kristin Anderson, a middle hitter, made her mark in the sport this season, helping to lead her team to its 14th state 3A championship, but she and her coach, Larry Schofield, both say volleyball was not her first love.

November 30, 2008

Q&A // Luke Jackson, Bel Air, ice hockey

Senior Luke Jackson is a student at Bel Air High, but it says "Fallston" on his hockey jersey. That's because Fallston is the only Harford County school that plays the sport, and it draws players from around the county. Fallston, which is a club team, began its season last week.

November 30, 2008

Q&A // Caroline Jacobs, Broadneck, volleyball

Caroline Jacobs is no stranger to success. Recently, the Broadneck senior rang up 12 kills, four aces and three blocks against Thomas Johnson, helping lead her team to its second straight Class 4A state volleyball title.

November 6, 2008

Q&A // Ellis Foster, City, football

Ellis Foster has been City's starting quarterback since his freshman year, and Saturday he will lead the Knights into the 120th City-Poly game at M&T Bank Stadium. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound senior is looking for his fourth straight victory in the rivalry that is the second-oldest continuous public high school rivalry in the nation. Foster, 17, who started with the Pop Warner Northeast Chargers, has gained 1,772 total yards and scored 18 touchdowns this season for the Knights. He wants to play football in college and is getting a look from Rutgers. He has a 2.7 grade-point average and plans to major in engineering or graphic design. He is interested in becoming a sports videographer.

November 6, 2008

Q&A // Becky Yep, Mount Hebron, cross country

Hampered by injuries her first two seasons, Mount Hebron cross-country standout Becky Yep is finally at full strength and showing off her potential.

November 6, 2008

Q&A // Josh Eure, South River, golf

Asked what his best moment was on the golf course, South River senior Josh Eure didn't hesitate, blurting out a reply before the question was finished. "This week, by far," he said. After capturing his second Class 4A-3A state championship Thursday - making three straight birdies on the back nine of the second day to seal the win - Eure bested a field of 60 to win the Golfweek Junior Invitational in Pinehurst, N.C. Eure, who has accepted a scholarship to golf at Arkansas next year, maintains a 3.95 grade point average. He's a member of the National Honor Society and also worked on the school's yearbook last year. He also enjoys playing recreation-league basketball, street hockey and football with friends.

October 30, 2008

Q&A // Amina Jugo, Kenwood, volleyball

When Amina Jugo moved with her family to the United States from Mostar, Bosnia, seven years ago, she met another Bosnian youngster, Azra Hosic, who talked her into playing club volleyball. Now Jugo, 5 feet 7, is a strong outside hitter for the Bluebirds. A 17-year-old senior, she is enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program at Kenwood and has a 3.6 grade-point average. She is active in the National Honor Society and has been involved with the literary magazine and the Model United Nations. Interested in languages, she plans to attend college nearby so she can remain close with her family: mother, Jasmina; sister Ajla, who also plays for Kenwood; and brother Maid, 11. She remains in close contact with her many relatives in Bosnia.

October 30, 2008

Q&A // Aaron Hawkins, Old Mill, football

One of the top heavyweight wrestlers in the area, Old Mill's Aaron Hawkins has shown over the past two seasons that he's a natural in football, as well. Just a year after first picking up the sport, the senior is considered among the elite defensive linemen in Anne Arundel County, helping his 7-1 team give up fewer than 13 points per game.

October 30, 2008

Q&A // Camille Freeman, Wilde Lake, volleyball

Camille Freeman, a 16-year-old senior at Wilde Lake, captains the Wildecats varsity volleyball team and is, in the words of her coach, Caitlin Geoghan, "the most vocal leader we have."

October 26, 2008

Q&A // Alfredo Deschamps, Havre de Grace, football

Havre de Grace senior fullback-linebacker Alfredo Deschamps loves to play football, but the senior also has plenty going on off the field.

October 12, 2008

Q&A // Steve Hemmig, Bel Air, football

Playing your first season at the varsity level is a tough enough proposition for many high school football players. For Bel Air sophomore Steve Hemmig, the learning curve is even steeper.

September 18, 2008

Q&A // Liz Snyder, Centennial, field hockey

With nine shutouts last season and a 91 percent save rate, Centennial senior Liz Snyder is one of the top field hockey goalies in the metro area. It is her life experience, however, that also makes her one of the best leaders.

September 18, 2008

Q&A // Kelly Chapman, South River, field hockey

Talk about learning on the job: South River senior Kelly Chapman - who was born in Alaska and has lived in Hawaii, Kansas and Korea among other places as part of a military family - had never even heard of field hockey until she moved to the area in the eighth grade. So after a two-year introduction on the junior varsity and then her junior season on varsity, Chapman is a team captain this fall and the only returning starter on defense. Chapman has enjoyed the challenge of leading the Seahawks to another promising season, but that's not all she does at South River. She maintains a 4.0 grade point average and is a National Honor Society member; runs indoor and outdoor track; and is a leader in two school clubs: Success Team and O Ambassadors. Chapman is hoping to receive an ROTC scholarship and has William & Mary and American University at the top of her college possibilities, with an interest in studying international diplomacy.

1:26 AM EDT, June 1, 2008

Q&A // Maura Linde, Century, track

Maura Linde never realized prior to this school year that she had what it took to make her mark as a high school distance runner. In her freshman year at Century, however, Linde exceeded her wildest expectations, leaving an indelible impression.

May 25, 2008

Q&A // Brittany Bolster, Liberty, tennis

After growing up playing a variety of sports, Brittany Bolster six years ago chose to pursue a career in tennis.

May 21, 2008

Q&A // Fatima Ouattara, Woodlawn, tennis

When did you start playing tennis?

May 21, 2008

Q&A // John Healey, Atholton, tennis

After playing a number of sports when he was younger, Atholton sophomore John Healey found tennis to be his favorite, and he has concentrated on the sport for the past five years. After winning a state title in mixed doubles with partner Julia Southerland last year, Healey is focusing on singles play, with the state tournament set to begin Friday at College Park. This season, Healey has finished runner-up at the county championship and in District V play. Healey, who maintains a 3.8 grade-point average, plays tennis throughout the year, competing in the USTA Mid-Atlantic Section as well as some lower-level national tournaments. He also enjoys going to concerts - he recently saw Kanye West perform - and college sports. His favorite television show is The Office.

May 18, 2008

Q&A // Brad Martz, Francis Scott Key, track and field

Francis Scott Key's Brad Martz has drawn acclaim for his play on the football field, establishing himself as one of the area's top running backs. It's been his performance on the track, however, that has turned heads of late.

May 14, 2008

Q&A // Andrew Sellers, Archbishop Curley, lacrosse

Archbishop Curley's Andrew Sellers is the consummate athlete. The senior dominated on the football field this season as a middle linebacker, registering 176 total tackles and shattering the school season record by nearly 50 in the process. He wrestled for three varsity seasons, too, but his favorite sport is lacrosse. He helped Curley win a Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association B Conference title last year, and the Friars are expected to repeat this year, having reeled off 25 straight B Conference victories. The long-pole midfielder and captain will play at Mercyhurst (Erie, Pa.) next season on a scholarship, and he plans to major in business. He has a 3.25 grade point average, was a member of the Franciscan Youth Ministry, the junior class president and volunteers at a nursing home on weekends.

May 11, 2008

Q&A // Danny Mruk, Westminster, lacrosse

Danny Mruk this season has staked his claim as one of the area's most dominant midfielders, leading Westminster to a Carroll County title and finishing the regular season ranked among the county's top scorers.

May 7, 2008

Q&A // Josh Futter, Wilde Lake, baseball

As a freshman at Wilde Lake in 2005, Josh Futter won four playoff games to lead the Wildecats to an improbable run to the Class 3A state title game. The senior pitcher-first baseman is hoping to close out his high school career in similar fashion.

May 7, 2008

Q&A // Jordan Eades, Franklin, softball

Franklin junior pitcher Jordan Eades is a big reason the No. 6 Indians are 18-0 and headed into tonight's Baltimore County softball championship. A right-hander with a strong array of pitches, Eades (17-0) has thrown five no-hitters this spring and allowed only six earned runs with an ERA of 0.42 and 182 strikeouts. She also bats .603 and has driven in 25 runs and hit five home runs. Last season, she led the Indians to the Class 3A state semifinal, where they fell to Northeast, 4-0. She has a 3.0 grade point average and is considering becoming a lawyer with a concentration on family law.

May 7, 2008

Q&A // Sean Price, Severna Park, lacrosse

Junior Sean Price is one of the county's top midfielders and one of the main reasons Severna Park (12-2 overall, 10-1 in county league) finished first in the county during the regular season and played in last night's Anne Arundel County championship game.

May 4, 2008

Q&A // Chris Ashcraft, South Carroll, lacrosse

South Carroll's Chris Ashcraft has been a defender from his earliest days in lacrosse. In fact, he can hardly remember a time in his career when he wasn't carrying a long pole.

April 27, 2008

Q&A // Meagan Borgoyn, Liberty, lacrosse

She may be 5 feet 2, but getting past Liberty lacrosse defender Meagan Borgoyn is a tall order for any opposing player. The senior, who will continue her career next season at Division II Shippensburg University, is as tough as they come on the field -- in part because of her extensive training in the Japanese martial art of Taijutsu.

April 20, 2008

Q&A // Kelley Farley, Francis Scott Key, softball

Francis Scott Key junior Kelley Farley is one of the top softball players in Carroll County, hitting well over .400 this spring after last year earning first-team All-County honors as an infielder. 

April 13, 2008

Q&A // Phil Ruzbarsky, Westminster, baseball

Taking over the role of team leader isn't always easy, but that's one of the goals this season for Westminster baseball player Phil Ruzbarsky.

April 6, 2008

Q&A // Hannah Bordner, Century, lacrosse

Century senior Hannah Bordner is a first-team All-County midfielder in lacrosse, playing a vital role on the field for the two-time defending Class 2A-1A state champions.

March 16, 2008

Q&A // Cam Hobin, South Carroll, wrestling

South Carroll senior Cam Hobin claimed the second state wrestling championship of his high school career last weekend, defeating Glenelg's Brendan Conway in the 119-pound finals at the Class 2A-1A state meet. It was a momentous day that many, including Hobin himself, thought would never come.

March 9, 2008

Carroll County

Q&A // James Ways, Winters Mill, indoor track

Winters Mill's James Ways recently won a pair of bronze medals at the Class 2A state indoor track meet, and has been named first team All-Conference as a defender in soccer each of the past two seasons.

March 2, 2008

Q&A // Brendan Morales, Westminster, indoor track and field

To say that Westminster junior Brendan Morales has come a long way in the past year would be an understatement.

February 24, 2008

Q&A // Jordan Neville, Winters Mill, basketball

An All-County selection each of her first two seasons, Winters Mill guard Jordan Neville was well on her way to an outstanding high school basketball career when a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee during the Falcons' 2006 opener ended her junior season practically before it started.

February 17, 2008

Q&A // Zac Stavish, South Carroll, wrestling

South Carroll wrestling coach Dennis Frazier said that Zac Stavish wasn't one of his better wrestlers as a freshman.

February 10, 2008

Q&A // Stefanie McLallen, Century, basketball

Century's Stefanie McLallen hopes to some day become a journalist. For now, however, the 16-year-old basketball player continues to leave her mark as one of the top scoring threats in Carroll County.

February 3, 2008

Q&A // Caitlin Bach, North Carroll, basketball

Despite being a sophomore, North Carroll's Caitlin Bach already has firmly established herself as the top inside threat in Carroll County, as well as a Division I prospect.

January 27, 2008

Q&A // Colton McLaughlin, Carroll Christian, basketball

Carroll Christian senior Colton McLaughlin has dreams of some day becoming an engineer. These days, however, the 6-foot-4 forward is busy helping the Patriots engineer an impressive turnaround on the basketball court.

January 20, 2008

Q&A // Jim Kelly, Winters Mill, indoor track

Winters Mill sophomore Jim Kelly originally tried indoor track as a way to keep in shape for soccer. These days, however, the 15-year-old is contemplating which will be his No. 1 sport.

January 13, 2008

Q&A // Joanna Catalano, Aberdeen, basketball

Aberdeen senior Joanna Catalano has plenty to keep her busy. She is the Aberdeen student government association president and also serves as the school's representative for larger student government organizations. She's a member of the National and Spanish honor societies.

January 13, 2008

Q&A // Bobby Krauk, Westminster, basketball

Westminster senior Bobby Krauk has stepped into the spotlight this season, emerging as one of the county's most dominant big men. The 6-foot-5 center entered this weekend's play averaging 18.2 points and 10.5 rebounds, while shooting 59 percent from the field.

December 23, 2007

Q&A // Cammeron Woodyard, Winters Mill, basketball

Cammeron Woodyard spent last season as Winters Mills' big man. These days, however, following the transfer of 6-foot-8 Rashad Blackwell from Franklin, the 6-5 senior is finally getting the chance to show what he can do from his more natural position away from the basket.

December 2, 2007

Q&A // Stefan Mitchell, North Carroll football

Stefan Mitchell brought the excitement back to North Carroll football this season.

November 25, 2007

Q&A // Chelsea Donohue, South Carroll, volleyball

An aspiring fashion designer, South Carroll volleyball player Chelsea Donohue says she wouldn't make a single alteration to the Cavaliers' uniforms. No wonder, considering the success her team had wearing them this season.

8:01 PM EST, November 16, 2007

Q&A // Jenny Gilbert, Century, field hockey

Century's Jenny Gilbert is an actress, a singer, a Girl Scout and an office holder in her school's chapter of the National Honor Society. The junior carries a perfect 4.0 grade point average (4.6 weighted) and has a passion for the sciences.

November 11, 2007

Q&A // Ben Love, Winters Mill, football

A year ago, quarterback Ben Love was leading the Winters Mill junior varsity football team and watching his older brother, Travis, lead the varsity. These days, Travis is a freshman lacrosse goalie at Towson University, and Ben is the big man on varsity.

November 4, 2007

Q&A // Lauren Tracey, Francis Scott Key, volleyball

Francis Scott Key's Lauren Tracey is one of the top volleyball players in Carroll County, known for her smart decisions as a setter and willingness to sacrifice her body to save the ball, but the senior is anything but the typical high school athlete.

October 28, 2007

Q&A // Brigid McTavish, South Carroll, field hockey

What makes South Carroll's Brigid McTavish one of the top field hockey goalies in the metro area? The senior simply isn't afraid to sacrifice her body for the team.

October 21, 2007

Q&A // Jason Thomen, North Carroll, football

Jason Thomen isn't shy about voicing his disapproval when he comes across a North Carroll football teammate gulping down soda. The senior is a strong believer that good nutrition leads to superior performance on the field - a notion he has often preached this season as a captain of the Carroll County power.

October 14, 2007

Q&A // Alex Haufler, Francis Scott Key, cross country

Francis Scott Key freshman Alex Haufler may be just 14, but he's already a rising star in two sports.

September 30, 2007

Q&A // Jessie Nelson, Century, soccer

She may have switched from forward to midfield this season, but Century senior Jessie Nelson is still a go-to player for the Century soccer team. Nelson, who hopes to become an elementary school teacher, also plays lacrosse and is a member of the Student Government Association and National Honor Society.

September 23, 2007

Q&A // Nate Walker, North Carroll, soccer

North Carroll's Nate Walker has always been a risk-taker. When he was a child, he was never too shy to try daring tricks with his skateboard or fantastic dives into the swimming pool.