Lion Sports Update (Nov. 20)

The Varsity Swim team opened the season last week at Jesuit, competing with only four days of training. Despite the early timing, the Lions turned in several encouraging swims, including multiple personal bests. St. Mark’s ultimately fell 129–56, but the coaching staff noted the team’s early-season focus and competitiveness. The Lions return to competition on Thursday, December 11, when they host Alcuin, John Paul II, and Cistercian at 5:30 p.m.

The Varsity Wrestling team began its season at the Lucas Lovejoy Leopard Duals, a traditionally challenging event featuring programs from Lovejoy, Bishop Lynch, Lake Highlands, Plano West, and McKinney Boyd. Competing with a young lineup and without two starters (B. Bacon and Z. Golle), the Lions opened the day with a win over McKinney Boyd before narrowly falling to Bishop Lynch in the final match. Ferris Gottlich and Oliver Loehr each finished the day undefeated at 4–0, with Loehr recording three pins. Additional pins were earned by Jackson Barnes, Kui Fine, Benjamin Hernandez, and Gottlich.

Dual Results:
• St. Mark’s 23 vs. Plano West 53
• St. Mark’s 38 vs. McKinney Boyd 30
• St. Mark’s 23 vs. Bishop Lynch 24
• St. Mark’s 8 vs. Lovejoy 30

The Lions will next compete at Jesuit on Wednesday, December 3.

Varsity Soccer opened its season with a 4–1 victory over HSAA on Friday night. Senior Riggs Bean scored in the fifth minute, then added a second off a driven cross from sophomore Ian Cho. Sophomore goalkeeper Alex Gawel made three point-blank saves to preserve the early lead. In the second half, freshman Joaquin Mayo broke through multiple defenders before assisting senior Max Bean to make it 3–0. After HSAA scored from distance, sophomore JP Hanks answered with a long-range effort of his own to secure the 4–1 win. The Lions travel to TCA on Thursday, November 18, for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff.

Varsity Basketball opened its season with an 80–47 win over Liberty Christian. Junior Dawson Battie delivered a dominant 25-point, 25-rebound performance, while classmates Asher Collins and AJ Thomas also reached double figures. The Lions play two games this week: on the road at Roosevelt on Tuesday and at home against Austin Prep on Friday at 2 p.m. in the Zierk Athletic Center.

Basketball: Corvin Oprea ’22 led the University of Rochester to the Chuck Resler Tournament championship, scoring 37 points on 12-of-16 shooting, including seven three-pointers, while also co-leading the team in rebounds. He was named Tournament MVP.

Fencing: Several alumni fencers continue their strong collegiate starts.
• Adam Lai ’22 went 3–3 in saber to help Princeton win six of ten bouts at the Ohio State Elite Invitational.
• Carson Bosita ’25, competing for Stanford, opened his season with four saber wins at the November North American Cup in Fort Worth.