Lions Sports Update (Oct. 23)

CROSS COUNTRY
The Cross Country team traveled to Cistercian for the inaugural meet on the school’s new course. In a small but competitive field of local SPC schools, the Lions executed their race plan to perfection, running in a tight pack to secure a winning score of 25 points. Top finishers included Jackson Bailey (3rd), William Cho (4th), Lawson Boutros (5th), Nicholas Cho (6th), and Payton Elder (7th). The team heads to St. Andrew’s this week for the penultimate meet of the season.

WATER POLO
The Lions also returned from California after a strong showing at the Steve Pal Memorial Tournament. In their opening game, St. Mark’s defeated Alta Loma in a thrilling finish—team captain and goalkeeper Andrew Zhang scored the game-winning goal as time expired. After a quick turnaround, the Lions topped Vista High School (San Diego) 11–9, overcoming early scoring struggles with a dominant fourth quarter. On Saturday, they advanced with a decisive 9–3 win over Northwood High School, earning a spot in the championship against Garces (Bakersfield). The Lions controlled much of the final, leading 5–4 entering the fourth quarter, before a deflected own goal and a pair of unlucky bar-outs swung momentum the other way. Though they fell just short, it was a tremendous season—undefeated in Texas with their only three losses coming against top California programs.

FOOTBALL
Last week, the Varsity Football team traveled to Houston to face St. John’s. After falling behind 0–14 early, the Lions battled back to close the gap to 14–20 at halftime. The second half was a back-and-forth contest, with St. Mark’s taking a 24–20 lead in the fourth quarter. A late touchdown by St. John’s shifted the game once more, and despite two strong final drives, the Lions came up just short, 24–27. Offensively, David Dickson led the rushing attack with 18 carries for 140 yards and a touchdown, while Blaize Schuhmacher went 17-for-20 for 182 yards and a 49-yard touchdown to Matthew Wier, who finished with 5 receptions for 107 yards. Archer Wilburn added 6 catches for 49 yards. Defensively, Mac Saye led with 17 tackles, while Reid Smith, Omar Jenkins, and Ford Robinson contributed key tackles for loss. The 4–4 Lions return home to host Episcopal High School for Homecoming this Thursday at 6:00 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL
The Varsity Volleyball team completed a strong week of SPC play, winning three conference matches. On Wednesday, the Lions hosted Trinity Valley, earning a critical 3–0 victory after rallying from behind to take the first set, 27–25. Momentum carried through the match, sealing the sweep and a key win for SPC tournament seeding. Over the weekend, St. Mark’s traveled to Austin to face St. Andrew’s and St. Stephen’s, winning both matches—including a thrilling five-set battle in the latter. The Lions now sit at 7–1 in SPC play with two conference matches remaining. They will host Casady on Saturday, October 25.