Lion Sports Update (April 3)

St. Mark’s rowing traveled to California this past weekend to compete in the San Diego Crew Classic, one of the nation’s premier regattas, featuring more than 100 clubs from across the country. The event serves as an early benchmark for programs with aspirations toward USRowing’s Youth National Championships in June.

The varsity quad of Ian McGowan, Elijah Kraus, Hewes Lance, and Walker Stevens delivered a strong performance. After winning their heat with the second-fastest overall time, the crew advanced to the finals alongside top national programs, including Los Gatos and Maritime Rowing.

In a tightly contested race, the Marksmen finished third, just 0.653 seconds behind Maritime. The result reflects both the strength of the crew and the level of competition they will continue to prepare for as they look ahead to nationals in Sarasota in June.

The varsity track & field team hosted the Bradley V. Urschel Invitational this past weekend, competing through two days of challenging weather conditions. The Lions demonstrated depth and resilience across events.

On Friday, senior Max Bean won the long jump with a personal-best mark of 22’0”. Junior Omar Jenkins posted a personal best of 130’3” in the discus, placing fourth in a competitive field, while freshman George Brown led the team in the 3200m.

Saturday’s events saw continued strong performances. Junior Tripp Schoellkopf placed third in the 400m and fourth in the 200m (PR), while contributing to both the 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams. In total, the Lions recorded more than 30 personal records over the weekend.

A select group will travel to Austin to compete in the Texas Relays, where St. Mark’s will be represented in both the 4x100 and 4x400 relays.

The varsity baseball team fell in a closely contested 10–9 game against Mansfield on March 23, with the Knights securing a walk-off win in the bottom of the seventh inning.

The Lions showed resilience throughout, responding to multiple lead changes. A five-run sixth inning gave St. Mark’s an 8–6 advantage, and Jake DeBoever’s sacrifice fly in the seventh tied the game at nine.

Alex Dahlander led the offense with three hits, while contributions came from Marshall Sudbury, Hudson Da Rosa, Jake DeBoever, Jackson Ostella, and Thomas Zielenski. Nolan Driesse added two stolen bases. On the mound, Spenser New and Whit Turner combined for the pitching effort.

St. Mark’s returns home this week for SPC counter games against Episcopal School of Dallas and Trinity Valley.

The varsity lacrosse team delivered a defining week, highlighted by a comeback victory over Southlake and two strong road wins in Houston.

Trailing 7–1 early in the third quarter against Southlake, the Lions remained composed and steadily closed the gap. Senior captain Weston Chance made an immediate impact in his return with three goals, while junior Matthew Wier added two, including the game-winner in the final minute to secure an 11–10 victory. Michael Jimenez (five total contributions) and Rocco Renda also played key leadership roles.

Building on that momentum, St. Mark’s defeated Episcopal High School 15–7 behind standout performances from Mac Saye (6 goals, 2 assists), Rocco Renda (3 goals, 2 assists), and Michael Jimenez (3 goals). The Lions followed with a 14–6 win over St. John’s, controlling possession throughout and receiving additional contributions from Jacob Santosusso, Matthew Wier, and Gabe Masino.

The Lions continue play this week with JV hosting Keller and varsity returning home to face The Woodlands.

The varsity golf team competed at Meadowbrook Golf Club in a tournament hosted by North Side High School, navigating a challenging course to earn a second-place team finish with a score of 292.

Sophomore Callan McCormick led the Lions with a career-best one-over-par 71. Rafe O’Rear and James Hoak each posted rounds of 72 to support the team effort.

St. Mark’s returns to competition this week at the Hockaday Invitational at Brookhaven Country Club.

The varsity tennis team’s scheduled match last week was canceled due to opponent travel concerns.

The Lions return to action this week, hosting Episcopal School of Dallas and Trinity Valley in key SPC counter matches.