Emily Rizek '99 Named Head Cross Country Coach
Thursday, June 10th — Emily Rizek was formally introduced as the Head Boys and Girls Cross Country Coach at St. Francis DeSales High School last night!
Coach Rizek, a 1999 alumna of St. Francis DeSales High School, where she ran across Country for SFD Hall of Fame Head Coach Bob Lennon. 10 years after graduating from SFD, Emily returned as an assistant coach on Lennon’s Staff from 2009-2018. Emily and her husband Daniel ‘97 have two children: Charles, a member of the incoming freshman class of 2025, and Henry, a 5th Grader at St. Paul School (SFD Class of 2029).
Emily replaces Amy Schockling who will remain on staff as an assistant coach.
Welcome Back, Coach Rizek!
Derrick Henderson Introduced as New Head Ice Hockey Coach
Saturday, June 5th — Derrick Henderson was formally introduced as the Head Ice Hockey Coach at St. Francis DeSales High School Thursday evening.
Previously, Coach Henderson served as the head junior varsity coach for the Pickerington Prowlers, and also as the goalie instructor for Easton Youth Hockey Association Teams since 2019. Henderson also spent three seasons as the head coach of the Ohio State University’s Women’s Club Ice Hockey Team.
Derrick replaces Darcy Cahill who stepped down after the 2020 season due to time constraints after four seasons with the Stallions in which he went 20-73-1-1 overall and 12-51-0-1 in the Capital Hockey Conference.
Welcome, Coach Henderson!
2021 College Athletic Commitment Celebration
Fourteen Student-Athletes will be recognized on Wednesday (5/11) at 3:15pm in the St. Francis DeSales Gymnasium as we celebrate their decision to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. The event will be live streamed on StallionPride.com.
Obed Achirem - Basketball - Wilmington college
Noah Gales - Football - Baldwin Wallace
Will Hast - Football - Walsh University
Connor Huzicka - Baseball - Olney Central College
Cara Jewett - Track and Field - John Carroll University
Alexis Johnson - Volleyball - Norfolk State University
Jordan Johnson - Football - Grand Valley State
Stefanie Karras - Soccer - University of Akron
Kahleb Lang - Lacrosse- Seton Hill University
Austin Mann - Basketball - Muskingum University
Ryan McCann - Football - Ohio Dominican University
Amanda Pancake - Golf - John Carroll University
Gabe Weikert - Soccer - Eckerd College
Allison Weiner - Volleyball - Baldwin Wallace University
2020-21 Spring Sports Postseason Information
Upcoming Events:
BOYS LACROSSE
Division II Region 7 Final
at St. Francis DeSales High School
Thursday, May 27th at 7:00PM
vs. Bishop Watterson High School
ADDRESS:
4212 Karl Road
Columbus, OH 43224
Track and Field
Division I Regional Meet
at Pickerington Central High School
May 26 - 4:30pm Field Event Prelims
ADDRESS:
7800 Refugee Road
Pickerington, OH 43147
GIRLS LACROSSE
Division II Region 7 Final
at St. Francis DeSales High School
Friday, May 28th at 5:30PM
vs. Bishop Watterson High School
ADDRESS:
4212 Karl Road
Columbus, OH 43224
FOLLOW @SFDAthletics for updates!
Carli Urcheck Introduced as New Head Girls Volleyball Coach
Wednesday, April 14th — Carli Urcheck was formally introduced as the Head Girls Volleyball Coach at St. Francis DeSales High School this afternoon.
Previously, Coach Urcheck served as a varsity assistant coach and the head junior varsity coach for the St. Francis DeSales Girls Volleyball program from 2012-2020, and also as a girls basketball assistant coach from 2012-2018. Carli is also a Guidance Counselor and Math Teacher at SFD.
Carli replaces 2019 State Championship Head Coach, Brenden Pence who stepped down after the 2020 season to spend more time with his growing family after four seasons with the Stallions.
Congratulations, Coach Urcheck!
2020-21 Winter Sports Postseason Information
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are no tickets available to the general public. Tickets are only available to family members of participants.
Upcoming Events:
BOYS BASKETBALL
Division II State Championship
at University of dayton Arena
Sunday, March 21st at 5:15PM
vs. Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary High School
ADDRESS:
1801 Edwin C. Moses Blvd
Dayton, OH
FOLLOW @SFDAthletics for updates!
Rick Conti '78 Introduced as New Head Softball Coach
Tuesday, November 10th — Rick Conti was formally introduced as the Head Girls Softball Coach at St. Francis DeSales High School this morning.
Coach Conti has served as an assistant coach and head junior varsity coach for the St. Francis DeSales Softball program since 2010. All three of his children also graduated from St. Francis DeSales (Maria ‘07, Nick ‘09, and Michelle ‘16).
Rick replaces Hall of Fame Coach, Julie Barber who announced her retirement from coaching in June, after 15 seasons at her Alma Mater.
Congratulations, Coach Conti!
Fall National Signing Day
Four Student-Athletes will be recognized on Wednesday (11/11) and Thursday (11/12) at 3:15pm as they sign their National Letter of Intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Both events will be live streamed on StallionPride.com.
Signing on Wednesday
Gabriella Mahaffey - Lacrosse - University of Akron
Desmond Watson - Basketball - Davidson College
Signing on Thursday
Avery Boyd - Volleyball - Fairfield University
Kendall Gonya - Rowing - Michigan State University
2020 Fall Sports Postseason Information
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are no tickets available to the general public. Tickets are only available to family members of participants.
Upcoming Events:
FOOTBALL
DIVISION III State Championship
at fortress obetz
Saturday, November 21 at 7PM
vs. chardon High School
ADDRESS:
4175 Alum Creek Drive
Obetz, OH 43207
FOLLOW @SFDAthletics for updates!
Catch the Stallions live at all home events!
The St. Francis DeSales High School Department of Athletics is excited to announce our online streaming partnership with the NFHS Network. Starting this evening, athletic events held in Alumni Stadium and the Gymnasium will be broadcasted online through the NFHS Network. Pouring Purple.com will also be part of this partnership, providing the talent/voice during football broadcasts.
We will also be using the Pixellot camera system to automatically stream these events. The Pixellot camera is a mounted unit above the facility that automatically videos the action on the court/field without the need for a camera operator.
The NFHS Network offers two subscription levels for viewing:
Annual Pass $69.99
Monthly Pass $10.99
All Passes include:
Full access to live regular season and post-season sporting events, Immediate access to events when they are available On Demand, Support for participating school’s programs
To subscribe to the NFHS Network, simply go to www.nfhsnetwork.com/subscribe/retail and select the plan you wish to purchase.
Parent of Athlete Meeting
Due to COVID-19, our Parent of Athlete Meeting scheduled for August 12th, 2020 at 7:00pm has been moved to a digital format. The Virtual meeting is embedded below.
Typically our $10,000 Raffle Tickets would have been distributed at this meeting, we are working on ways to get those tickets to you. Please be on the lookout for more information.
Amy Schockling '12 Introduced as New Head Cross Country Coach
Wednesday, June 10th — Amy Schockling was formally introduced as the Head Boys and Girls Cross Country Coach at St. Francis DeSales High School this morning.
Coach Schockling has served as an Assistant Coach for the St. Francis DeSales Cross Country and Track programs since 2016 when she started her teaching career at St. Francis DeSales High School. Amy was recently named one of two Excellence in Teaching Award Winners for the 2019-2020 School Year.
Amy replaces Ben McGinnis who served as the Head Coach from 2015-2019 before stepping down earlier this week to spend more time with his young family.
Congratulations, Coach Schockling!
Julie Barber '88 Announces Retirement from Coaching
June 9, 2020 — Head Softball Coach, Julie (Moreno) Barber ‘88 has announced her retirement from coaching after 15 seasons at DeSales.
Julie became the Head Softball Coach at DeSales in the Spring of 2006 leading the Purple and White to a District Final Appearance in her first season. Since returning to her alma mater, she has led St. Francis DeSales High School to 5 Central Catholic League Championships (2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010), 4 District Championships (2012, 2011, 2010, 2007), and a trip to the OHSAA Division II State Final Four in 2011! Coach Barber was named the Central District Coach of the Year 3 Times (2011, 2010, 2006), Division II Coach of the Year in 2011, and she was the 2010 recipient of the Ohio Sportsmanship, Ethics, and Integrity Coach of the Year Award by the Ohio High School Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association (OHSFSCA).
Prior to returning to DeSales, Julie was the Head Coach at Toledo St. Ursula Academy for seven seasons where she won the 2004 Division I State Championship, as well as one season at Westerville North High School.
In 2014, Julie was inducted in to the Ohio High School Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Julie will continue to serve as the Director of Enrollment for St. Francis DeSales High School.
On behalf of the entire Athletic Department at St. Francis DeSales, we would like to thank Coach Barber for everything she has done the softball program, our student-athletes, coaches, family, friends, and fans!
Congratulations on your Retirement from Coaching!
2020 College Athletic Commitment Celebration
Friday, May 8th, 2020 — St. Francis DeSales held the 2020 College Athletic Commitment Celebration virtually to honor those student athletes who are continuing their athletic careers at the Division III and NAIA Level, as well as those who have recently made their decision to continue at Division I and Division II Institutions as scholarship athletes and preferred walk-ons.
Congratulations to the following athletes:
Jaylen Ball - University of Akron - Football
Erin Burns - Capital University - Basketball
Michael Cummins - John Carroll University - Golf
Owen Faulkner - University of Akron - Football
Jack Francisco - Capital University - Soccer
Reno Godfrey - John Carroll University - Football
Gavin Hawk - Muskingum University - Baseball
Raina Jackson - University of North Carolina Asheville - Track and Field
Luke Jewett - Muskingum University - Track and Field
Kobe Righter - John Carroll University - Basketball
Randy Tawiah - University of Mount Union - Football
Anya Vanasdale - Capital University - Cross Country/Track and Field
Mason Washington - Robert Morris University - Football
To view todays celebration, click on the video below!
The 13 athletes recognized today join 10 classmates who were recognized earlier this school year. Those athletes are:
Jack Ayers - University of Indianapolis - Lacrosse
Maryanne Boyle - Providence College - Volleyball
Emma Brown - Robert Morris University - Volleyball
Bella D’Amico - Georgia Tech University - Volleyball
Dante Fuller - Rutgers University - Lacrosse
Cole Potts - James Madison University - Football
Liz Renken - Colorado Mesa University - Lacrosse
Mason Rickens - Rutgers University - Lacrosse
Will Shaffer - Wright State University - Soccer
Noah Swenson - Florida Southern University - Lacrosse
#howicompete Campaign Launched by OHSAA and Allied Organizations
Student-athletes encouraged to train on their own at home while school facilities are closed
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Inspiring student-athletes to continue training during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, the Ohio High School Athletic Association has launched the #howicompete campaign, which will collect and promote messages and videos posted by OHSAA member schools, media and the OHSAA’s allied organizations.
With school facilities shuttered, student-athletes are not permitted to gather together, therefore the #howicompete campaign encourages training on their own at home and with instructions sent electronically by their school coaches.
Student-athletes and teams are encouraged to set goals and compete against themselves and others while complying with social distancing guidelines. Content will be promoted through the OHSAA’s social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) on its handle @OHSAASports.
“The health and safety of all Ohioans is our top priority, but we also want student-athletes to stay focused and motivated to pick up where they left off when school sports return,” said OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass. “There are so many things that kids can do on their own or with their parents and siblings. Especially something like running and walking, which is a habit that can stay with them for a long time and keep them healthy as adults.”
The OHSAA is excited to share this campaign in support of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, which is encouraging stories from competitors whose resilience is helping them Live Forward during this unprecedented health crisis.
In addition, links can be emailed to webmaster@ohsaa.org.
OHSAA Cancels Spring Sports as School Facilities to Remain Closed
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio High School Athletic Association informed member schools Monday, April 20, that spring sports are now cancelled, as Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced earlier in the day that school facilities will remain closed for the remainder of the academic year due to the coronavirus COVID-19.
OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass sent the memo to school administrators following Governor DeWine’s press conference. For weeks, the OHSAA has communicated with schools that spring sports would be canceled if school facilities were closed. In addition to facilities not being opened, it would be impossible to ensure the health and safety of all individuals and support personnel involved in practices and contests at all member schools.
“As we have stated in our previous communications, today’s announcement by Governor DeWine to close schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year also will now result in the cancellation of OHSAA-sponsored spring sports seasons including tournaments,” Snodgrass wrote Monday.
The OHSAA’s mandatory no-contact period for all interscholastic sports remained in effect until at least May 3, which could be extended. Coaches and school administrators are encouraged to have non-mandatory electronic and online communications with their student-athletes. The closure of school facilities includes all athletic facilities for any interscholastic training, practice or competition.
In an interview Monday afternoon, Snodgrass reflected on the unprecedented times that the pandemic has brought to the nation and the impact it has had on schools and interscholastic athletics.
“I’ve heard from so many people who have said ‘You really need to understand what this means to our kids,’” Snodgrass said during the interview. “I’m a parent. I was a coach. I grew up every day as a player and a coach wanting to play high school sports and get to the state tournament. So I do think I understand that. I also have to go with the fact that my number one concern that I have, over everything, is the health and safety of everyone involved. It’s not just our student-athletes. It’s the parents, coaches, umpires, officials, the scorekeepers. All those things enter into this. It’s a tough decision and it’s one that I and all the other Executive Directors of the other states never thought we would have to do. Never did I think this would be the case, but I’ve tried to be as prepared as I could every step of the way.”
Snodgrass also addressed the summer and start of fall sports in the interview.
“July is a very physical month for our student-athletes entering fall sports, so we have already started looking at, if this continues through the summer, we’ll have the potential of having a lot of kids who haven’t had the physical activity that they would normally have going into a fall season. So for the health and safety of everyone, we have to look at the acclimation periods going into the fall, if that happens. We have to be prepared for that. We’re also talking about that, if this does go through the summer, what is the likelihood that a student can get in to get a physical (annual medical exam). We have a sport medicine advisory group that is looking at that. They are looking at all aspects such as whether artificial surfaces need to be treated. We are relying on the advice of experts in our decision making.
The OHSAA will continue to communicate throughout the spring and summer regarding any adjustments to OHSAA off-season regulations, academic eligibility standards, sports medicine updates and more.
St. Francis DeSales Athletics Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
April 20th, 2020
Governor’s Announcement to Cancel Schools
As we have stated in our previous communications, today’s announcement by Governor DeWine to close schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year also will now result in the cancellation of OHSAA-sponsored spring sports seasons including tournaments.
April 8th, 2020
Information Relative to Spring Sports & Beyond
First, we continue to stay in close contact with the state’s leadership relative to stay-at-home orders. Additionally, we continue to collaborate with the OASSA to make certain we have each other’s support as it relates to a return to school and activities.A few important updates/reminders:
If schools are closed for the remainder of the school year, spring sports will be cancelled in Ohio
The mandatory No-Contact period remains in place until at least May 1. No practices or group workouts may occur through this date.
No-contact does not mean ‘electronic’ communication is not permitted. In fact, we encourage coaches to maintain correspondence, provide workouts, etc. to INDIVIDUALS.
The dates below for a spring season/tournaments are tentative. We are continuing with the Governor’s optimistic direction that schools will re-open on May 4. We will adjust accordingly. However optimistic this may be, we must PLAN for the return even if that ends up changing.
With a current return on May 4, the following schedule has been adopted for spring sports. Specific information relative to Sectional and District Tournaments, playing dates, seeding procedures, game sites, will all be provided in communications from the respective six District Athletic Boards.
If for any reason specific sites are shut down due to governor’s orders, ALL sites will be shut down and a tournament will not be held.
Restructured 2020 Spring Sport Dates - as of April 8
BASEBALL
Non-Interscholastic Date - May 4Acclimation Period - May 4-8
Season Begins - May 9
Tournament Entry/Withdrawal - May 11
Tournament Entry/Withdraw w/penalty - May 12-15
Tournament Draw/Coaches Meeting - May 17
Sectional Tournaments* - May 23-30
District Tournaments - June 1-6
Regional Tournaments - June 11 & 12
State Tournament - June 19-21
Season Concludes - June 27
* Sectional competition shall NOT begin earlier than the date provided.
SOFTBALL
Non-Interscholastic Date - May 4
Acclimation Period - May 4-8
Season Begins - May 9
Tournament Entry/Withdrawal - May 18
Tournament Entry/Withdraw w/penalty - May 19-22
Tournament Draw/Coaches Meeting - May 24
Sectional Tournaments* - May 30-June 6
District Tournaments - June 8-13
Regional Tournaments - June 15-20
State Tournament - June 25-27
Season Concludes - July 4
* Sectional competition shall NOT begin earlier than the date provided.
LACROSSE
Non-Interscholastic Date - May 4
Acclimation Period - May 4-8
Season Begins - May 9
Tournament Entry/Withdrawal - May 18
Tournament Entry/Withdraw w/penalty - May 19-22
Tournament Draw/Coaches Meeting - May 25
Regional Qualifying - May 26-30
Regional Quarterfinals - June 1-4
Regionals - June 4-7
State Semi-Finals - June 8-10
State Finals - June 13
Season Concludes - June 13
TENNIS
Non-Interscholastic Date - May 4
Acclimation Period - May 4-8
Season Begins - May 9
Tournament Entry/Withdrawal - May 18
Tournament Entry/Withdraw w/penalty - May 19-22
Tournament Draw/Coaches Meeting - May 24
Sectional Tournament* - May 30-June 6
District Tournament - June 8-13
State Tournament - June 18-20
Season Concludes - June 27
* Sectional competition shall NOT begin earlier than the date provided.
TRACK & FIELD
Non-Interscholastic Date - May 4
Acclimation Period - May 4-8
Season Begins - May 9
Tournament Entry/Withdrawal - May 25
Tournament Entry/Withdraw w/penalty - May 26-29
Tournament Draw/Coaches Meeting - May 31
District Tournament - June 9-13
Regional Tournament - June 17-20
State Tournament - June 26-27
Season Concludes - June 27
MARCH 12, 2020
Spring sports at St. Francis DeSales High School have been suspended through Sunday, April 5, 2020. No games or practices will be allowed during this time. The affected programs are baseball, lacrosse, softball, tennis, track & field, and volleyball. When further athletic updates are available, they will be posted to stallionpride.com.
MARCH 12, 2020
OHSAA Postpones All Remaining Winter Tournaments
Includes boys basketball regional and state tournaments, along with ice hockey, wrestling and girls basketball state tournaments
COLUMBUS, Ohio – At 12:45 p.m. Thursday, the Ohio High School Athletic Association announced that all remaining winter tournament contests are immediately postponed due to the growing situation with the coronavirus COVID-19.
The suspended tournaments include the girls state basketball tournament; the state individual wrestling tournament; the state ice hockey tournament, and the boys regional and state basketball tournaments.
“We will use this time to work with the appropriate state authorities and health experts to determine our next steps moving forward,” Snodgrass said. “We realize this is disappointing for our participants and their fans, but the overall health and safety of everyone involved in our tournaments is our priority.”
No timetable has been determined for possible rescheduling for the tournaments.
The announcement was made after state and local officials recommended that no public gatherings take place to help stop the spread of the virus.
The OHSAA will send further updates regarding ticket refunds.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to our athletes and coaches who have dedicated so much time into their sport for the opportunity to play in the OHSAA State Tournament. We respect the steps being taken for the saftey of all of those involved. We hope our athletes will have the opportunity to compete on Ohio's Biggest Stage very soon. #GoStallions
-St. Francis DeSales Athletic Department
Chris Froehlich '11 Introduced as New Head Girls Soccer Coach
Wednesday, February 5th — Christopher Froehlich was formally introduced as the Head Girls Soccer Coach at St. Francis DeSales High School this afternoon.
Coach Froehlich last served as the Head Junior Varsity Girls Soccer Coach and Varsity Assistant Coach at New Albany High School for three seasons.
Chris Froehlich following the 2009 Boys Soccer State Championship (photo credit: Barb Dougherty)
Chris is no stranger to St. Francis DeSales High School as he is a 2011 Graduate and a member of the 2009 Boys Soccer State Championship Team! His previous coaching experience also includes a season at Bexley High School as the Head JV Girls Soccer Coach and Varsity Assistant Coach.
Chris replaces Bob McGee who served as the Interim Head Coach last season.
Welcome Home, Coach Froehlich!
2019 Roosters Stallion Holiday Classic Lineup Announced
The 2019 Roosters Stallion Holiday Classic, hosted by St. Francis DeSales, will feature four Junior Varsity and four Varsity Girls Basketball teams. The match-ups for the 2019 Rooster’s Stallion Holiday Classic are set and as follows:
2019 TOURNAMENT - 6TH ANNUAL
Friday, December 27, 2018
Game 1, 1:30 PM - Upper Arlington JV vs. New Albany JV
Game 2, 3:00 PM - Upper Arlington Varsity vs. New Albany Varsity
Game 3, 4:45 PM - St. Francis DeSales JV vs. Olentangy Orange JV
Game 4, 6:15 PM - St. Francis DeSales Varsity vs. Olentangy Orange Varsity
**Home Team is listed first**
Saturday, December 28, 2018
Game 5, 1:30 PM, JV Loser 1 vs. JV Loser 3
Game 6, 3:00 PM - Varsity Loser 2 vs. Varsity Loser 4
Game 7, 4:45 PM - JV Winner 1 vs. JV Winner 3
Game 8, 6:15 PM - Varsity Winner 2 vs. Varsity Winner 4
To view past results and the Roosters Stallion Holiday Classic Record Book, click here!
Quick script to demonstrate generating tournament brackets without tables (using CSS). Let me know what you think @SterlingWes (bonus marks if you can help me improve my CSS).
Add Bracket