Donovan West, Sports Editor
@DWest_courant
Trey Kaupp: Wrestling
Senior captain Trey Kaupp has had a dominant wrestling career at New Canaan, with 78 total wins. This season, Trey went 27-4 and placed 2nd in his weight class in the FCIAC Championship. This impressive resume was enough to earn him a shot at collegiate wrestling, where he will continue his career at Roger Williams.
Standout junior and fellow captain Teddy Goetz highlighted not only Trey’s ability on the mat but also the effect that his success has had on the rest of the team. “Trey leads the team by example,” Teddy said. “He is always focused on his end goals and sets the tone for the rest of us. Trey is great technically and is a good role model for the younger guys on our team to look up to.”
Trey finds this desire to succeed in the competition that comes on the mat. “I love being able to go out there and compete every day,” Trey said. “I love the challenges that come with wrestling and having to learn to adapt to new situations. The sport has always been there for me and has helped me overcome numerous things on and off the mat.”
And this devotion to the sport is why he will continue his wrestling career in college at Roger Williams. “I made it my goal to get to the next level of wrestling because of my passion for the sport,” Trey said. “Wrestling has already given me so many opportunities, and I am thankful that I get to continue my career.”
Lauren Smith: Indoor Track and Field
Junior Lauren Smith has had a record-breaking season this winter, setting the shot put school record on two occasions. Lauren won the FCIAC East Division Championship and FCIAC Indoor Championship in shot put, setting the school record in the latter. Then, she broke her own record one week later in the CIAC Class L Championship, throwing the shot put 39 feet and 6.25 inches.
Head coach of the throwers, Marianne Cohen, cited Lauren’s work ethic as a significant reason for her success. “Lauren is undersized for what she excels in. The fact is, she outworks her opponents,” coach Cohen said. “That work ethic is evident in everything she does, whether it is academics, athletics, or giving back to the community. She is an excellent ambassador for our track program and our school.”
Lauren described the season-long process she went through to set the school record. “At the beginning of the season, a goal of mine was to break the record,” she said. “So when I finally did end up breaking it at one of our championship meets, and then again the next weekend, it felt incredible.”
The reason that this school record likely won’t stay for long is because Lauren still has another year of throwing and is committed to getting better. “I love that, although throwing is an individual sport, it feels like a team sport,” she said. “There is a strong family dynamic on the team, which makes going to practice much more exciting and enjoyable. I love that we cheer each other on in the weight room before throwing the shot put, but when we each stand in the ring individually, we focus our attention on ourselves and our technique.”
Macyn Callahan and Jenna Vigano: Girls Ice Hockey
In recent years, the girls ice hockey team has become a juggernaut, finishing with an 18-2 record this season and placing 2nd in the FCIAC playoffs. Of course, like most successful teams, the girls are led by veteran players and senior captains such as Katherine Rayher, Maeve Hibbert, Sloane Griffiths, and Lexie Tully. However, this season has also seen key contributions from several freshmen, like goalie Macyn Callahan and defenseman Jenna Vigano.
Macyn has been a consistent force in goal all year, amassing 14 clean sheets on the year. “Macyn has had a great impact on our team this year and has helped us get to where we are today,” senior captain Katherine Rayher said. “She not only is helping us this year but also is a sign of the future that this team has.”
Jenna has also emerged as an important contributor on the year, helping to limit shots on her fellow-freshman keeper. Katherine praised Jenna’s work ethic, dedication, and energy that she brings to the team. “Jenna is passionate about the game and is determined to keep the puck out of harm’s way,” Katherine said. “You can always see her commitment to the team when she plays.”
Jenna credited her success to her teammates and the welcoming atmosphere that they have fostered. “It is the most encouraging and special team I have ever participated in. We are connected through a sport, and I love being on the ice with my best friends, smiling, laughing, and being pushed to work harder,” Jenna said. “But at the end of the day, our eyes are always set on success, especially in the postseason. Coming into the season, we knew that we had the talent; now it’s just about executing.”
