Sam Minrath Selected for National Field Hockey Team

She started playing hockey at the Y in third grade, partly field and partly goal keeper. By 5th grade, she found her home in the cage and never turned back to the field. CAL developed a team that year that stayed together and went on to be city champs in 7th grade and runner up for State JV as eighth graders. The CAL hockey program has grown leaps and bounds over the last 6 years and all the players have prospered.

Sam does not store her gear when the school season is over. She in facts plays hockey 50 weeks out of the year and loves every second of it. "I have played for IFHCK (club) from u12-19 and can't count how many tournaments I have been too." Last year at u19 national indoor tournament she was noticed by the US head coach and asked to try out for the upcoming year! A huge honor, she was ecstatic to make the 19 hour drive for a 7 hour practice weekend. "Words can not describe how happy I was to get the email saying I was on the summer training schedule! I have traveled to Pennsylvania now 7 weekends for practices and given up social activities and finished homework and art projects in the long car rides but I would not change it for the world." She has desired to wear a USA jersey and looks forward to this winter being able to do just that. She is the first Kentucky player ever to be named to a US National field hockey team and is honored to represent Kentucky and Christian Academy.

Recently, she has been 1 of 15 girls selected for make a Junior squad to practice this winter for the European squad which will travel to Scotland in January. It is comprised of mostly u19 with a few u17 players. "I am just so happy this door has opened and I look forward to what God has in store for me in the coming year(s)." She knows it will be challenging to maintain schoolwork with her travel schedule but knows all things are possible with Christ by her

CAL Football Alum Named SAA Defensive Player of the Week

The Southern Athletic Association (SAA) released its Football Player of the Week awards on Monday afternoon, with Centre freshman cornerback Cal Lewellyn (Louisville, Ky.) garnering Defensive Player of the Week accolades.

This marks the first Player of the Week nod for Lewellyn, who made eight tackles to go with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pair of pass breakups in the Colonels' 39-28 victory over Washington (Mo.) on the road on Saturday afternoon.

Lewellyn's forced fumble was one of Centre's four turnovers in the win. He stripped Marcus Ramspott after a 36-yard completion from quarterback J.J. Tomlin late in the second quarter.

Starting as a freshman at cornerback, Lewellyn has made 15 tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss as well as three pass breakups this season.

Lewellyn and the Colonels are back in action on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 1:30 p.m. at Farris Stadium.

Cal Lewellyn is a 2016 CAL Graduate.

Posted Sept.19, 2016 http://www.centrecolonels.com/sports/fball/2016-17/releases/20160919phrs55

Olympic Sized Memories for the Albiero’s

The Albiero family motto could very well be…“The family that swims together, stays together”. Arthur and Amy Albiero have been swimming and/or coaching their entire lives. All 5 members of the Albiero family (Arthur, Amy, Estefan, Nicolas and Gabriela) not only have a love for swimming, but God given talents in the sport as well.

Arthur is the head swim coach at the University of Louisville and was also on the Olympic swimming coaching staff for Team USA this year. Albiero trains Kelsi Worrell, who is the only Cardinal swimmer to be an US Olympian. Amy is the head swimming coach at CAL and was also named 2015 Coach of the Year. Estefan graduated from CAL in 2013 and is a senior on the University of Louisville swim team. Both Nick & Gabi won state titles this year. Nick won the 2015 state title in the 100 butterfly and the 100 backstroke. Gabi won the 2015 state title and set a new state record in the 50 freestyle.

The family recently traveled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to attend and cheer on patriarch, Arthur, and Team USA at this year’s Olympics. This year’s summer games had an additional connection to the Albiero’s in that Arthur was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

While in Rio, the Albiero’s attended 13 different Olympic events including swimming, volleyball, tennis, gymnastics, and field hockey. I recently sat down with CAL senior, Nick Albiero, and CAL freshman, Gabi Albiero, about their experience in Rio.

 What was your favorite event to watch?

NA: Swimming…I loved watching any Michael Phelps race. I also liked watching the upsets…they were exciting.

GA: Definitely swimming.

NA: I really liked watching the open water swimming too. Team USA was there and it was fun to watch them. We got to meet Kelsi Worrell, Olivia Smoliga and Simone Manual.

What was the overall atmosphere in Rio and at the games like?

NA: It was crazy and chaotic with all the language barriers. There were tons of people. At the events, the atmosphere was electric and hype when Brazil would swim or play.

GA: The first couple of days were overwhelming, but then you got used to it. The transportation was super crowded.

 How did you travel while in Brazil?

GA: We mainly rode buses and subways, but we took a train too. We walked a lot!

 Were there any events that surprised you?

NA: Weightlifting. I had never seen it before. It was intense. I also liked speed canoeing…I didn’t even know it was an Olympic event. They were so fast and worked so hard!

GA: I really like men’s field hockey. I guess I enjoyed it because I typically only see women play field hockey.

What was the most memorable experience while in Rio?

NA: Really just being with my family. My older brother, Estefan, is in college so we rarely are all 5 together. It was fun going to the different events together and hanging out.

GA: I agree. Just getting to experience the Olympics with my family.

What about the food in Brazil? Any favorites?

GA: I loved Pão de queijo, which are basically these little cheese balls. Bread and cheese were served with every meal and it was so good!

NA: I loved the fruit…especially the mango! You can’t find fruit like that here in the US.

Nick, as well as former CAL swimmer and current UL swimmer, Hannah Magnuson, swam in the Olympic Trials this past summer in Omaha, NE.

 Nick, tell me about swimming in the Olympic trials?

NA: It has been a goal of mine for a while. It was fun to see people at the trials and then be able to watch them compete in the games in Rio. It was surprising how big the pool was! There was security everywhere and it made me feel kind of feel like a celebrity.

Do you see yourself competing for the Olympics in 4 years?

NA: That is definitely a goal of mine. I am a dual citizen, so I could swim for Brazil or the US which is exciting. I really feel a sense of pride for both countries.

What are your goals for this year?

GA: My goal is to repeat my state title.

NA: I want to break state records and win state as a team. Really to just keep doing what we do best.

CAL Welcomes New Boys Lacrosse Coach Ryan Smith

CAL Athletics is pleased to announce the hire of head boys’ lacrosse coach, Ryan Smith.

Coach Smith has been coaching lacrosse for nine years. During that time, he coached at Louisville Collegiate (assistant coach) North Oldham High School (head coach) and most recently as head coach at Kentucky Country Day.

Smith said his decision to come to CAL was, “his faith in a promising future.”

“I envision a program that is a consistent power in our state as well as competitive in our region. We will be committed to many goals,” said Smith. “I look forward to a grinding journey to winning a state championship.”

CAL Director of Athletics, Brad Morgan said, “We are excited that Coach Smith will be joining our staff of varsity coaches at CAL. His vision of capitalizing on our strengths at CAL will continue the rise of our boys’ lacrosse program.”

Varsity Field Hockey Opens Season Play with Back to Back Shutouts

Senior Taylor Curran got off to a big start this week recording 5 goals and one assist, a great sign as the talented forward has spent the last 4 months recovering from a hip injury. The Varsity Field Hockey team kicked off the 2016 season Monday evening playing their first game on the new artificial turf field against Seneca. The Lady Centurions jumped out to a quick lead and never let off the gas, scoring 10 quick goals with 10 different players involved in the scoring.

No shots were allowed on keeper Sam Minrath. Scoring stats, Taylor Curran – 3 goals, Laurel Dortch – goal, assist, Allie Grace Joyner – goal, assist, Isabell Lytle – goal, assist, Claire Thomas – goal and assist, Alex Hill – goal, Katie Jenkins – goal, Morgan Weiss – goal, Jacquelyn Wilkins – assist, Jamie Wright – assist. CAL – 10 Seneca -0

Tuesday night the Lady Centurions hosted Male High School. From the onset the CAL midfield and front lines successfully pressed the Lady Bulldogs keeping them on their heels for the majority of the first half…..at halftime CAL leads Male 5-0. The second half sees Male with more attacking chances and several shots on goalkeeper Sam Minrath, who finishes the game with a shutout and 7 blocks. Offensive scoring Taylor Curran – 2 goals and assist, Jacquelyn Wilkins – goal, assist, Allie Grace Joyner – goal, assist, Katie Jenkins – goal, Jamie Wright – assist, Isabelle Lytle – assist. CAL – 6 Male – 0

Saturday finds the Lady Centurions in the first game of pool play in the annual Sacred Heart Academy Apple Tournament against the talented 2015 State Runner-up Dupont Manual High School Rams….and a good barometer for how Coach Stanley Phulpagar’s squad stacks up against a top rated team. The game was close from start to finish…with Manual drawing first blood on a breakaway. The score was tied on a penalty corner goal from Laurel Dortch, and a go ahead goal from Jacquelyn Wilkins has the Centurions up 2-1 at half. The fans were treated to great hockey from both teams during the second half then a deflected shot from Manual on a penalty corner ties the score at 2 apiece. Fantastic effort from the entire CAL team has everyone on the field giving it all they have…..a great opening week for a great group of talented young ladies. GO CAL! CAL-2 MANUAL – 2

Centurion Armory Back to School Hours

The Centurion Armory will be open for back-to-school on the below dates/times.  The store will be closed on Tuesday, August 9th, and will reopen on Wednesday, August 10th with regular store hours.

August 1    9am-3:00pm
August 2    9am-noon and 6-8pm
August 3    9am-noon
August 8    9am-4pm
August 9    CLOSED
August 10  2:30-4pm
August 11  2:30-4pm
August 12  2:30-4pm

Regular Store Hours:  *Tues-Fri 2:30-4:00pm, CLOSED on Mondays.
*The Armory will remain open until 7pm for all HOME VARSITY football games.

CAL Welcomes Charli Knauer as HS Cheer Coach

CAL Athletics is pleased to welcome Charli Knauer as our new head high school cheerleading coach.

Coach Knauer cheered at Bellarmine University and will lead a competitive cheerleading team that will cheer at all CAL football games, CAL basketball games and also represent Christian Academy at competitions.

“I knew as soon as I was officially done cheering in college that I would want to pursue a coaching career. One of the main things that really pushed me to apply for the CAL position was knowing I was coming into a community and an atmosphere that shared the same beliefs spiritually that I do. I think it’s highly important to constantly surround ourselves with peers who value what we value, and who believe what we believe in so we can keep growing deeper within our faith,” said Coach Knauer.

Coach Knauer looks forward to the challenge of getting the cheerleading program back to a competitive level.
“We are going to be competitive and my goal, as I’m sure for any coach, is to be great. I’m excited to get to know each athlete and learn their individual goals for the season as well,” said Coach Knauer. “This is an amazing opportunity and I am so blessed to be given the chance to coach here.”

CAL Director of Athletics, Brad Morgan said, “We are very excited to have Coach Knauer leading our cheerleading program. Her background in cheerleading, especially at the college level, is a great fit to take our competitive cheer team to the next level.”

Knauer is currently the Business Development Manager at Bluegrass Indoor Karting and is currently pursuing an MBA from Bellarmine University.

Grace Jennings Wins 2nd State Tennis Title!

Congratulations to Grace Jennings on a huge repeat as the Girls Kentucky State Tennis Champion!! Grace won the title as a Junior in 2015, then again over the past weekend. This years’ path to the title included quality opponents, and Grace won the first 4 matches by comfortable margins.

Then on Saturday, she demonstrated toughness, resolve, discipline and a strong competitive spirit by winning two tight matches to claim the 2016 Championship. Congrats Grace – what an accomplishment and honor – so fun to watch you play!

Coach Mallory commented “Major congratulations to Grace for winning her 2nd state championship in a row. She had a wonderful year and career….what a way to finish in your last match.”

Grace’s path to the 2016 Championship
defeated – Grace Gorby (Grayson Co) 6-3, 6-0
defeated – Elizabeth Hamilton (Ryle) 6-0, 6-0
defeated – Brooke Warden (Dixie Heights) 6-3, 6-0
defeated – Aspen Jarett (Oldham Co) 6-2, 6-4
defeated – Eva Borders (St. Francis) 6-7, 6-4, 1-0 (7)
defeated – Michelle McKamey (McCracken Co) 7-6, 6-4

CAL Athletics Breaks Ground on New Multi-Sport Turf Field

Christian Academy of Louisville held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, May 18th to kickoff the installation of a new, state of the art multi-sport turf field from AstroTurf. The new playing surface will be placed at Centurion Stadium and will be a cutting edge synthetic turf field that will be the first of its kind in the state of Kentucky.

“This has been a two year project. We have spoken to many schools around the country looking for the safest environment for our student athletes and visitors,” said Director of Athletics, Brad Morgan. ““We are grateful to the Lord and donors who have made our vision come to life.”

The athletic office has developed a plan to play all high school field hockey, football games (fall season) and all high school boys & girls lacrosse games (spring season) on the new turf field at Centurion Stadium. The new turf field will also be used as a high school field for practices and games.In addition, middle school and youth football home games will be scheduled on the turf field and middle school field hockey may have access when space allows. This will clear up space on the North Field (grass) for year round soccer use, and allow for middle school field hockey practices and games to be played on the South Field (grass) in the fall.

CAL student athletes, Michael Lagestee (football), Allie Grace Joyner (field hockey), Cade Sparrow (boys lacrosse), and Nina Dobbs (girls lacrosse) were asked to be a part of the ground breaking celebration.

“I am privileged to represent our student athletes at this exciting celebration. I’m thankful for every donor and family who prayed and sacrificed to make this field happen. May God bless this field and those who will play on it,” said junior field hockey player, Allie Grace Joyner.

“In my five years here at CAL, the word I have consistently heard is vision. The vision was to provide the best facilities possible for our student athletes. I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to see this vision become a reality,” said head football coach, Stefan LeFors.

Construction on the new multi-sport turf field began Saturday and will be completed in time for the fall sports seasons.