Hannah Herd Signs to Run Cross Country at UL
Congratulations to senior, Hannah Herd, who signed a letter of intent to run cross country at the University of Louisville last Monday.
“Hannah has worked extremely hard and overcome some very tough injuries to put herself in this position. She has just scratched the surface of her running potential and U of L definitely sees that. U of L wanted Hannah badly and they got her. As great of a runner that Hannah is, she is a far better young adult and has been an absolute joy to coach. She will excel at whatever she puts her mind to,” said assistant CAL cross country coach, Derrick Dixon.
Hannah made official visits to Bellarmine University, Lipscomb University, Georgetown College and Centre College.
“I chose to attend U of L because I really love the friendship on the team and the way the coaches take care of the athletes. The FCA program is absolutely incredible, and I’m also really pleased with their academic programs and internships in the areas I’m interested in,” said Herd.
Assistant cross country coach and CAL high school bible teacher, Brian Dewey, said, “Not only is Louisville getting a great athlete, but they are also getting an outstanding individual as far as character and personality.”
Hannah’s father, Walter Herd, thanked everyone for their support of Hannah over the years.
“I want to say thank you to three groups of people: a group of coaches who helped develop both of my daughters athletically, spiritually, academically, and socially.The second group is to the students; thank you for being good friends and good role models. And thirdly, the University of Louisville for giving Hannah the opportunity to take her passion to the highest level possible,” said Mr. Herd.
Herd has received numerous awards for cross country including: National Guard KHSAA Best and Brightest Award (2014), Jefferson County 2A Runner of the Year (2011, 2013, & 2014) and Academic All-State First Team (2011, 2013, & 2014). She also played field hockey and soccer while at CAL, but ended up focusing on cross country and track.
“Running cross country and track have by far been some of the best experiences in my years at this school,” said Herd.
Hannah plans to pursue a degree in the field of dentistry or nursing and looks forward to running for the Cardinals next year.
Lilli Popovich Signs with UL Track and Field Team
Congratulations to senior, Lilli Popovich, who signed a letter of intent with the University of Louisville (UL) track and field team on Friday.
Lilli started participating in track & field her freshman year at CAL and also played soccer in 9th & 10th grade. She decided to spend her last two years of high school focusing on throwing, and was named the 2014 KY State indoor and outdoor discuss champion, as well as runner-up at State in shot put.
“This great opportunity did not come to Lilli by accident. God has gifted Lilli with great talents and he has always known this day would come for her. Lilli has taken these talents and worked extremely hard to hone them into a State championship discus thrower,” said CAL assistant track & field coach, Derrick Dixon.
Popovich also made official visits to Murray State and Jacksonville State University for throwing.
“I was impressed with the UL track and field coach and team. Their coaches seem to genuinely care about their athletes, and the athletes are people of great character. Additionally, U of L will help me to reach my academic goals,” said Popovich.
CAL strength & conditioning coach, Greg Lile, congratulated Lilli and praised her dedication.
“Lilli set the bar for our female athletes. She has pushed herself in every way to be the best that she can be,” said Coach Lile.
Lilli’s throwing event coach, Mike Hatfield, also spoke of Lilli’s determination to get better and put in the time to make her dream of throwing at the college level a reality.
“Lilli has worked hard for a long time. She is one of the hardest working athletes I’ve ever been associated with,” said Coach Hatfield. “UL is getting a wonderful athlete and an even better person.”
“We are so grateful to CAL for supporting and preparing Lilli athletically, academically, and spiritually. I cannot imagine a better school. We are extremely grateful and proud of her,” said Lilli’s father, Pete Popovich.
Lilli plans to major in exercise science and looks forward to throwing for the Cardinals next year.
DJ Scott Signs to Play Basketball at Life University
Congratulations to senior, DJ Scott, who signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Life University in Marietta, Georgia.
Scott started attending CAL in high school and has played basketball since the 1st grade. After visiting Notre Dame College and Centre College, Scott made the decision to attend Life University.
“I really liked the Life University basketball team. The school just stood out to me more than anywhere else I had visited,” said DJ.
“It truly is a joy to see the kind of player DJ has developed into. His work ethic and leadership skills are excellent. He has been a huge asset to our team and is always willing to step up. Life University is getting a great leader and wonderful young man,” said CAL assistant basketball coach, Aaron Hill.
DJ’s AAU coach of two years, Dean Baumer, also attended the signing ceremony and spoke about how blessed he has been to coach DJ, and how he looks forward to watching him at the college level.
Chuck and Priscilla Scott, DJ’s parents, thanked God, his teammates, coaches and CAL for supporting their son. DJ concluded the ceremony by thanking his coaches and teammates.
“So many people are responsible for getting me to this point. They pushed me to be a better basketball player,” said Scott.
DJ’s accomplishments include being named defensive player of the year (2014), the Centurion Award and being chosen 1st team All District for two years. DJ plans to major in sports medicine and looks forward to playing for the Running Eagles next year.
Alexis Roberts Signs to Play Field Hockey at Ohio Wesleyan
Congratulations to Alexis Roberts who signed a letter of intent to play field hockey at Ohio Wesleyan University. Roberts also made official visits for field hockey to Centre College, Transylvania University and Roanoke College.
“I chose Ohio Wesleyan because of its small class size, really great involvement in the community, and highly ranked sports teams with the opportunity to play field hockey. When I visited I also loved the team and coaches,” said Roberts.
Former CAL head field hockey coach, Jeremy Nelson, coached Roberts for three of her four high school years and spoke of her tremendous work ethic.
“It’s one thing to show up, but it’s another thing to put in the effort. Alexis always gave 100%. The work she put forth is a reflection of her faith. Our faith is what pushes us to work harder, and you can see that in Alexis. God has given her a wonderful talent and passion for this sport. I’m very excited to see her hard work paying off in getting to play at the college level,” said Nelson.
“We are most thankful for the strong spiritual foundation that was built here at Christian Academy and with our church family. That strong foundation will serve her well as she heads off to college,” said Alexis’ mother and CAL Assistant AD, Jennifer Roberts.
Alexis received the Academic All State award for three years and was selected for this year’s senior all-star game. She plans to major in exercise science or physical therapy and looks forward to playing for the Battling Bishops next fall.
Top State Track & Field Compete at 8th Annual Harry Greschel Invitational
In the 8 years that Christian Academy has hosted the Harry Greschel Invitational, it has grown into one of the most competitive meets in the state. 1200 athletes representing 28 girls and 24 boys track & field teams, competed in the 2015 edition of the meet named after Kentucky Hall of Fame coach Harry Greschel, who started the program at Christian Academy.In total 20 state leading marks were established in the meet, that drew top team stretching from northern Kentucky to Daviess County. Two of those state leading marks were produced byChristian Academy’s own Lilli Popovichwho threw 36′ 11″ to win the shot put and a National Elite performance throw of 125′ 7″ to win the discus.Lilli’sthrow was one ofthe seven National Elite marks set at the meet.The senior’s throws led the team to a strong 10th place finish in the team standings. Others placing for the Lady Centurions were the 7th place 4×800 relay team of Clara Lynch, Callie Donaldson, Morgan McIntire & Madalyn O’Dea and the 8th place finishes by Maya Wright in the 100and Callie in the 3200.
8th grader Milton Wright showed that he will be a force to be reckoned with over the next 5 years by destroying his PR in the long jump, with a leap of 20′ 7″. This mark is less than 6″ off Caleb Love’s (now competing for Lipscomb University) school record. Milton added 7th place points in the high jump and was on the 8th place finishing 4×100 relay team, joined by Cal Lewellyn, Tanner Reiser & Isaac Yoho.
KYtrackXC.com 5K Showdown
The Harry Greschel Invitational weekend is kicked off on Friday evening with a slate of elite high school 5K races on the track. 70 of the best distance runners in Kentucky and 1 elite runner from Indiana, gathered on a perfectly cool evening, with inspirational music being played, to lay down some fast times. And fast times were certainly run – 58 of the runners surpassed the National Elite standard, including Christian Academy’s own Clara Lynch, who placed 13th in the race in 19:29. Sacred Heart senior and IU commit Maggie Allen used a torrid finish to run a meet record – her 17:35 time is the 2nd fastest in the country! In all 5 of the top 10 girls times and 2 of the top 10 boys times in the country were recorded on Christian Academy’s track in this race.
Juliann Parrish Signs to Play Volleyball at KCU
Congratulations to Juliann Parrish who signed a letter of intent to play volleyball at Kentucky Christian University yesterday.
Juliann also visited Union College, but ultimately landed on KCU.
“I felt like Kentucky Christian was where God was leading me. I know he has a plan for me at KCU. I’m so excited!” said Parrish.
CAL head volleyball coach, Patty Ernst, was unable to attend the signing ceremony but sent a statement that was read by CAL Director of Athletics, Brad Morgan.
“Juliann has been a bright spot in my coaching here at CAL. She always gives 100% to her team both on and off the court. She leads by example in everything she does. She was a great spiritual leader for our team and will be greatly missed,” said Coach Ernst.
KCU head volleyball coach, Bruce Dixon, also spoke of Juliann’s leadership skills and work ethic.
“I look forward to working with Juliann and to four years of excellence. She has come from a school who as prepared her spiritually, academically and athletically,” said Coach Dixon.
Parrish was named to the All District team her sophomore and senior year as well as awarded the Centurion Award in 2013 & 2014. Juliann plans to double major in Missions and Athletic Training and looks forward to playing for the Lady Knights next fall.
CAL Welcomes Toby Wilcox as Boys Head Soccer Coach
We are pleased to welcome Toby Wilcox as our new head boys’ soccer coach.
Coach Wilcox was the CAL assistant boys’ soccer coach for four years and was a member of the 1987 and 1988 State Soccer Championship teams at Ballard High School. Wilcox went on to play soccer at Clemson and Indiana University. He later returned to his high school alma mater to coach the Bruins to another State Championship title in 1993.
“I love soccer. I love the competitive nature of it and have had a huge passion for the sport since I was a little boy. I especially like that it’s a ‘thinking man’s game’…it’s more than just physical, it takes creativity to play as well,” said Wilcox.
CAL Director of Athletics, Brad Morgan said, “We are excited that Coach Wilcox 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’ soccer program.”
“I am super excited to be at CAL and a part of the soccer team,” said Coach Wilcox. “I’m optimistic about the team we have returning and I’m looking forward to playing an attractive style of soccer.”
Spring Golf Classic Registration Now Open
We are excited to announce that CAL Athletics will be hosting the 2015 Spring Golf Classic on Monday, May 11, 2015 at Persimmon Ridge Golf Club.
All proceeds from the CAL Golf Classic benefit the CAL Athletic Department.
Practices Canceled TODAY (3/4)
ALL Athletic practices/events scheduled for today (3/4) are CANCELED due to pending weather conditions.
8th Annual Harry Greschel Invitational Set for March 20-21
Christian Academy of Louisville will host the 8th annual Harry Greschel Invitational on March 20-21. The Invitational is one of the state’s largest track meets.
The annual KYTrackXC.com 5k Showdown race, run in conjunction with the Harry Greschel Invitational, will be held on Friday night, March 20th at 7pm.
Come out & support your Centurions for a day of exciting competition and fellowship, honoring the memory of the great Louisville area coach, Harry Greschel!
Kentucky High School Track and Cross Country Hall of Fame coach, Harry Greschel taught at Christian Academy of Louisville from 1984-1989, was the athletic director for two years and Cross Country coach for eight years.
USATF will be a vendor at the event.