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On Wednesday, senior Zac Passafiume, signed a letter of intent to play football at Lindsey Wilson College next fall.

“I have had the opportunity to coach Zac for two years. He’ll do anything you ask him to do. It’s been fun to watch him on Friday nights and see how much he’s grown as a player these last two years. I look forward to following his college career,” said CAL head varsity football coach, Stefan LeFors.

Zac’s parents, Tracy and Michael, spoke of how proud they are of him. His father read a poem about how short life is and how to make the most of every opportunity. “We can’t wait to see him make a difference for Christ at Lindsey Wilson,” said Mrs. Passafiume.

Zachary has attended CAL since the 3rd grade and was also a member of the CAL boys’ basketball team. Assistant boys’ varsity basketball coach, Mike Eichberger, congratulated Zac as well.

“Zac will be great at whatever he does. I know he’ll do great things at Lindsey Wilson…it’s a great school,” said Coach Eichberger.

Assistant varsity football coach, Keith Griffee, has coached Zac since grade school. He closed the signing ceremony in prayer and thanked the Passafiumes for their support.

Zac was named to the 2013 All-District team and plans to major in Athletic Administration.

Over 1000 of the state’s top track & field athletes came together on the Christian Academy track, for one of Kentucky’s most competitive meets – the Harry Greschel Invitational. The 7th edition of the invitational, named after the founder of the Christian Academy’s track & field program, attracted 22 of the best girls & boys teams in the area.

The raw numbers were staggering: 19 state-leading performances were set, 5 national elite and 145 state elite marks were exceeded. The highlight was the jaw dropping 200 turned in by North Hardin’s Kianna Gray. Her 23.92 second time is the fastest 200in Kentucky history!

The girls team finished an outstanding 7th place in the team standings, pushed by medalists in 4 events. Junior Lilli Popovich threw to medals in both the shot put (33′ 10″) and the discus (104′ 11″). Tessa Sipe soared 8′ in the pole vault to take the bronze. And the 4×800 relay team of Hannah Herd, Callie Donaldson, Candace Putlakand Clara Lynch clipped off 8 laps in a season best time of 10:34.28 toalso earn third place.

Placing at this meet (top 8), earns team points and in a meet this big, that is an accomplishment worth recognizing.After her 4×800 relay duties, Callie also scored in the 3200, as she has become the 5th fastest 2 miler in school history.In a dual of field eventschool record holders, Tessa finished the slimmest of margins – one-hundreth of a second – to grab 8th place in the 100 hurdles over Lilli. Tessa was also on two other scoring relays – the 4×200 joining Hannah Herd, Eva Bohne’& Taylor Ross and the 4×400 again joining Hannah & Taylor, with Candace filling out thequartet.

The boys team place 16th place, scoring in 4 events. Sprinter Adam Shelton showed his off-season work ethic payed off, blazing 11.62 for 7th in the 100. Adam showed his ability in longer sprints also, joining Eric Lesmeister, Luke Montgomery and Conner Cloyd, to get a team best placing of 5th. Eric was also on the placing 4×800 relay team with Austin Schaper, Michael Good and Alex Curry. The final team points were earned by Jed Clay in the shot put.

Kicking off the Harry Greschel Invitational weekend is the Friday night KYtrackXC.com 5K Showdown, which gathered 80 of the best distance runners from all over Kentucky, plusa couple of Hoosier standouts, for this invitation only event. 26 national elite marks were achieved, in spite of the windy conditions.Maggie Allen of Sacred Heart ran 17:38, the 3rd fastest time in the country, as she used a fierce kick to take the win. Daviess County’s Witney O’Brienwas runner-up, with her 17:47 also putting her in the top 5 in the nation. Christian Academy’s own Hannah Herd and Clara Lynch showed that they are among the state’s elite, with Hannah running 19:41 for 19th place and Clara getting a PR 19:47 for 21st.

St. X showed why they have been nationally ranked for the last several years, grabbing 1st (William Mulloy 15:05) and 3rd (Chris Striegel – 15:07), sandwiching Barr-Reeve’s (IN) Jarit Perkins.

On Thursday, senior Kyle Yeoman, signed a letter of intent to play soccer at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. Yeoman came to CAL as a sophomore and plays soccer and runs track for the Centurions. He is also a member of the Louisville club soccer team, River City Rovers.

“It is an honor to share this moment with Kyle and his family. Kyle likes to have fun yet never loses perspective. Kyle consistently gives his all when playing soccer. He has the unique ability to win with class, go through tough times with class, and come back even tougher,” said CAL head boys’ soccer coach, Doug Lucas.

Assistant coach, Brian Swanson is a 2009 CAL graduate and played soccer for the Centurions before going on to play at Georgetown College.

“Not everyone is blessed with the opportunity to play soccer in college. It will go by quickly so be sure to enjoy it,” said Coach Swanson. “Kyle is a determined player with a God given talent. It has been an honor to watch and coach him.”

Kyle was a 2 year varsity starter as well as team captain for the Centurions. He was named to the 2014 All District and All-Region teams. Kyle chose Union because of the environment, soccer coaching staff, and high academic standards. He plans to major in business and looks forward to playing for the Bulldogs next fall.

LINDSEY DUNN SIGNS TO PLAY SOCCER AT GEORGETOWN COLLEGE

On Friday, senior Lindsey Dunn signed a letter of intent to play soccer at Georgetown College. Dunn has played soccer since her freshman year at CAL, as well as with the Derby City Rossanari club soccer team.

CAL head girls’ soccer coach, John Zutt, praised Lindsey her Christ-like spirit and tenacity on the soccer field. Coach Zutt was excited for Lindsey to be moving on, but sad to be losing such an amazing soccer player.

“When I think of Lindsey, her athleticism stands out to me. She was always one of the most athletic players on the field. Another great attribute Lindsey has is perseverance. She never gave up and always strived to become a better player and follower of Christ. Lindsey is such a great prayer warrior and faith leader on our team. Georgetown is getting a great girl who will give her all every day in both soccer and in her Christian attitude,” said Zutt.

Current Derby City Rossanari head girls’ club soccer coach, Dennis Murrell, was unable to attend the signing ceremony, but had many great things to say about Lindsey.

“I know that Georgetown soccer is getting a true asset for their program. Lindsey is already a really good soccer player- she is fast, smart, determined and a great teammate. What they may not realize, is how much better she will be in the coming years. Georgetown is getting a great athlete with a high ceiling and willingness to compete,” said Murrell.

Former CAL head girls’ basketball coach, Don Rice, praised Dunn for her dedication to working hard every day and glorifying God while doing it.

“The best thing about Lindsey and what she did for our team, is her faith and Christian attitude towards every aspect of the game. Georgetown is getting a great athlete and an even better person,” said Rice.

Dunn was this year’s soccer team captain, as well as chosen to play in the KY All-Star game in basketball. Lindsey is one of the most lettered high school athletes to ever come through Christian Academy, playing softball, basketball and soccer. Lindsey plans to major in telecommunications or sports administration and looks forward to playing for the Tigers next year.

It’s not too late to get your Spring Sports Athletic Pass! An athletic pass saves you time at the gate and eliminates need to stop for cash!  

A Spring Sports Athletic Pass gives you admission to over 150 home events this spring!

Prices: Family $95  Individual $40

Athletic Passes can be purchased in the Armory or in the Athletic Office

Senior, Jennifer Stratton signed a letter of intent to play lacrosse at Asbury University. Stratton has played lacrosse since the 8th grade at CAL, as well as with the Louisville Cardinal Elite club lacrosse team.

Former CAL head girls’ lacrosse coach, Stewart Bailey, praised Stratton for her dedication to the sport and improvement throughout her high school career.

“It doesn’t surprise me that Jenny is here signing today. She has worked on her own to get to where she is. She is one of the hardest driving players I’ve ever had. Defender is a tough position to play and doesn’t get a lot of praise. I’m so proud of her,” said Bailey.

Rich Manieri, Asbury’s head girls’ lacrosse coach, spoke about starting a brand new sports program and what it involves.

“When starting a new program you look for people like Jenny. You look for players that show the leadership qualities she has to be founding members. If I could have designed the perfect player for what we are trying to do in our program, it would be Jenny. We feel very fortunate to have her not only as a lacrosse player, but in the Asbury community as well,” said Manieri.
Current CAL head girls’ lacrosse coach, John Anderson, echoed Coach Manieri’s and Coach Bailey’s praise of Stratton.

“Jenny has become the most aggressive and defensive player on our team. She is truly a coach’s dream,” said Anderson.

“Coach Manieri is certainly creating a team of not only incredible athletes, but, based upon the girls I have met thus far, a team of kind hearted, devoted girls who I believe will come together as a great group creating both a powerful team and close family,” said Stratton. “More importantly, I’ve chosen Asbury because of the incredible community I have had the chance to see during my visits to campus. Their love and service to the Lord, and to one another, is incredibly moving and I hope to be a part of that. I have already noticed a change in myself and strengthening in my relationship from seeing God’s work within Asbury University.”

Jennifer is this year’s team captain and was named defender of the year last year, as well as chosen to play in the KY All-Star game. Jennifer plans to double major in Media Communications and Business Administration and looks forward to playing for the Eagles next fall.

The 2013-2014 Rodman Tabb Spirit Award was announced at last night’s varsity girls’ basketball game.  This year’s recipient is Rick Bordas.

Rick was a supporter of Christian Academy Athletics throughout the years that his children attended CAL and well beyond. Rick coached freshman boys’ basketball in 2006 and also served as president of the CAL athletic board. He was an active participant in the Booster Club for many years and served as a retail vendor for multiple sports teams at all levels. Rick was passionate about golf and helped to start and organize the CAL Athletic Golf Scramble.

Rick’s dedication to Christian Academy was strong, but his true dedication was to the serving the students that attended here. Rick mentored several young men from CAL that continued on into their college years.

Rick lost his battle with cancer this past September. He loved kids, loved God, and loved this school. Christian Academy would be a very different place without Rick Bordas. So many students, parents, and faculty have been impacted by his service and friendship.

The Rodman Tabb Spirit Award was created to honor and recognize supporters, coaches, and participants in CAL Athletics who have demonstrated their allegiance to Centurion Sports through faithfulness, sacrifice, service and Christian values. This award recognizes those who cherish and value CAL Athletics the way Mr. Tabb did – with enthusiasm, joy, love and honor. Mr. Tabb was Christian Academy’s most loyal and faithful fan. His years of dedication, service, and support to CAL as an Administrator and his unwavering support of Centurion Athletics serve as the foundation as we remember CAL’s greatest fan.