Can you say “dynasty”?
The Staples High School field hockey team won their 4th straight state class L (large schools) championship yesterday.
And there was no doubt about it.
The Wreckers downed Darien 4-2, at Wethersfield High School. The win comes on top of a 2-0 victory over Cheshire last year, 1-0 against Darien in 2017, and a co-championship with Darien in 2016, the 2nd year of coach Ian Tapsall’s tenure.
Darien is a worthy rival. The Blue Wave won 3-1 in September, in the 2nd game of the regular season. The 2 teams tied 0-0 earlier this month, to share the FCIAC crown.
Yesterday’s victory was decisive. Sportswriter Rich DiPreta writes: “At times, it seemed like Staples had 20 players on the field against Darien’s 11.”
Congratulations, Wreckers. We look forward to the drive for 5!
(For a full story from the Ruden Report, click here.)
The Staples High School field hockey team celebrates, earlier this season. (Photo courtesy of Matt Dewkett for the Ruden Report)
Truly a remarkable accomplishment. Congratulations to them!
And it all begins with the leadership of Coach Ian and his uncanny ability to connect with these young woman, providing them the confidence to bring their game to the next level, both physically and mentally…. a gift very few coaches have.
The only tarnish to these wonderful 4 years is the lack of recognition for this coach from his peers in not being voted Coach of the Year… Something he would never bring up but as a parent of a former player and someone who continues to follow this great sport at Staples, one should simply have to ask the question, why???
Great job ladies! Some accomplishment!!
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