The Christchurch School baseball team appeared on the first VISAA (Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association) Division II poll of the year at #10. Head Coach is Joey Fitchett, assisted by Floyd Crouch and Chad Brown. 

 

Kemp Davis is captain of the team. Kemp is the son of JD and Tracy Davis of Tappahannock, and has played on the team for four years. 

 

The team is on the road this week at Isle of Wight Academy (Isle of Wight, VA). They have a home game at Davies Field on Friday vs. Hampton Roads Academy (Newport News, VA) at 4pm on Friday and again on Saturday vs. Walsingham Academy at 11am. 

The Christchurch School girls soccer team is off to a strong start this season, debuting on the VISAA Division II polls at #2. The Covenant School (Charlottesville, VA) is ranked #1. The Seahorses have competed in the VISAA Division II state championship finals the last two years. 

 

Head Coach for the team is Matt Schaefer. He is assisted by Aaron Alter and Hunter Petrosky. 

Team captains are Mercy Duff, granddaughter of Dennis and Janet Duff of Kilmarnock; Becca Cook, daughter of Stephen and Catherine Cook of Alexandria, VA; and Lucia Rodriguez de Torres, daughter of Pedro Rodriguez Sanchez and Raquel De Torres Alvarez of Madrid, Spain. 

 

This week, the Seahorses host a Girls Soccer Invitational (round robin style) on Friday and Saturday, April 19 and 20, at Nunn Field on the school's lower campus. Christchurch playing #3-ranked Virginia Academy at 2pm on Friday. Virginia Academy will then play #11-ranked Atlantic Shores Christian at 5:15pm on Friday, and Christchurch will play Atlantic Shores at 11am on Saturday. Games are free and open to the publix. 

 

Other schools in the VISAA Division II are: Atlantic Shores Christian, Christ Chapel Academy, The Covenant School, Eastern Mennonite School, Fredericksburg Christian School, Hampton Roads Academy, Highland School, Immanuel Christian School, Miller School of Albemarle, Norfolk Christian School, Randolph-Macon Academy, Roanoke Catholic School, The Steward School, Tandem Friends School, Trinity School at Meadow View, Veritas School, Virginia Academy, Virginia Episcopal School, Wakefield School, and Walsingham Academy. 

Christchurch School's Global Education experiences are designed in-house by the program's director, Aaron Alter. Alter uses authentic relationships with communities and his personal knowledge and experience with places to build a framework for valuable student-driven learning. Over time, each trip to a specified destination is different than the one to the same destination the previous year. Students and faculty actively shape the dynamic and changing community visits. 

 

The school offers trips throughout the year to make it possible for all students to participate, regardless of other obligations or personal focus. 

 

This year during Spring Break, the school offered trips to Senegal and Spain. 

The trip to Senegal provided students with a unique window into life in “The Country of Hospitality.” The itinerary was designed to reveal the history that has shaped Senegal in stark contrast to the generalizations of Africa and allowed participants to feel the culture that has earned Senegal its title as the most hospitable country in the world. Students stayed in a traditional Mandinka village in the southeastern corner of the country and explored the vastness of Niokolo Koba National Park (the largest in West Africa). They experienced the labyrinthian mangrove creeks of the Sine Saloum Delta, encountered the tragedy of the slave trade at Goree Island, feltl the vibes of Dakar, witnessed the economic and social realities that are straining modern Senegal, and relaxed in a quiet fishing village south of the capital. Throughout the trip, students became acquainted with incredible individuals with unique life stories. Themes of trade, colonialism, the blending of religions, and physical strength tied it all together. From incredible wildlife, to delicious food, to tragic history, the trip showcased what makes Senegal such a dynamic destination.

 

The trip to Spain began and ended in Madrid, with a circular train route through Alicante, Altea, Valencia, Tarragona, Barcelona, and Zaragoza. CCS Spanish instructor Kristin Kiland spearheaded the trip, drawing from her extensive experience living and studying in Madrid. The group also spent time with several of the Christchurch Spanish students and their families. At each stop, the group investigated education and business as they exist in different parts of the country. The travelers enjoyed the delicious food and sights of Spain while studying the country using their understanding of Spain from their Spanish classes and the community of Spanish students who attend Christchurch. The trip was available to students in Advanced or Honors Spanish classes due to its emphasis on language immersion. All participants take part in a trimester-long seminar at the school.

 

The Christchurch School softball team continues its historic, inaugural season despite some rain postponements. The team goes into its fourth game this Thursday against sister school St. Catherine's (Richmond), also one of the six schools in Church Schools of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, at 4pm on the Seahorses' home field at Middlesex County Sports Complex. St. Catherine's record is 8-1. The Seahorses are 2-1 with wins over Lancaster High School (Lancaster) and Collegiate School (Richmond). This is the second time the Seahorses will square off against the Saints, having lost to them 8-0 in their first matchup. The Saints are in Division I of the VISAA (Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association), and the Seahorses are in Division 2. 

 

Seahorse team captains are: 

Channing Lewis '24, daughter of Russ and Jill Lewis of Tappahannock, VA 

Bridget Wiseman '24, daughter of Mark and Debbie Wiseman of Farnham, VA 

Teresa Espiritu '26, daughter of Rahn and Annie Espiritu of Gloucester, VA

Congratulations to the Christchurch students appointed to the school's campus hospitality group, the Navigators. When visitors come to campus, the Navigators are often the first people they meet. Mr. Mark Parsons is the advisor to the Navigators, and Mr. Billy Burlee is the Admission Liaison and Coordinator. 

 

Congratulations to our newest Navigators, pictured here from left to right.

Front row:

Adelaide Matzky (Rochester, NY), Simone Forrest (Ft. Washington, MD), Trevor Haynie (Burgess, VA), Wylder Smith (Guilford, CT)

Back row: Leonardo Markus Nunes (Cape Town, South Africa), Otto Eley (White Stone, VA), Jimmy Lewis (Lancaster, VA), Noah Everson (Alberta, Canada)

 

In the background is Admission Associate Mary Pryor, who works closely with the Navigators. 

CHRISTCHURCH, VA -- 19 March 2024

 

The Christchurch School baseball team returns six players to the diamond this year. After graduating nine seniors in the Class of 2023, the program is rebuilding, and the coaches are very excited about this young team.


Seniors: Waverly Rennolds (Urbanna, VA), Latane Barnette (Tappahannock, VA), Kemp Davis (Tappahannock, VA), Mark Lewis (Dunnsville, VA) and Che Gonteb (Namibia).

Juniors: Cam Byers (Christchurch, VA), Mac Bargatze (Dunnsville, VA), Tre Greene (Mathews, VA), Will Paschold (Virginia Beach, VA), and Mauricio Vallarta Pena (Mexico).

Sophomores: Trey Fitchett (Saluda, VA), Dallas Davis (Topping, VA), and Finley Caisse (Hartfield, VA).

Freshmen: Isaiah Booker (Gloucester, VA), Brayden Payne (Waterview, VA), and Andrew Claussen (Dulles, VA). 

 

Head Coach is Joey Fitchett. Fitchett is assisted by Aaron Mathews and Floyd Crouch. 

The 2024 Boys Lacrosse Team has a solid core of senior leadership in Keegan Slider (Farnham, VA), Carson Mann (Alberta, Canada), Thomas Updyke (Warrenton, VA), Jackson Pyles (Christchurch, VA), Felix Koerner (Venice, FL), Jake Wack (Fredericksburg, VA), Connor Nunnally (Deltaville, VA), Will Faulconer (Culpeper, VA) and lastly, third-year starter and leading goal scorer of 2023, Liam Vollans (Ontario, Canada).

This year's team is bookended by a strong 2026 class with at least a few 10th grade starters in Liam McKendrick (Ontario, Canada), William Flagg (Williamsburg, VA), Brody Nyitrai (Ontario, Canada), Caleb Dymmel (Morehead City, NC), Gabriele Caschera (Ontario, Canada), Kaleb Cripps (Ontario, Canada), Ethan Hardy (Ontario, Canada), and Rowan Toner (Ontario, Canada). The team returns an additional starter in Dylan Belliveau '25 (Alberta, Canada). Dylan and Carson brought along another friend from Alberta, Ontario defenseman/LSM Noah Everson '25.

Team captains for 2024 are Liam Vollans, Carson Mann, and Jake Wack. 

Head Coach for the program is John Dehm. He is assisted by Evan Pausic '17 and Max Groen. Coach Dehm notes, "There are a lot of fresh faces on the 2024 Christchurch Lacrosse team, but the fast, gritty style that defines the lacrosse program on the river, will remain the same." 

The team opened with a 15-7 victory over sister school St. Stephen's and St. Agnes (Alexandria, VA) during the spring break.  

The team plays in VISAA Division 1 which includes: Benedictine College Prep, Bishop Ireton High School, Bishop O'Connell High School, Blue Ridge School, Cape Henry Collegiate, Catholic High School, Collegiate School, Episcopal High School, Flint Hill School, Fork Union Military Academy, Norfolk Academy, The Potomac School, St. Anne's-Belfield School, St. Christopher's School, St. Paul VI Catholic High School, St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School, The Steward School, Trinity Episcopal School, and Woodberry Forest School. 

The Seahorses will host the annual Daniel T. Nolan Lacrosse Tournament "Rumble at the River" on March 22 and 23 at Dischinger Field on the school's upper campus. Participating schools are Kiski School/Saltsburg, PA; Perkiomen School/Pennsburg, PA; St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School/Alexandria, VA; and Christchurch.

The action starts at 3pm on Friday, with Christchurch vs. Perkiomen and Kiski vs. St. Stephen's & St. Agnes at 5pm.

The Consolation Game will be on Saturday at 12noon, and the Championship Game is at 2pm.

The tournament is held each year to honor Dan Nolan, beloved Christchurch administrator and lacrosse coach who dies of ALS in 1992.

There is no cost for admission and we invite the public to join us for some great lacrosse!  

Christchurch School will host its 31st Annual Golf Classic on Thursday, April 11 at the Piankatank River Golf Club in Hartfield. Registration starts at 11:30am, with a putting contest at 12:30pm, and a Captain's Choice shotgun start at 1pm. 

 

Registration includes 18 holes of golf with cart, dinner, and awards banquet following play. 

Register by March 1 for the Early Bird rate of $125. 

 

Sponsorship opportunities are available. To learn more, contact Huntley Galleher at hgalleher@christchurchschool.org. 

 

For more information about the Christchurch Golf Classic, go to https://www.christchurchschool.org/alumni/golf-classic. 

 

The Christchurch School Girls Basketball Team finished the 2023-24 season ranked #9 in the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) Division II. The team advances to the VISAA Division II first round of state playoffs on Tuesday, February 27, 6pm vs. Miller School of Albermarle (#8), at Miller's home court. 

 

The Seahorses are coached by Glenn Harper who is assisted by Taylor Carter. 

 

Other teams in VISAA Division II girls basketball division include Steward School, Virginia Academy, Norfolk Christian, Covenant, VIrginia Episcopal, Seton School, Hampton Roads, Miller School, Isle of Wight, Cape Henry Collegiate, Foxcroft, Highland School, Norfolk Collegiate, Atlantic Shores Christian, Chatham Hall, Eastern Mennonite, Fredericksburg Christian, Immanuel Christian, King Abdullah Academy, Nansemond Suffolk, Norfolk Christian, Peninsula Catholic, Tandem Friends, and Veritas School.

Congratulations to the five Christchurch swimmers who qualified to compete in the VISAA State Swimming and Diving Championship in Christiansburg, VA last weekend. 

 

The championship competitors were: 

 

Harrison Hinton, son of Robb and Jennifer Hinton of Wicomico Church

Finley Caisse, son of Joey and Sarah Caisse of Hartfield

Manuel Ortega Gutierrez, son of Francisco Ortega and Maria Gutierrez of Spain 

Guillermo Tazon Ruiz, son of Francisco Gonzalez and Cristina Caballero of Spain 

Alex Fitzhugh, son of John and Viola Fitzhugh of Midlothian

The stage in the David & Wendy Charlton Center for the Fine and Performing Arts at Christchurch School is abuzz with activity in preparation for the annual winter revue. Under the direction of Mark Parsons, Chair of Visual & Performing Arts, together with Associate Directors Ms. Libby Boyer, Dr. Kerry O'Grady, and Mr. Jim Robb, the cast and crew of thirty will bring the songs of the silver screen to life in an all-original script, written by a team of students. 

Rappahannock Rendezvous is set in the lobby and suites of the Lark Hotel, a 1920s Art Deco establishment in an urban center. Colorful characters, songsters,  jilted suitors, and the hotel staff bring this lively story to life, interspersed with tunes from films like Funny Girl, A Star Is Born, Come Fly With Me, Top Gun: Maverick, Mama Mia, Jersey Girl, and Cinema Paradiso. 

 

Rappahannock Rendezvous opens to the public at 7pm on Friday, February 16 and Saturday, February 17. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students aged 8-18. Seating is both at tables and in rows. Full tables may be reserved. Tickets may be reserved at tickets@christchurchschool.org. The show runs 1.5 hours in length. 

 

Christchurch School faculty and students enjoyed skiing this last weekend. The group took an overnight trip to Timberline Resort in Canaan Valley, West VA. Timberline reported 14-16 inches of fresh snow. 

The Christchurch School basketball teams are heating up Yarbrough Gymnasium this year! 

 

The girls team has posted victories over King's Christian Academy, Sussex Central, Northumberland High School, Walsingham Academy, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, and Portsmouth Christian. 

 

The team is coached by Glenn Harper. This is Harper's first year at the helm for the Seahorses. He has previously coached at Richmond schools Trinity Episcopal, St. Gertrude, and Thomas Jefferson, where he was named Region Coach-of-the-Year. Most recently, Harper was head girls varsity basketball coach at Mathews High School. He is assisted by Taylor Carter, who also assisted him at Mathews. 

 

The boys varsity team has posted victories over Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, Northumberland High School, Veritas, Walsingham Academy, and Portsmouth Christian. Head Coach CJ Kelly is assisted by Coach Leland DuNomes. 

 

Team captains are Felix Koerner '24, Bishop Saunders '25, and Mark Lewis '24. 

 

Felix is the son of David and Lou Koerner of Venice, FL.

Bishop is the son of Latonya Jones of Roanoke, VA. 

Mark is the son of Mark and Bonita Lewis of Dunnsville, VA. 

 

Other local players include:

Trey Fitchett '26, son of Joey and Nina Fitchett of Saluda 

Tremaine Greene '25, son of Darnice Greene of Mathews

CJ DuNomes '25, son of Leland and Keyetta DuNomes of Christchurch

 

You can catch all the Seahorses in action this Saturday in Yarbrough Gymnasium against Atlantic Shores Christian School of Chesapeake. The JV boys play at 12noon, the girls at 1:30, and the varsity boys at 3pm. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend. 

 

Captains of the team include standout swimmers Finley Caisse '26, Cheyenne Sears '25, Harrison Hinton '26, and Hannah VanVelzor '25.