The Storm King School’s fall sports season is off and running, with Boys Varsity Soccer and Cross Country leading the way. Both teams are showing impressive performances early on, combining talent, leadership, and determination to set the tone for what’s shaping up to be a standout season.
Boys Varsity Soccer
Photo by Eric W. ’27
On the soccer pitch, Coach Jim Bennett’s squad is growing stronger each week. The team is led by captains Sam L. ’26, Ren T. ’26, Luis G. ’26, and Logan K.’27, who have helped shape a competitive and cohesive group. “Defensively, Logan and Luis anchor a reliable back line, while goalkeeper Clay Z. continues to impress as one of the top keepers in New England,” explains Coach Bennett. “Up front, Tayo A. is leading the team in scoring and remains a constant offensive threat.”
After opening the season with tough losses to Thrive and Mount Academy, the team bounced back with a commanding 7–0 win over Marvelwood. Their performance was praised by the match official, who called them “a class act” for their sportsmanship and skill. Momentum continued with a historic 3–1 victory over Wooster — the first win against that program in 11 years. Despite more recent losses to Christian Heritage and West Point, the team remains competitive and optimistic. Coach Bennett praised the group, calling them “very talented and respectful,” with the potential for a great season ahead.
Cross Country
Meanwhile, Cross Country is off to one of its best starts in years. With 27 runners, this is the largest team Coaches Alex Finn-Atkins and Jennifer Boerke have led, and they’re already making their mark. Despite early injuries to some runners, the boys and girls teams have posted strong finishes, personal bests, and with the boys now leading the HVAL Division 4 standings.
The season opened at the Mount Academy Invitational in mid-September with over 100 runners from around the Hudson Valley competing. Among the girls, Ava O. ’26 ran a 25:45.8 for 38th place in the 5K race, followed by Eva G. ’26 (27:32.2), Liz U. ’26 (27:42.5), Rikki E. ’28 (32:41.9), Laila M. ’26 (37:00.9), and Arah F. ’28 (41:20.6).
In the boys 2-mile race, Ronan K. ’29 placed 34th in 16:14.9, while Brandon M. ’29 followed with 28:10.1. In the 5K, Peter R. ’27 led with 20:49.3, followed by Eric W. ’27 (21:13.8), Antonio M. ’26 (23:27.9), Mateusz W. ’28 (24:09.5), Ji In C. ’28 (25:07.8), Charles M. ’28 (26:06.4), Jaewon K. ’27 (27:06.0), and Santiago S. ’26 (28:32.3).
Just days later at the Oakwood Friends Invitational, the boys team earned their first team win of the season. Peter (20:19.0) and Armani C. ’26 (20:31.0) led the way, placing 5th and 6th respectively, with Eric (21:13.7) and Nick H. ’26 (21:46.7) rounding out the top finishers. The girls team also impressed, placing 2nd overall with Liz finishing 3rd (26:51.5), Ava in 4th (27:27.4), and Eva in 9th (29:20.3).
At the annual Storm King Invitational held on September 24, the boys secured another 1st-place team win. Armani C. ran a 19:44.9 for 3rd place, followed by Peter R. (19:48.2) and Eric W. (20:17.1). The girls had another strong outing, with Ava O. placing 3rd (24:59.5), Liz U. 4th (26:30.2), Eva G. 5th (27:41.1), and Rikki E. 10th (30:12.7). The meet also welcomed back the New York School for the Deaf, with Mrs. VanDunk serving as translator for a second straight year — continuing Storm King’s commitment to inclusive athletics.
Coach Finn-Atkins noted, “This is the largest team I’ve seen to date, and our athletes are rising to the occasion. Our boys are leading the division with ease, and I’m incredibly proud of how our team is developing.”
With strong leadership, growing confidence, and a string of early successes, Storm King’s fall teams are off to a fantastic start — one that has both the campus and the broader community excited for what’s to come.