ODA’s varsity football defensive player, Colin Castro ’20, was named as a First Team Finalist.
The junior, who plays as a free safety, had 43 solo tackles, 15 assists, 6 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery and 4 pass breakups. In addition, he gained 1,039 yards on 139 carries and scored 13 touchdowns at running back.
Alumnus and member of ODA’s Athletic Department Jake Siciliano ‘11, ODA’s most recent HT Preps All-Area High-School Athlete First Team Finalist in football, reflected on the monumentality of Castro’s accomplishment. “It’s a huge honor and accomplishment for Colin to receive this recognition, and he absolutely deserved it. Colin’s strength is consistency—he has a willingness to go out every single game and do whatever it takes to help his team. He showed that willingness and dedication to his team one hundred percent of the time.”
Making the Honorable Mention list were Out-of-Door’s varsity defensive players Nolan Lewellen ’21, and Filip Svoboda ’19, and varsity offensive player Tucker Harris '19.
Read more about the defensive football players.
Read more about the offensive football players.
Out-of-Door varsity swimmer Sarsen Whatmore '19 was named as a First Team Finalist with his fifth-place finish in the 200 freestyle and sixth-place finish in the 500 freestyle at the Class 1A state swim finals. The senior also earned All-American consideration in the 500 freestyle with his win at the state championships.
Earning Honorable Mention for swimming were Reece Whatmore '21, and Zach Szmania '19.
Read more about the girls swimming finalists.
Read more about the boys swimming finalists.
ODA cross country dominated this year with three student-athletes named as HT Preps All-Area High School Athletes. Eighth grader Maria Shaw was named a First Team Finalist in part due to her first-place win at the 1A-District 7 Championships, beating her personal best time in the event by 27 seconds. In addition, she won the North Port Invitational, and finished second in the Tri-County Championships.
Teammates Maeve Studdiford '21, and Tristan McWilliam '22 were named to the Honorable Mention list for their outstanding season as well.
Read more about the girls cross country finalists.
Read more about the boys cross country finalists.
ODA varsity volleyball players had a stellar 2018 season, winning their third District Championship in as many years. Mackenzie Condrack ‘19 and Sophie Fedder ‘21 were named to the Honorable Mention list as outstanding volleyball athletes.
Read more about the girls volleyball players.
Out-of-Door Athletic Director Kippie Crouch says that the new culture of “hard work pays off” is starting to take hold. “We’ve set the bar high—for our student-athletes and our coaches. This is the first time we have had three First Team athletes and so many Honorable Mentions in a single season. I’m proud of our kids. It’s great to see them getting positive press for their hard work and the recognition I believe they deserve.”