Local Sports

CHC men seek sophomore season success

by TOM UTESCHER

In the first year for men’s soccer at Chestnut Hill College, the Griffins closed out their 2004 campaign with a respectable record of 7-10-1 overall and 5-5 in the North East Athletic Conference (NEAC). With his top players back in action for 2005 and a strong recruiting class figured into the mix, CHC coach Shawn Ferris aims to lead his club to a winning season both in and out of the conference.

Mount volleyball builds around core of veterans

by TOM UTESCHER

Eight returning varsity players will form the foundation of Mount St. Joseph Academy’s volleyball team this fall as the Magic seek another Bicentennial League championship. The Mount shared the 2004 title with Merion Mercy Academy, which once again appears to be the chief rival for the local spike squad.

Last year’s crew posted an overall record of 16-5, ending its season in the second round of the PIAA District I tournament. Now in his tenth season as Mount St. Joe’s mentor, head coach Sandy Butcher had 40 players try out for his 2005 franchise, and he has retained a total of two dozen athletes to make up the varsity and JV teams.

Mount soccer in Hill’s hands

by TOM UTESCHER

Chris Hill, a Glenside resident who has coached club and scholastic soccer for many years at various levels, has been chosen to pilot the program at Mount St. Joseph Academy. His longtime involvement with Glenside’s Hunter Soccer Club began when his own children first began to play on youth teams.

Hill, 47, learned the game in a part of central New Jersey well known for strong high school and club soccer, and he played for the Ranney School in Tinton Falls. He’s been coaching Hunter’s Under-15 boys team for the past five years and recently began to work with the U-18’s, as well. In 2004 he was co-coach of the junior varsity squad at La Salle High School, and last spring he headed the JV girls program at Abington High.