Mascot Makeover: 2023-2024
The 2024 academic year saw a refresh of the School’s iconic Wild Boar mascot. This was the first update of the mascot since 1995, as that iteration was falling into poor condition. The new design drew inspiration from other common mascot looks and focused on a more realistic boar image. The School worked with an English-based design company, Mascot Makers, to create the refreshed mascot. The final version sports a new bright yellow sports jersey with the number “90” written across it — alluding to the School’s founding in 1890 — bright blue sneakers, and a wider grin. They also made adjustments to make the boar appear less aggressive, such as making the eyes gold, as the mascot is intended to be not only a symbol of ferocity and competition but also one of friendliness and approachability. BoarPen and Director of Student Activities Ms. Alex Long debuted the new mascot at the first School Meeting of the year.
Founders League Summit: September 24, 2023
On September 24, nine Choate students and Assistant Athletic Director Mr. Nolan Silbernagel attended the inaugural Founders League Student Summit hosted at Miss Porter’s School. The goal of the summit was to learn about leadership and how to build a culture of healthy competition between the Founders League schools. The students began the summit by introducing each school’s athletic program. Next, the participants learned about sportsmanship from Quinnipiac University Sports Psychologist Dr. Devin Markle. They then discussed ways to implement sportsmanship and conflict resolution across the league. To wrap up the day, the students established 10 new Founders League principles. The summit allowed students to exchange ideas about how to grow their respective athletics programs and build healthier competition within the Founders League.
Deerfield Day: Boars Vs. Doors: November 11, 2023
On November 11, the Wild Boars competed against rival school Deerfield Academy in a series of athletic contests as part of a 101-year-long tradition known as Deerfield Day. “Spirit Week,” the week leading up to the event, was filled with enthusiasm and various dress-up days – Barbie World Monday, Twin Tuesday, Western Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, and Dress Like Deerfield Friday. The week culminated in the Deerfield Day Pep Rally in Colony Hall on the eve of the competitions, with performances from fall varsity sports teams. Some highlights of Deerfield Day included the tough battle between the Girls’ Varsity Volleyball teams and the victorious Varsity Football game that concluded the day. Whether representing Choate on the court or cheering from the sidelines, Choate’s Wild Boars contributed to an exciting field day full of spirit and sportsmanship.
Football’s Gold and Glory: Fall 2023
The Varsity Football team had their strongest season yet, securing both the Founders League and New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Championship titles with a perfect 9-0 record, exemplified by their 44-14 victory over Deerfield Academy on Deerfield Day. The team’s success was fueled by a focus on teamwork and an aim to build a family-like bond among the members. Head Coach Mr. LJ Spinnato’s mentorship and dedication to the Choate Football program earned him Coach of the Year recognition from the New Haven Football Officials Association. The football team’s exceptional season and championship titles set the stage for a promising fall, as they aim to carry forward the same momentum and energy for yet another memorable year.
Dominance on the Court: February 18, 2024
The Boys’ Varsity Basketball team ended the season as the Founders League Champions with an 18-8 record. Although the team started the season off slow, they took on a 12-game win streak mid-season, securing the best record in the Founders League. According to player Ifeanyi Ndokwu ’25, their win streak was a turning point in the season, forming a sense of camaraderie within the team. “[After the win streak,] we learned each other’s play styles, and team morale was high,” Ndokwu said. The lack of major injuries contributed to the team’s success, as key players were able to play consistently. With a successful season behind them, the team will build upon their chemistry and carry it into next year.
Swim, Succeed, Rinse, Repeat: February 24, 2024
Choate’s Varsity Boys’ Swim Team snagged a historic three-peat by winning the Founders League Swimming Championships (Founders) title, shattering four Choate records in the process. Ryan Liu ’26, Daneel Polakoff ’25, Michael Xu ’25, and Henry Ding ’24 kicked off the meet with their record-breaking 200-meter Medley Relay. With faith in his training and coaches, Xu smashed both the Choate and Founders 100-meter Freestyle records. Fueled by his passion for the pool, Liu broke the 100-meter Butterfly school record. And, despite Polakoff’s in-season shoulder injury, he obliterated the Choate 100-meter Breaststroke record, highlighting his perseverance and dedication to the sport. After a winter of relentless practices and mental battles, the Boys’ Swim Team’s hard work paid off with their historic victory and four broken records.
Calli Gilchrist ’25’s Pins and Wins: Winter 2023-2024
This winter, Calli Gilchrist ’25 made history at Choate, clinching the School’s first Girls’ Wrestling Prep National Championship and first Wrestling Prep Championship since 1939. Her outstanding performance continued at the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) Nationals, where she secured the title with three pins and earned the Outstanding Wrestler award. Gilchrist’s dedication and leadership, both on and off the mat, have inspired her teammates and coaches, setting a high standard for high school wrestlers and paving the way for future generations of the sport at Choate. “I want to continue breaking barriers to show girls what we are capable of. I want to be a role model for young athletes who want to achieve the things I have and more,” Gilchrist said.
Squashing the Competition: Winter 2023-2034
During the winter term, the Choate Squash program had a successful season, celebrating many team and individual accomplishments. For the first time in over a decade, both Boys’ Varsity Squash and Girls’ Varsity Squash qualified for the New England Class “A” Division Championships. “Our team grew throughout the season through increased grit and ability to play every match with our best energy,” Boys’ Varsity Squash Captain Zach Starr ’24 said. In January, Jacob Price ’27 represented Team USA and became the first Choate student to participate in the British Junior Squash Open. Then, in February, Majo Soria ’26 and Lucas Carlson ’26 won third place in their respective categories at the South American Squash Championships in Brazil. Choate’s Squash program showcased exceptional performances this year, marked by notable accomplishments on both national and international stages.
Rowing to Victory: May 5, 2024
On May 5, the Varsity Girls’ Crew Team, led by Captains Brecken Cullinan ’24, Suzie Kim ’24, and Ella Shafman ’24, participated in the Founders’ Day Regatta hosted by the Frederick Gunn School on Lake Waramaug. The team competed against all other Connecticut preparatory schools in the New England Interscholastic Rowing Association and numerous other crew teams from across New England. The team raced five boats in the Regatta, with the first and fourth boats placing second overall and the second and third boats placing first. The fifth boat was second in their race. Choate’s Girls’ Crew Team emerged as the highest scorers at the Founder’s Day Regatta with impressive performances across all five boats.
Signing to Success: November 8, 2023, February 7, 2024, and May 8, 2024
This year, three signing days were held for Choate student-athletes to sign their National Letter of Intent. The letters signify their intentions to continue their respective sports in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I, II, or III levels. Seven Choate student-athletes in the fall term signed on November 8, an additional 33 in the winter term on February 7, and 10 in the spring term signing day on May 8. On all three signing days, the Wild Boars were joined by friends, family, and supporters as they made the decision to pursue their passions and compete in interscholastic sports at the collegiate level.
