Athletes of the Week for May 9, 2022

Congratulations to Nate Watson ’23 and Iñigo Arsuaga de Haro ’22 for receiving Cardigan’s Student-Athlete of the Week Awards. Read what their coaches have to say about them below, and meet all the students who were nominated. Learn more about Athletics at Cardigan Mountain School.

Varsity Student-Athlete of the Week

Nate Watson ’23 - Varsity Baseball

Nate has been a consistent leader and performer on the Varsity Baseball Team this year. He has contributed at the plate, on the mound, in the field, and is willing to do whatever he can to help the team win. In the two games the team played this week, he went 2 for 4, pitched 3 scoreless innings, and was error-free in the field. Nate is a pleasure to work with and coach!

Sub-Varsity Student-Athlete of the Week

Iñigo Arsuaga de Haro ’22 - Thirds Tennis 

Iñigo produced a positive week of practice during which he won some close intrasquad singles matches. He also earned his spot to play #3 singles against Vermont Academy on Family Weekend; Iñigo’s decisive 8-1 victory propelled the Cougars to a team victory.

Other Varsity Nominations 

David Solorzano Valdes ’23 - Varsity Tennis

David is an incredible player who outclasses his opponents with his exquisite technique. He has done a great job playing against older and more experienced players since the beginning of the season. We are very impressed with his maturity and work ethic on the court, both of which help him to fight every point during a match. David’s opponents often talk to him after their match and praise his tennis game. We are very proud of everything that he has done this year. 

Ethan Roy ’22 - Varsity Lacrosse

Ethan has worked hard all season, quietly pushing himself to get better, learning the defense, and helping others on the team be their best in practices and games. This past week he played some of his best lacrosse of the season. He made great plays on and off the ball and helped clear the ball as well. He has improved tremendously this season every day and this past week was a force to be reckoned with as he put relentless pressure on the ball and caused his opponent to turn the ball over frequently. Keep up the great work on and off the field, Ethan! 

Other Sub-Varsity Nominations 

Francisco “Pancho” Artigas Bay ’22  - Thirds Lacrosse 

Pancho sacrificed his solid offensive game to captain the Thirds Lacrosse D-core. We needed a leader and he stepped up. Although he prefers a short stick, this doesn’t stop him from playing as a menacing attacker at all times. His passion and intensity inspire his teammates and coaches, giving us hope for big victories ahead. Keep crushing ’em, Pancho!

Ian McDonnell ’22 - Reserve Tennis

Ian has put tireless effort into improving himself as a player, particularly his serves, and is making slow but sure progress in his development as a player and athlete. He even chose to work individually with me last Thursday evening when Turner Arena was open for honor roll students, rather than play with his friends. Despite setbacks and challenges, Ian is wildly persistent and determined to continue his improvement.

Su “Jack” Lin ’22 - Rock Climbing 

Jack’s climbing skills have been steadily improving since early April, for he is beginning to climb on one foot and is learning about how to read sequences in boulder problems and roped routes. He was elected by his peers to be captain of our squad, and he has taken his duties very seriously. In addition, he encourages his peers to be their best selves during practice and motivates them to extend themselves to reach their potential every day. Jack has been a pleasure to coach this spring!

Santiago “Santi” Laresgoiti ’23 - Fourths Lacrosse 

Santi is our nomination for Athlete of the Week. In only his first year of playing, he has established himself as one of the better defensemen on the team. In our most recent scrimmage with the Thirds Team, he was without question the player of the game. He helped secure another strong defensive effort during Family Weekend, leading some of our most physical play to date. 

Joonseong “Jake” Lim ’23 - JV Tennis

Jake has been a superb leader since day one for our team. This is one of the reasons that he was chosen as a co-captain by his peers. He has done an excellent job at all practices––working hard, leading his teammates, and always competing and pushing them to be better. He recently dominated in his doubles match against Holderness School. Even more impressive is his kind heartedness and his incredible intellect. His persona is one of the reasons that he was nominated not only to be Athlete of the Week, but also a finalist for school leader. We believe that Jake would represent the school greatly as this week’s Athlete of the Week.

Will Ruffa ’23 - Fourths Tennis

Will has made tremendous improvements in his game since the start of the season. He is a critical learner and asks for feedback from his coaches at every practice. He also earned an incredible win against his opponent at Eaglebrook School, and made it a fun, competitive match to watch. 

Bode Murano ’23 - JV Baseball

Bode pitched several innings against Holderness School, the highest number of innings by a JV pitcher so far this season. Bode held Holderness to zero runs in two of these innings, marking only the second time Cardigan has had back-to-back shutout innings.