Granby Memorial High School athletes had an amazing year, both on and off the field. Led by our incredible student-athletes and a supportive community, GMHS Bears have continued to be strong contenders across all CIAC state athletic divisions.
During the fall season, the GMHS volleyball and field hockey teams captured the NCCC Conference Regular Season Championships, with volleyball also winning the NCCC Conference Tournament. Volleyball finished the season 19-1 and advanced to the state championship game. Volleyball player Jayne Hiatt achieved the milestone of 1,000 kills. Field hockey advanced to the CIAC quarterfinals with a record of 13-2-1.
GMHS boys’ soccer also had a very successful season, advancing to the CIAC semifinals with a record of 11-2-3. Ben DelGallo was named an All-New England player. The GMHS cheerleading team supported the football team throughout the season, helping to create a fun, family-friendly environment at the games.
The GMHS girls’ soccer team qualified for the state tournament with a record of 11-4-1 and returns many players for the upcoming season. Both boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams had outstanding seasons, with the boys finishing 15th and the girls 12th in the CIAC postseason meet. Granby-Canton football made the Class SS state playoffs for the fifth year in a row, played in the Channel 3 Game of the Week against Rockville and finished the regular season with a record of 8-2. They look to continue their playoff streak with a strong returning roster.
The winter season was eventful for the GMHS Bears. Both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams qualified for the CIAC Tournament, finishing with records of 11-9 and 12-8, respectively. The boys’ team also won the Farmington Holiday Tournament Championship.
The Suffield-Granby-Windsor Locks co-op boys’ hockey team won the Nutmeg Conference Tournament and finished with a record of 7-12-1. Wrestling had a great winter season, with Liam Kirkpatrick earning his 125th career win, and GMHS hosting the exciting Granby Duels meet. GMHS swimming was successful in the pool, with many swimmers qualifying for the state meet. Indoor track also had a competitive season, with 24 NCCC qualifiers and 10 CIAC qualifiers.
All the spring teams qualified for the CIAC Tournament. Baseball finished the season 10-10, with David Peling throwing a no-hitter vs. Gilbert and the team earning a remarkable victory over the number-one-ranked team in Class M, Suffield. Softball qualified for the NCCC Tournament with a record of 17-3, advanced through multiple rounds of the state tournament, and will return the majority of its roster next season.
Boys’ lacrosse had a strong season, finishing 12-4, advancing to the NCCC Tournament Championship, and reaching the CIAC Tournament quarterfinals. Girls’ lacrosse also had an outstanding season, finishing 12-4, qualifying for the NCCC Tournament, and reaching the CIAC Class S semifinals. Outdoor track excelled this spring, with Hudson Branem setting the school high jump record and the boys’ relay team breaking the school 4×100 record.
Golf advanced successfully through tournament play, including low-scoring rounds at The Ranch in Southwick and Goodwin Park in Hartford. The Granby Grunts robotics team had a successful year as well, competing in multiple tournaments. Charles Krut was named to the CHSCA All-State team.
The Granby Memorial Athletics Department is proud to celebrate many achievements, including Coach Terri Ziemnicki receiving the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Kathy Holloway Woman of Inspiration Award, as well as the CIAC Class S Coach of the Year Award.
Hayes Horst, a football and boys’ lacrosse student-athlete, earned the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Award, finishing third in overall votes and being named a Gametime CT Player of the Week nominee. Ben DelGallo, a GMHS boys’ soccer player, was named All-New England—an incredible achievement. Sierra Ashe, a GMHS swimmer and tennis player, and Calvin Olsen, a track and soccer athlete, were both awarded the CAS-CIAC Scholar-Athlete Award. Oliver Douglas, Jake Teclaw, and Jalisa Matthews were nominated as CHSCA Athletes of the Week. Natalie Jones and Cody Ehmann participated in National Signing Day, continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level. GMHS Athletics is proud to recognize 40 NCCC All-Conference athletes, 11 CIAC All-State athletes, and one All-New England athlete across all three seasons.
Looking ahead, GMHS athletes will continue to excel both in the classroom and on the field, with the majority of student-athletes qualifying as scholar-athletes. Many teams began summer workouts for all high schoolers and incoming ninth graders on June 23. If you are a student interested in participating, please email the team coach via the GMHS Athletics website. Football registration opens July 7, with registration for all other fall sports beginning Aug. 1. Practices for all fall sports start Aug. 18.
Thank you to the Granby community, staff and families for supporting GMHS Athletics—we hope to see you at a game this upcoming fall season. GO BEARS!