The Dalton Athletic department prepares for a strong 2009-2010 winter season.  The Wrestling and Swim teams look to continue to rebuild their programs and the Girls and Boys Basketball teams look to make a run to the state tournament.  Each team has set high goals for themselves that they all are working to achieve. 

The Dalton Tiger Swim team are looking to move up in the ranks of the Ivy League with almost all of last year's young team returning and a strong group of Freshman joining the team.  Although the three seniors we graduated last year were all key players, the league as a whole graduated a strong class.  This should leave the field wide open as Dalton looks to championships in February.  Before then the team will be focusing on the Fieldston and Trinity dual meets.  The Tiegers match up well with these teams and the meets should provide good competition and preparation for championships. 

The wrestling team is coming off of an exciting 2008-2009 season, placing 1st in the PSAA, 3rd in the Ivy League and winning the Most Improved Team award at the Private School State Tournament.  The outlook for the team in this rebuilding year, is optimistic with increased numbers and enthusiasm despite a number of inexperienced wrestlers.  Dalton should be able to fill almost every weight class and as the younger wrestlers gain skills and experience, they should see a major improvement as the season goes along. 

The Dalton Girls Basketball team is poised for a special season.  This high-octane uptempo team returns 10 players from last season, including five seniors. Co-Captains Bonnie Cecil and Stephanie Lechich look to lead the team in the backcourt.  Cecil, who has been first team all-league the previous two years and holds the school's all-time assists record combined with Lechich a pure shooter who is the school's all-time 3-point shooting leader are a tough duo to handle.  Fellow seniors Juliet Baker, Maya Vilaplana and Jenn Betts will provide consistency and physical play inside by boxing out and grabbing rebounds.  The five seniors are complimented by an athletic group of freshman, sophomores and juniors who will contribute greatly to the success of the team this season.  The key to success will be the team's ability to limit opponent's second chances and get defensive stops. 

The Boys Varsity Basketball team also returns 10 players from the 2008-2009 roster.  The team will be lead by six seniors.  Co-Captains Hunter Cotton and Julian Pavlin (who have played on the team for four years), Matt Schorr, Khalil Walker, Joey Rosenberg and Sidney Schleiff all contribute on the offensive and defensive ends of the court, while also lending a strong sense of maturity and confidence to the team.  The seniors are excellent role models for the younger players.  The talented and energetic group of juniors, sophomores and freshman will play significant roles on this years team and provide an offensive spark off the bench. 

Check out the Athletic Schedules on the Dalton website to see these and ALL Dalton teams in action.