September Halftime Report - 2021 Sports Hall of Fame

Christ Church Episcopal School celebrated the achievements of four members of the community who made large contributions through athletics during their time at the school. On Friday, September 24, 2021 CCES Sports Hall of Fame inductees Meaghan Carrigan ’13, Dave Wilcox, Cole Seiler ’12, and Don Frost were celebrated and honored.

 

Meaghan Carrigan has a long list of accomplishments from her time at CCES. While soccer was her main sport, she also spent a season on both the basketball (playing on a state championship team in 2009-10) and golf teams. During her four years on the Varsity Girls Soccer team, she set a number of individual and team records for CCES. In her 2013 senior season, she set school records for most goals in a game (5), most goals in a season (58), most assists in a game (5), most assists in a season (31), and most goals in a career (169). Under her leadership, the 2012 team had the best record in CCES Girls Soccer history at 24-3, set the record for most wins, and finished the season as the State Champions. In her senior year, the 2013 team set records for most goals in a season (119), most shutouts in a season (17), and most goals in a game (13). Over the two 2012 and 2013 seasons, the teams had the best region record at 10-0. After graduating from CCES in 2013, Meaghan played soccer at the University of Richmond. She attended the University of South Carolina for her master’s degree and with one remaining year of eligibility, played for the team in 2017 and made the NCAA DI College Cup.

 

While certainly recognized for her standout soccer abilities and accomplishments, Meaghan was equally known for her character both on and off the field. Andrew Hyslop, CESA Co-Executive Director and ECNL Director, calls Meaghan a “driven and ambitious player” who was also “universally respected by her teammates.” He comments, “She is a natural leader who is most effective during times of adversity.” Elizabeth Gross, CCES Class of 1987, former Assistant Soccer Coach and former CCES parent, says, “Meaghan embodies CCES Athletics and what it means to play as a Cavalier, demonstrating sportsmanship, leadership and mentorship.” Elizabeth’s daughter, Lydia, was a freshman in 2013 and was a little nervous about joining such a successful team and playing alongside Meaghan. However, from the very beginning of the season, “Meaghan made sure Lydia and the other freshman players felt welcome and valued,” says Elizabeth.

 

Meaghan came to CCES in the first grade and describes the community here as “amazing.” She looks back on all her seasons with great fondness, recalling how despite different backgrounds and personalities, they “came together as a team for the common goal.” Meaghan calls it “such an honor” to be recognized and emphasizes the “special group of teammates and coaches” who made it all possible. From ball girl in the first grade to a leader on a state championship team, Meaghan calls the entire journey “special” and one that was only possible at CCES, a place that is “much more than just a school.”

 

Coach David Wilcox was the CCES Varsity Boys Soccer Coach for 18 years from 1999 to 2017. Under his leadership, the Cavaliers won 11 straight state championships from 2001 to 2011, setting a national record. On four different occasions, David was named the NSCAA State Coach of the Year. During his time, he also coached two national soccer Coaches Association of America All-Americans – Tomek Charowski ’04 (Duke University Soccer) and fellow inductee Cole Seiler ’12 (Georgetown University Soccer).

 

While David’s teams certainly experienced a lot of success, what he taught as a coach extended well beyond just the wins and the losses. Lei Offerle is a parent to three CCES alums who were all impacted by Coach Wilcox - Elizabeth Williams ’05, Virginia Vanvick ’07 and Thomas Offerle ’12. They describe David as someone “interested in the whole student, not just the soccer player.” David also frequently supported the Girls team as well; attending games, working individually with players, and giving his time to developing all types of players, not just the starters. Lei says, “David was the embodiment of everything a CCES coach should be.” Nancy Furman ‘73 – parent to Rick ’07, Robert ’09, and Sitton ’15 – says of David: “He encouraged his players to pursue excellence… to believe in themselves individually and collectively as a team, to be determined and to never give up.” Nancy’s sons all played for David and she shares, “I’m forever grateful my sons had the opportunity to have Coach Wilcox as such a positive influence in their lives.”

 

David came to CCES in 1999 as he started his teaching (Upper School Mathematics) and coaching career, becoming the Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Soccer team that first year. David calls soccer “a player’s game” and points to his players as the ones who accomplished so much during his tenure. He says, “Every former player, assistant coach, parent, and Cavalier soccer fan deserves credit for helping me achieve this recognition and to all them, I am forever grateful.”

Cole Seiler had his focus set on soccer from an early age and relentlessly pursued excellence in the sport. He played on the Varsity Boys Soccer team at CCES for four years, winning three consecutive state championships in 2009, 2010 and 2011 as a part of the national record 11-year streak (2000-11). Cole was MVP in 2010 and 2011, All-Region in 2011, and served as team captain in 2011 and 2012. He was an All-American, Gatorade Player of the Year, and State and Region Player of the Year. In addition to everything he accomplished at CCES, Cole had great success outside of school soccer as well. Cole was named to the US U17 National Team and earned eight appearances with the team. His senior year, he was named to the Top 30 list by ESPN which recognizes players across the nation. After graduation, Cole played soccer at Georgetown University as a starting defender for 87 matches and playing in the National Championship final in 2012. He was a three-time All-Big East conference team selection and led Georgetown to the Big East Regular Season and Tournament Championships. In 2016, Cole was selected 16^th in the MLS Draft by Vancouver and played professionally for five years until he retired in 2020 after playing for Greenville in the inaugural season with the Triumph.

 

Many say Cole is one of, if not the most, talented soccer player to put on the Cavalier uniform. Charlie Woodward, current Upper School History Teacher and former Assistant Boys Soccer Coach, shares, “Cole was clearly the best player on the field when he played.” Although he could obviously “dominate games,” Woodward says of Seiler, “he more often sought to use his ability to involve his teammates and make them better.” Nick Finotti, former CCES faculty and one of Cole’s CESA coaches, describes Cole as possessing “an uncommon dedication to his development, a relentless pursuit of his goal, and an impressive level of humility.” Finotti shares, “Cole spent literally thousands of hours in training, matches, and travel, and he managed this load with grit, grace, and class… Simply put, Cole was a professional before he became a professional.”

 

Cole started at CCES in middle school and shares that while it is easy to take it all for granted, he recognizes how special the school is. He names his teammates, classmates, teachers, and the administration as having an important role in providing the educational and extracurricular experiences that set CCES apart. In addition to excellent academic preparation, Cole shares that the school works to “instill great values for whatever ventures students pursue in the future.” He calls being inducted to the Hall of Fame “one of his fondest memories” to date and a great “highlight to mark the end of his soccer career.” He is grateful to his parents for all the sacrifices they made over the years to make soccer a reality for him and considers this honor a small step in repaying them for everything.

Coach Don Frost was the CCES Varsity Football Coach from 2008 to 2019 and during his time at the school, he also served in a variety of other roles. Coach Frost’s list of accomplishments on the field are long. He holds the CCES record for career wins with 111. His teams won State four consecutive years from 2012-2014 and during that time, had three undefeated (14-0) seasons and a 55 game winning streak (currently the longest in SC High School Football). He was the Region Coach of the Year (2008-14), 1A Coach of the Year (2011-14), and coached in various All-Star and Bowl games. During his tenure, he coached 28 players who played college football, including former Clemson Tiger, Chandler Cantanzaro ‘09, who recently retired from the NFL.

 

Like all great coaches, what Don taught his players extended well beyond the field. Robert DiBenedetto ’10 played football under Coach Frost for two seasons and while he was initially skeptical, he quickly realized Don was “laying the foundation for something great.” Robert says, “Coach Frost taught players to believe in themselves, coached teams to be winners and state champions, and most importantly, Don Frost showed the Christ Church community how to love and support each other.” Kimberly Morgan, CCES PE Teacher and Track Assistant Coach, says that while Don’s “record and reputation speak for themselves, he is also the person behind the scene that needs to be recognized.” Kimberly’s son Max ’21 started his time with CCES Football as a water boy when he was a Primer. She shares, “Coach Frost wanted to make sure Max knew his importance. He invited Max to the end-of-season banquet every year and even gave him the same State Championship patches the players received.” Kimberly says of Don: “His wisdom, patience, and love for players and the game make him a standout coach on every level.”

 

While Don’s list of accomplishments with CCES Football is long, what he is most proud of is playing a role in developing his players into successful young men off the field. Coach Frost worked hard to establish a culture of “servant-leadership, accountability and putting others first.” He believes the “life lessons” coaches instill through the game are equally, if not more, important than the game itself. Frost keeps in touch with many of his players, attending weddings, baptisms, graduations, etc. and says, “It’s been amazing to see what they’ve accomplished even beyond CCES.” He has also been able to speak to Clemson Football a few times and loves speaking about “everything the game teaches.” Frost calls being inducted a “huge and special honor” and says, “CCES will always hold a place in my heart.”

 

Congratulations to our four 2021 Sports Hall of Fame inductees! They have contributed so much to CCES Athletics during their time as Cavaliers. We were thrilled to be able to honor them this year.

For photos from the evening, click here for our album.