Athletes of the Week Aug. 30
Haley Craig
A junior hockey and lacrosse player, Haley is ready to rock and roll in both sports. She is smart and fit and can run the field. She is one of Cape’s forwards this season and will be counted on to make runs and great passes, sometimes score and always re-defend. Haley is a straight-A student taking AP and honors classes. She says she is best at science and math and wants to be a nurse. “Haley is buying into everything we’re putting into place this season. We’re focusing on forwards being more involved defensively, and she’s all over the field trying to win possession and start the attack,” said Cape coach Kate Austin. Haley said: “Playing Cape hockey is sometimes stressful when you realize the tradition you’re defending every time you step on the field.”
Emma Duffield
A Cape super sophomore up from JV hockey, Emma is straight out of Mariner Middle. She just turned 15 years old. Emerging Emma is a prime-time varsity player, sometimes a defender and other times playing the left midfield position. “Emma is a silent but steady player on the field,” coach Kate Austin said. “She works hard at practice each day and doesn’t try to do anything outside of her ability. She’s consistent and smart with her play, and her fundamental skills are at a high level.” Emma said: “I get a little nervous. I just look around and can’t believe I’m here.” Emma is a straight-A student taking Academic Challenge classes, AP human geography and honors classes. She plays tennis in the spring and can play the piano a little.
Anna Stancofski
Anna, a Cape senior field hockey and lacrosse player, committed to Johns Hopkins University for next year, where she will play field hockey for the 19-win Centennial Conference champions. The Blue Jays reached the Division III Final Four last season. Anna, pronounced Auh-Nah, is often described by teammates as “so nice and so smart.” But inside the game, she’s still smart but not so nice. Lacrosse coach Lindsey Underwood said, “Anna is a great and selfless teammate who will be successful at Hopkins. She is always positive and a great leader both on and off the field. I’m excited for her ... Hopkins was her dream school, so I am glad she got it. Hard work pays off!” Field hockey coach Kate Austin said, “Anna is stepping up and providing great leadership. She’s in the center of the field this year, and in charge of organizing and communicating with the defense.”
Irapual Xavier Turner
Ira looks like an NFL pulling guard – if you see him coming, it’s time to run. His gentle voice and gracious personality throw you off. It makes one wonder, “Who is Ira? I don’t know. Just glad he’s friendly.” Ira ran the Sundance Racing Festival 5K Aug. 25 in 32:52. The former New York Golden Gloves champion has completed the Abbott World Marathon Majors Series, which includes Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City. Ira is running the Athens Marathon this November. He is a former sparring partner for Mike Tyson and served as a bodyguard for Michael Jackson and Halle Berry. Ira works as a key grip in a NYC film studio and jokes he hates penguins after working on a Jim Carrey film, “Mr. Popper’s Penguins.” Ira has raised over $40K for Team for Kids and was one of the top fundraisers for the 2018 Boston Marathon. Former NBA player Kevin Turner is his nephew.
