On Friday, Oct. 31, the Waldorf School's Boys Varsity Soccer Team defeated The Portledge School by a score of 2-1 to win the Independent Private and Parochial Schools Athletic League (IPPSAL) Division I Championship.

"We are all incredibly proud of the team's season and championship," Paul LeSueur, Waldorf's athletic director and boys varsity soccer coach, said. "We had a record of 10 wins, 1 loss and 3 ties."

The scoring began early, with sophomore Michael Escribano (son of Waldorf alumna Teresa Escribano '79) scoring off a half-volley just two minutes into the game. Leading at halftime, Waldorf switched defense to a five-back game, anchored by sophomore co-captain Alex Sapuppo. Waldorf struck again early in the second half, when midfielder and team co-captain Sean Proctor scored from 30 yards out. Portledge drew within one by scoring late in the game, but the tenacious Waldorf defense held on for the win. Sophomore goalkeeper Cristian Longoria was outstanding in the net, registering a total of 16 saves. Fifteen of the 18 players saw action in the game and contributed to the team's victory.

"We are incredibly proud of the team's regular season record of 10-1-3, as well as winning the IPPSAL Division I championship," Coach LeSueur said. "In addition to competing at the highest IPPSAL level, our team played two non-league games against highly regarded programs. In our games against Chaminade and Garden City High School, we showed that on any given day we can compete with highly ranked teams."

Advancing to the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) Tournament was a significant accomplishment for Waldorf - an independent school totaling 350 students. Although a hard-fought 1-0 loss to Lycee Francais de New York in the first round of the NYSAIS Tournament brought the Waldorf season to an end; the entire school community is proud of their team's 2008 IPPSAL Championship!

The Waldorf School of Garden City serves nursery through grade 12, and is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools and the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America. Based on the insights of Rudolf Steiner, Waldorf schools are the largest independent school system outside of parochial schools, and can be found on every continent in the world. Since 1947, the Waldorf School of Garden City has continued in this esteemed tradition, offering a curriculum that balances arts, science and humanities and awakens independence, curiosity and a life-long desire to learn. To learn more about the Waldorf School of Garden City, call the Admissions Office at 742-3434 ext. 129.