82 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com WANDO GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD While the Lady Warriors team didn’t finish first in last year’s state track meet, the members of the 4x800-meter race not only beat all comers, but they also clocked a mark of 9:08.70, shattering the state record by 13 seconds – a feat even they will find hard to top. But with the return of a special trio – senior Ana Laurient and juniors Emmi Hunter and Rowyn Martens, who operate as a single unit – head coach Kevin Shiver is bracing for a grand follow-up. “Ana is our anchor and a quiet leader … Rowyn is the spirit of our team and has a second gear that is unmatched … and Emmi’s drive allowed us last year to become elite as a relay,” Shiver said. “In my 26 years of coaching, this group of ladies ranks at the top of dedicated and driven Warriors that will lead us to great things in 2026.” Laurient and Hunter, for example, are expecting a repeat of last year’s first-place finish, but with the absence of graduate Emma Stanton, Laurient admitted that “another record would be insane.” Martens added that while no one can replace Stanton, holding a state record is “something we see as a foundation rather than a finish line.” With new members ready to make their own mark, Shiver has great expectations beginning with the Feb. 25 Wando scrimmage. “I can’t wait to see those ladies excel on the track,” he said. “Overall I have a very good feeling about our leadership and look forward to competing this spring.” BISHOP ENGLAND BOYS SOCCER Last year’s soccer playoffs meant more than just another trophy for the Region 6 AAAA Bishop England boys: The final marked their 18th state title, more than any other school in state history, coming after almost three full periods of play. Unless some unforeseen wrinkle comes out of nowhere to derail them, the Battling Bishops are the odds-on favorite to break their own record in 2026. “We are returning some great talent,” said second-year head coach Brandon Costa. “We have high expectations and hopes in a very tough region.” Anchoring those hopes is three-year senior captain and starting goalie Joed Rentas, “one of the most reliable players I have had the privilege to coach,” Costa said. “We have an experienced staff that has done this before,” he added, “and we will lean on Joed to lead us to another playoff berth and hopefully to another state championship.” While it may sound like a lot of pressure, Rentas has already run and conquered the biggest goalie burden possible, shutting out four opponents in last year’s playoff run. He also held defending champion Daniel to only a single goal in the long, nailbiting final before the Bishops scored late, forced overtime and then scored again to set a new record. “I enjoyed the challenge last year and now am more excited for the even bigger challenge,” Rentas said. “It’s my senior year – my last chance to play with my friends and teammates. I have to leave everything I have in this season.” BISHOP ENGLAND GIRLS LACROSSE It’s rare for Bishop England girls lacrosse to nurse a bitter pill. But ever since last year’s AAA state final loss to rival Oceanside Collegiate Academy – a team that had never beaten the Lady Bishops – second-year head coach Billy Bitter and senior standout Natalie Noone are ready to put that pill behind them. our sports Looking for an open teammate, Bishop England’s Natalie Noone outraces a Wando defender. BE team captain Joed Rentas ready to defend a hard-won state title. Wando Girls 4X800-meter relay team.
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