St. Thomas Aquinas student athletes honored. Plus Belen, Columbus, True North and more
St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale recognized 12 students as National Merit Semifinalists, placing them among the top academic achievers in the nation.
Of that prestigious group, half of them are student athletes.
This significant achievement highlights the academic excellence and dedication of these students as well as their efforts in the community.
They are: Kenzie McAllister (girls’ basketball, cheerleading, dance); Aline Kermis (girls’ soccer); Ricardo Thorndike (boys’ water polo); Lila Pistorius (girls’ flag football); Joseph Eacobacci (boys’ lacrosse); and Fynn du Plessis (sailing).
Each year, more than 1.3-million high school juniors enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the PSAT/NMSQT, with fewer than one percent earning the prestigious title of Semifinalist. Having 12 students recognized in a single year reflects not only the extraordinary talent of these Raiders but also the strength of the academic foundation at St. Thomas Aquinas.
“Achieving this level of recognition is a testament to our students’ dedication and the support of our faculty,” said Dr. Denise Aloma, St. Thomas Aquinas principal. “We are committed to providing a challenging, innovative curriculum that prepares students to excel at the highest levels, both in college and in life.”
The 12 semifinalists will now continue in the competition for National Merit Finalist status and the opportunity to earn college scholarships.
Golf
The Columbus boys’ golf team won a tournament for the first time this season.
The Explorers finished first at the annual Catholic School Quad Match at Eagle Trace Golf Club in Coral Springs.
Eduardo Marin, a junior, led the way with an even-par 72. He carded three birdies to claim medalist honors for the first time this season.
Freshman Sebastian Eterovic and sophomore Jake Williams also shot well, tying for second at 2-over 74. Senior Marcelo Gonzalez rounded out the fourth score with a solid 6-over 78, good for seventh place.
Patrick Pinkney, a junior at Archbishop McCarthy, also tied for second at 2-over par. Senior teammate Marco Sanchez was next in fifth at 3-over 75, followed by Belen sophomore Marley Caudle at 4-over 76.
Team results: 1. Columbus; 2. Belen Jesuit; 3. Archbishop McCarthy; 4. Cardinal Gibbons.
More golf
GIRLS: Westminster Academy 178, St. Thomas Aquinas 197, Cardinal Gibbons 201 at Coral Ridge Country Club in Fort Lauderdale (9 holes): CG: Kate Mackie 43, Fiona Manelas 47, Ashley Gordon 49, Gwen Michel 62.
Cross-country
The Belen Jesuit boys’ cross-country team competed at the 26th annual Great American Cross-Country Festival at WakeMed Park in Cary, North Carolina.
With more than 150 teams from 20-plus states, the event (exceeding 4,000 athletes) is one of the largest in the country.
The top three runners for Belen were outstanding. However, the rest of the team was too far back to secure the team title. The Wolverines placed fifth, scoring 200 points with an average time of 15 minutes 32 seconds.
Belen junior Marcelo Mantecon won the boys’ individual title in the Race of Champions for the second consecutive season, and junior teammate Armando Cruz was fourth overall in a personal best 14:58. Sophomore Nicholas Veloso ran 15:38, good for 41st.
With two kilometers remaining in the 5k (3.1-mile run), Mantecon made a seemingly subtle surge, gapping the pack en route to victory in an impressive 14:39, one second faster than his previous best on the same course.
The next challenge for nationally-ranked Belen is on Saturday at the New World Fall Spectacular in Jacksonville.
Volleyball
The True North girls’ volleyball team hosted its annual Dig Pink match to raise money for breast cancer research.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
%20Oct%202025.jpeg "True North G Voll Dig Pink (2) Oct 2025.jpeg")
The Titans (14-8) beat Florida Christian 25-23, 25-20, 25-23. Veronica Fumero had 15 kills, 8 digs, 2 aces and 3 blocks, and teammate Dayleen Valdes totaled 11 kills, 8 digs, 4 aces and 2 blocks. Olivia Pardo had 18 digs and 2 aces, and Andrea Aguirre added 10 digs and 3 aces.
Last season True North raised more than $9,000 via its Dig Pink campaign. This season’s numbers are still generating.
More volleyball
La Salle d. Mater Brickell 25-23, 25-12, 25-14: Sofia Dean 3 aces, 1 kill, 29 assists, 5 digs; Mia Groom 5 kills, 6 blocks, 4 digs; Sara Moreno 4 aces, 12 kills, 1 assist, 16 digs; Gaby Vonteuber 15 digs. LaS 12-10.
Swimming
GIRLS: Coral Gables 122, Coral Reef 38: Swimmers of the Meet: Sofia Abril (CG) won 200 IM and 100 breast; Sasha Goron (CG) won 50 free; Paola Moral (CR) won 100 back.
BOYS: Coral Gables 103, Coral Reef 68: Swimmers of the Meet: Oscar Kramer (CG) won 200 free and 100 free; Jacob Ellis (CG) won 200 IM and 500 free; Lucas Fernandez (CR) won 100 fly and 100 back.
Bowling
BOYS: Coral Park d. Coral Reef 7-0: CP: High Game by junior Tyler Salinetro (224); High Overall Series by Tyler Salinetro (606). CR: High Game by Roberto Quilles (195); High Team Series by Roberto Quilles (509). CP 5-2.
Send sports results
For high schools in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, if you have varsity sports results and top performers (with stats), email hssports@miami
They will run in the newspaper and online. Photos accepted, too. No deadline. You will be alerted when it will appear in the newspaper and online.
Also, some will be considered for athlete of the week nominations
---
Compiled by Jim Varsallone
jvarsallone@miamiherald.com
This story was originally published October 9, 2025 at 6:49 PM.
