Sw-eeeeet!

Text and photos by Steev Riccardo

Webster – Greetings sports fans!

Just when you think you have seen and heard it all in regards to Emily “The Sweet Assassin” Dawidczyk, the Oxford senior soccer and track star’s story gets better and better.

Breaking two more records at the SWCL championship last week was just part of her normal routine; fielding calls from Division 1 powers such as St. Johns, Stanford University, and Michigan State University may not be so ordinary around these parts, unless your last name is Dawidczyk.

Yes, you read that correctly, Stanford, Michigan State and St. Johns. These are just some of the schools that are calling Oxford High School and trying to pry Dawidczyk away from her soccer commitment to play at Sacred Heart.

Although she has not signed her national letter of intent, this is the week and unless something drastically changes, she will do just that, and be playing soccer for Sacred Heart in the fall.

“My heart is pretty much set. I know my roommate already; it’s getting real,” said Dawidczyk when we spoke just before the SWCL track championship meet at Tantasqua. “I have a very strict checklist of what I wanted for college.” The top thing on her list - be within three hours of Oxford.

Still, she doesn’t know if she can just leave her illustrious track career behind. “When I was in Northbridge I thought to myself this is the last time I will be in Northbridge running, it’s surreal. I know it’s coming to an end and I am starting to think maybe I will do track in college, maybe I will be a walk-on. I can’t see myself parting ways anymore. I thought it would be a lot easier than it is.”

“The Sweet Assassin” has been unbeatable this season in indoor track, dominating both the 55-meter hurdles and the 55-meter dash, and what is amazing about this is that it’s the outdoor season in the spring when she really shines.

“This season has gone really well; I have bettered all of my times, which I am really happy about, especially because I felt how I can  keep going and keep improving.”

“She’s been doing very well. Right now she is the top hurdler in the state. Keep your fingers  crossed and we’ll see how it goes,” said her track coach Tim Craig.

When I asked her how many records she held in indoor and outdoor track, she couldn’t even remember them all.  Perhaps the most impressive one in the indoor season is the 300 meters, which she doesn’t even compete in anymore, but has held the SWCL record since she was a freshman.

Dawidczyk is also playing club soccer for NEFC while she is doing track and will do so until the spring. You have to wonder how she does it all.

“One thing I know is that I need to get a lot of rest and I do, I go to bed early. I have a very busy schedule so I need to make sure that I have everything lined up.”  She also said that she eats very healthy and piles up on extra carbs.

Whatever she is doing, it’s working to the tune that we are probably seeing the greatest high school track star in SWCL history at her best, and we love every single minute of it.
 

Oxford-Auburn End Thanksgiving Series: There will be a lot of schedule changes come this fall in high school.  This one is a biggie.

After 42 years, Oxford has decided to drop the Auburn Rockets from their football schedule and end their traditional Thanksgiving Day rivalry. Beginning next season the Pirates will play the new Sutton-Douglas football team.

We hope to have more on all the changes in the high school football schedules next week. Stay tuned!

The View’s Top 5 of the week:

1. In a tie, Emily Dawidczyk, Oxford track, and Stella Worters, Shepherd Hill track:  We are truly privileged to have two outstanding track stars like “The Sweet Assassin and “Sensational” Stella Worters both representing our area at the same time. The dynamic duo was once again the star of the SWCL championship meet at Tantasqua Regional last week.

2. Donny Freeland and Mike James, Oxford boys basketball: The outstanding Pirates backcourt played tremendous basketball this week, leading their team past Auburn and Millbury while securing another playoff birth.

3. Taylor Daniels, Shepherd Hill girls basketball: Daniels lit up Tantasqua for 20 points and continues to get better and better as the Rams get ready for a post-season run.

4. Alex Givins-Perry, Bartlett boys basketball: It’s like a broken record. “AGP” is piling up the points and the rebounds week after week as the Indians hope to make a run at more than one title.

5. Michael Rapoza, Shepherd Hill boys basketball: “Posey” is lighting it up for the Rams, 25 more points against the Warriors. It’s hard to believe that this kid is a freshman.

Quotable:
Bartlett Girls basketball coach Chris Delvecchio on freshman Caroline James and her impact in the team’s recent win over David Prouty: "Her confidence on the varsity floor has been growing over the past couple games since we brought her up from JV.  She's a good shooter and has quick feet defensively.  We knew coming out of the locker room that somebody would have to give us a boost, and she's the one who stepped up.  She really tipped the game in our favor."

Oxford Pirates’ Mike James on the Pirates recent four-game winning streak: “Having our big Bryan Bjorkland back and even though he doesn’t score much, he has been our best defender in the last four years, and has made a difference.” 

Until next week, see you on the sidelines! Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with any sports news and check out the new View From The Sidelines Facebook page with exclusive photos and news at https://www.facebook.com/ViewFromTheSidelines