Three Cardinals Sign National Letters of Intent to Colleges

Sarah Rupp(l), Olivia Babiec (c), and Liz Collins (r) sign their college letters of intent as principal Tim Hamer looks on.

Principal Tim Hamer joined three Cardinal athletes who signed national letters of intent to attend college to play division I athletics. Seniors Liz Collins, Sarah Rupp, and Olivia Babiec all inked letters on Wednesday, December 15th at Bishop Ireton.

Collins, daughter of Mr & Mrs John Collins of Alexandria is headed to William & Mary to swim for the Tribe. She swims for Coach John Gullickson on the Ireton team, but Liz also swims for Coach Evan Stiles on the Arlington Aquatic Swim Club. Liz was a Virginia State Independent School Champion in the 100 Breaststroke last year, National Catholics finalist, Metros finalist and received All AmericancConsideration accolades along with her Medley Relay teammates. Liz is also a team record holder, scholar athlete, member of National Honor Society and a volunteer with Fairfax County Adapted Aquatics.

Sarah Rupp is a returning first team, all-WCAC performer for Bishop Ireton’s girls’ lacrosse team and a three-year varsity letter winner. She plays for the extremely competitive Capital Blue lacrosse club team, Ireton’s leader in ground balls last season, and will head to the University of California, Davis, in the fall of 2011. Rupp is a member of the National Honor Society and active with Haitian relief progams at the School. She is the daughter of Mr & Mrs Steve Rupp of Alexandria.

Olivia Babiec is the second from her family to head to collegiate rowing. Her brother, Thaddeus, rows for the Terriers of Boston University as a freshman this year. Olivia, a star on the girls’ national qualifying team, led Ireton to its highest place ever, third place, at the historic Stotsbury Cup regatta last springwill be going to Drexel University in Philadelphia, where she will row for the Dragons. Like her classmates, she is an active member of the National Honor Society. Olivia is the daughter of Dr & Mrs Dan Babiec.

“We are extremely proud of all three girls. They are not only elite athletes, but they are also exceptional in the classroom, and leaders in our school community.” said Cardinal athletic director, Bill Simmons. “These universities are getting student/athletes that will excel in athletics, but also as students. They are just great ambassadors of our school and I am sure they will be the same in college.”