DANVERS — St. John’s Prep athletics is proud to recognize a score of Eagles student-athletes who have made commitments to compete at the college of their choice. Scholar-athletes representing seven sports inked written letters of athletic aid this week during a ceremony at the school.
The outflow of future college athletes from the Prep campus during the NCAA signing period mirrors the recent success of Eagles athletic teams. St. John’s athletics has captured five MIAA or New England regional championships this academic year so far after producing another five in 2024-25. The school has won 39 MIAA or New England titles since the COVID-19 pandemic. Both USA TODAY and Niche have rated the Prep as the Commonwealth’s No. 1 school for student-athletes in 2025-26.
“This is one of those annual events that never loses its appeal,” said St. John’s Prep Athletic Director Jameson Pelkey. “These student-athletes own a tremendous commitment to excel and it’s a remarkable accomplishment for them along with their families, teammates and coaches. You don’t become a viable collegiate student-athlete overnight. It takes years of time, energy and desire and the most important phase takes place here. We’re proud to have shared in their journey and we’re excited to follow their progress at the next level.”
The Prep’s resurgent rugby program produced a signing-period high of six scholarship athletes. The Eagles’ perennially contending football squad added four more signees while the five-time defending state championship lacrosse team added two after five laxers made commitments during this past winter’s signing window. In total, the Prep has announced formal college commitments by 34 student-athletes this academic year.
The NCAA did away with National Letters of Intent in 2024 due to a loss of enforcement authority in anticipation of revenue sharing with athletes. Student-athletes now sign a written offer of athletic aid with schools. Officially, this still has the force and effect of prohibiting other schools from sending any recruiting communications. Under the terms of this new arrangement, schools are committed to a financial aid offer once the athlete signs, but the athlete may enter the transfer portal to change schools without penalty.
CREW
Kamden Mauser, Port (Lynnfield, MA; 6-foot, 180 pounds), Colby College
Tim Broderick ’05 (West Newbury) on Mauser: “Kam is a hardworking and ambitious athlete. Since his early days on the water, he has worked from a novice rower into a Boat No. 1 leader and captain of the team. He was a key member of the 2025 team that took fifth at the grand finals of last fall’s NEIRA (New England Interscholastic Rowing Association) regatta, the best result in school history. He’s been a pleasure to work with and it’s been a joy to watch his growth.”
FOOTBALL
Brody Gillingham, TE (Woburn, MA; 6-foot-2, 227 pounds), Endicott College
Joseph Irzyk, OL (Danvers, MA; 6-foot, 245), Union College
Anthony Sanderson, TE (Saugus, MA; 6-foot-1, 230), Hamilton College
Ethan Stefanovich, WR (Manchester, MA; 5-foot-9, 175 pounds), Middlebury College
Brian St. Pierre ’98 (Georgetown) on Gillingham: “Brody is a perfect example of a developmental guy who worked his way up in our program. We like to use multiple tight end sets in our offense and his ability to grow and mature into the position provided us another solid starting-caliber football player who could help us in both the run and pass game. He’s an underrated receiver and has a good set of hands. His willingness to continue to work on his blocking enabled him to play more and more as a junior and senior.”
On Irzyk: “Joe was a lunch pail and hard-hat guy for us; one of many such players we have in our program. No frills, just hard work and effort. He isn’t big by offensive line standards, but he played with an edge and always finished his blocks. He battled injuries during his career that limited him at times, but was able to play a personal high number of games this past season. He was a good teammate as well—always willing to offer advice to the younger players.”
On Sanders: “Anthony is a senior and was a first-year starter who assumed a large role for us and produced. We ask a lot from our tight ends, whether it be blocking in the run game, pass protection or running routes and making catches. He did the job in all three phases. He’s a physical blocker, unselfish player and a team guy. He battled through and played with a broken wrist the last few games of this past season. He epitomized the mental and physical toughness that we preach to our players.”
On Stefanovich: “Ethan stepped up for us this year. We had an injury at the other wideout position to start the year and really weren’t sure who would assume that other role, but Ethan made it apparent we were going to be just fine. He’s fast and athletic and his knowledge of our offense allowed us to move him around to hunt favorable matchups for the entire receiving corps.These traits, combined with his consistency and playmaking ability, gave our offense another weapon for defenses to account for.”
LACROSSE
Mattheus Du Plessis, Goalie (Winchester, MA; 6-foot, 185 pounds), Vassar College
Samuel Pruell, Goalie (Beverly, MA; 6-foot, 185), Oberlin College
John Pynchon ’01 (Ipswich) on Du Plessis: “Mattheus is a tactician in net. His fundamentals are outstanding and he has a great presence between the pipes.”
On Pruell: “Sam is big and athletic. He does a great job attacking the ball and has really developed over the past year as a ball-stopper. We’re excited to follow his career at the next level.”
RUGBY
Chibueze Anasiudu, Prop (forward) (Merrimac, 5-foot-10, 260 pounds), Boston College
James Davy, Wing (Lexington, MA; 5-foot-11, 180), Syracuse University
Riley Deeley, Lock (Beverly, MA; 6-foot-2, 215), UMass Amherst
Colin Doyle, Fly Half (Lynnfield, MA; 5-foot-8, 165), Siena University
Walter Malin, Prop (forward) (Danvers, 5-foot-11, 275 pounds), Salve Regina University
Jack Shrayer, Center (Danvers, MA; 5-foot-11, 200), University College Dublin (IE)
Thomas Clark (Acton) on Anasiudu: “‘Chibs’ is a unique rugby player and teammate. He is a reserved and commanding presence; leading by example, overcoming challenges and sustaining a resilient, optimistic outlook—all with a ready smile.”
On Davy: “James Davy is truly a wonderful young man who hangs on your every word and wants to please you as a coaching staff. He is a unique soul who will bring energy and enthusiasm for whatever is put in front of him.”
On Deeley: “Riley has grown into an outstanding player and leader on and off the field. He’s probably been our biggest surprise from this group of seniors. He has a great future in college rugby.”
On Doyle: “Colin is the type of player who a coach can build a team around, owning outstanding self-taught skills, dedication and an understanding of the game well beyond his years.
On Malin: “‘Wally’ is an imposing force with an attitude to match. He truly craves the contact aspect of rugby and thrives in that environment.”
On Shrayer: “Jack is simply one of the greatest young men to put on an SJP rugby jersey. He’s a true brother to his fellow teammates, possessing outstanding intelligence, emotional maturity, compassion and dedication to his craft.”
SWIMMING AND DIVING
Wesley Ross, Freestyle/Butterfly (Manchester, MA; 6-foot-1, 175 pounds), Middlebury College
Jeff Fiore ’08 (Newburyport) on Ross: “Wes has been an incredibly consistent and versatile contributor to our team in all four of his seasons. Every meet, he raced with full commitment in whatever capacity the team needed. A true relay anchor and somebody we’ve been able to count on when we’re in a tough spot and needed a big swim. It was awesome to see his steady improvement over his high school career and even since the season ended, he’s continued to swim fast in a club setting. I have no doubt Middlebury has made a wise investment in him and I expect him to be swimming at a high level in his college career. Absolute pleasure to coach.”
TRACK AND FIELD
Leo Emerson, Hurdles/Jumps (Burlington, MA; 5-foot-9, 150 pounds), Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Jack McIntosh, Distance (Newburyport, MA; 5-foot-8, 130), University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
Christian Mena, Jumps (Danvers, MA; 6-foot, 170), Babson College
Walter Shickolovich, Jumps (Boxford, MA; 6-foot, 170), Babson College
Zach Lankow ‘07 (Andover) on Emerson: “He’s one of the best hurdlers in school history. Exceptional competitor, leader and teammate. He would do anything for anyone. High-level athlete who responds to pressure.”
On McIntosh: “Came to the sport late and he’s a stud: Competitive, disciplined and motivated. He’s a workhorse who wants to be the best version of himself. UW-La Crosse is getting a gem with Jack.”
On Mena: “He’s worked very hard to get where he is. He loves the triple jump and is a student of the event. Looking for a huge final season here this spring.”
On Shickolovich: “A basketball convert, Shick has poured everything he has into the program. He is team-first and loves the long jump. Had a breakthrough last spring and is looking for a big one to follow this season. He is a leader and example.”
WRESTLING
James Lally (North Andover, MA; 5-foot-9, 144 pounds), Norwich University
Charles Poor (Andover, MA; 5-foot-10, 165), Wesleyan University
Ryan Harding ’09 (Beverly) on Lally: “A Division 1 state champion and All-State finalist, James was a senior captain and exemplary role model. He’ll graduate with 205 wins, which is extremely impressive.”
On Poor: “He is an exceptional leader and role model for the team. As a senior captain, he led by example every day through his dedication, attitude and work ethic. No matter what he’s doing, he gives his full effort and always pushes himself to be better.”
