St. John’s Prep wrestler Ryan Garlitz and Bishop Fenwick basketball player Jennie Meagher were two of their sports most dominant performers this winter, and they were also equally impressive in the classroom. Now the two standouts are being honored as Moynihan Student-Athletes of the Month.
Garlitz, a two-year captain as a junior, had a terrific season for the Eagles this winter. The Manchester resident went 58-2 with 47 pins, including a perfect 35-0 record in dual meets. He won the Marshfield and Woburn Tournaments, placed first at the Division 1 North Sectionals and then won the Division 1 state championship at 132 pounds.
He went on to place second at All-States, third at New Englands and won four matches at Junior Nationals in Virginia Beach. Overall he is now a two-time state champion, a three-time Catholic Conference All-Star, a three-time Salem News All-Star, a two-time Boston Globe and Herald All-Scholastic and was ranked No. 18 nationally at 132 pounds by Wrestling USA Magazine. He is 169-12 in his career with 109 pins, along with a 106-1 career record in dual meets.
In addition, Garlitz maintains a 4.18 GPA and is a three-time Academic All-American.
Meagher recently wrapped up a terrific hoops career with Bishop Fenwick girls basketball, which she led to four straight Division 3 North finals appearances, including a state championship as a sophomore in 2016.
This winter the senior center from Saugus averaged a team-high 9.1 rebounds per game. She was a Catholic Central League All-Star and helped the Crusaders to a 15-10 record and an appearance in the state semifinals. She was also Bishop Fenwick’s nominee for the Salem News Student-Athlete Award and the winner of the Larry McIntire IAABO Board 130 Classic Scholarship.
Meagher boasts a 4.4 GPA and took six different Advanced Placement courses during high school. She has also volunteered for the math team, Best Buddies, the Spanish Club, campus ministry and Habitat for Humanity.
“It was always a lot, there was homework on the bus, but it was always worth it,” Meagher said. “When you enjoy doing both things, and I do, it doesn’t feel like a lot of work, it feels like something I enjoy doing.”
Next year she will attend Villanova to begin a five-year occupational therapy program, and throughout her career she has left quite an impression on her coaches and teammates.
“Jennie does whatever it takes to accomplish team goals, and her accomplishments as an athlete are due to her effort and determination to be the best,” said Bishop Fenwick coach Adam DeBaggis in a letter nominating Meagher for the award. “If every athlete were like Jennie, there would be no need for coaches, she leads through her voice and example. Her self-motivation gives our team energy and motivation to work as hard as she does.”
Garlitz said the balancing act between student and athlete isn’t difficult for him.
“It’s not too hard, even during the wrestling season it’s not bad. As long as I do my work I’m fine normally,” he said.
“It was a good year, I think our team did well and I’m happy with my season as well.”