WINTER SPORTS ARE OFF TO A GREAT START

          Similar to many other athletics, wrestling suffered from an abbreviated season due to covid,  and its members are anxious to get back to the mats for a more normal season. Coming off of a successful year, the grappling bulldogs are looking to build upon a strong foundation with the help of Keith Sholders, varsity head coach, and senior leadership. 

          “As a team, we want to continue working on building team comradery, work ethic, and being student athletes that lead by example,” stated Sholders.

          The boy’s basketball team, under the guidance of Doug Ewell, varsity head coach, has introduced a few transfers and first year varsity players to the program. They feel that last season’s results are not a true reflection of what they can do as a team. They are confident in their personnel and are anxious to play in front of a real crowd again.

          “We have all been working really hard and we are excited to showcase all of the talent we have this year,” reflected Cliff Ewell, 11.

          With 7 returning seniors on the team, Noel Klippenstein, girls varsity head coach, is emphasizing leadership. Players got practice in fulfilling leadership roles during pre-season workouts or “green days”, which mostly consisted of older players running drills and teaching underclassmen about the program.

          “We have been working on our communication and team chemistry which will definitely help us going forward,” explained Izabella Bohabot, 11.

          The swim and dive team has been working hard with Russel Ramey, head varsity coach, to improve times on their races in preparation for their first meet against Centreville. Players are excited to get back into team bonding activities and fun traditions that they were not able to participate in last year.

          “By valuing dedication and commitment, I think our team could do very well this season,” added Caitlin Kelliher, 12.

          The gymnastics team, led by Melissa Mills, gymnastics head coach and Brandon Laitinen, assistant coach, is focused on the basics in preparation for competition season. They are building a foundation in hopes to give athletes a fun season full of learning new skills and developing existing ones.

          “The creative ideas that we used to overcome covid last season will help us this season with knowing the best way to get the team as involved as possible,” stated Laitinen.

          Led by David Groff, head varsity coach, Track and Field is building up team strength in every event after having graduated many “superstar athletes” in the past few years. Now being able to enter more athletes into events without last year’s covid restrictions, they are shooting for another year of winning district and regional titles.

          “I personally think our team is one of the best in the district, however there is always room for improvement,” explained Hayley Berrick, 12.