0 Comments
By Brooks Argento Staff Writer Red Lion swimmers splash into the water at the peak of sunrise, as they prepare for an early workout beginning at 5:30 am Mondays and Wednesdays. The swim team is the only team to arrive to school early for pre-school practices. When asked about her feelings towards the morning practices Sophomore Emma Rinehart said. “They are tough but I know we need something to push us to the next level.” This year’s swimming team returns a group which contributed to a 4-3 season for the girls, and a 3-4 season for the boys. This year will mark new leadership for both squads as the teams are now under the direction of new head coach Chris Doemland and Assistant Coach Kirsten Petrella. This team returns most of their starters from last season, including Chance King, Dylan North, Callum Brandt, and Eli Aggen. These of which make up the 4x4 medley relay team that last year broke the school record on their way to districts last year. The girls team returns very experienced names including Morgan Grove, Courtney Schaefer, and Emma Rinehart. A highly anticipated freshman by the name of Jessica Sun will be joining the ranks for the girls as well. The season kicked off Dec. 12, 2013 with a home meet against New Oxford. By Ben Otte Co-Editor-In-Chief The first-ever Kan Jam Tournament took place at Red Lion on Dec. 13 in the high school’s old gymnasium. Eight teams participated and battled each other in Round Robin matchups determining seeding for teams in single elimination. Mr. Small of the English department and Ms. Arvanites of the Math department combined skills to claim the tournament crown after topping seniors Harry Huffnagle and Alec Crawford. “It feels great to win. There is going to have to be something like this next year so we can defend our title,” Arvanites said. The event was hosted by the senior class and raised about $80.00. “Win or lose, our opponents are going to know they just went through a dog fight.” -Lions head coach Chris Schell By Ben Otte Co-Editor-In-Chief If there is one thing Chris Schell would want others to know about his wrestling team, it would be the challenge it is accepting. The 2013-14 Lions varsity wrestling program returns to the mats after a disappointing 5-15 season last year -- a record which ranked them as one of the worst teams in the YAIAA last season. The challenge starts with a squad of only three seniors. An aggressive Austin Holloway (152 lb. weight class) and quick Ryan Sprenkle (132 lb. weight class) return with loads of experience they have acquired through the ranks of the program. Senior Michael Vanover (195 lb. weight class) also recently joined the team after talking to Schell a week after practices officially began. “I talked with Mike (Vanover) and asked if he’d be interested to participate. I’ve seen him wrestle and he’s talented. I’m not sure why he even left the sport,” said Schell. “Him along with the other seniors will definitely be the big leaders on the team.” Juniors Cody Stern and Anthony Moser, as well as sophomore Stone Hill, return as well with high expectations to pitch in key points for the Lions. Freshman Dylan Gurerri was also a notable player Schell listed after contributing positively to the junior high program. “We’re getting better as a program. We’re young but there’s a bright future ahead. The kids are starting to say that this team is becoming more and more like a family.” When asked about teams to look out for from a coach’s perspective, all Schell could do was chuckle. “It’s funny because I asked the whole team the other day which team our biggest rivals are going to be. Austin [Holloway] looked at me and said ‘all of them’.” Schell explained. “And he’s right. If our goals are where they are, no doubt every team is going to be on that rival list.” "The goals have not changed, nor have the expectations..." -Lady Lions head coach Don Dimoff By Ben Otte Co-Editor-In-Chief In high school sports, usually teams with high seniority reap much success. Seniors Morgan Kuehne (verbal commit to York College) and Devan Horka will hightire the leadership position, but will not do so alone. During the off-season schedule, it was the underclassmen that stepped up and assumed key roles on the squad. “Our goals for this year have not changed than from any others, and I think the girls really buy into that,” head coach Don Dimoff said. “They know how much success this program has seen and they want to continue just that.” While guards Kasey Seitz and Kelsey Clever have graduated from the program, the Lady Lions’ perimeter game will not be put on hold. Sophomore Courtney Dimoff, a huge threat from behind the three-point arch, returns to the squad. Junior Julia Kendrick who highlighted tremendous high-pressure defense in her first varsity appearances last year looks to improve her game as one of this season’s starting five. Coach Dimoff is fully aware that he has lost some inside presence with the graduation of Jenny Horvatinovic, who has moved on to play Div. I ball at Monmouth University, but rising underclassmen Taylor Funke and Kami Harvey can ensure offensive efficiency with accurate passing and quick ball-handling skills. Another new addition is junior LaDena Eames who should be able to provide valuable minutes at either guard spot as she has proven tough on-ball defense in both of the team's scrimmages. Despite the fact the majority of the varsity squad has seen minimal varsity minutes, Dimoff says the same expectations he has had in years past remain the same. “I don’t believe in rebuilding years. The goals have not changed, nor have the expectations. We’re at a level we are capable of playing.” In addition to the returning players, Dimoff added three freshmen to the mix: Kynslee Shepherd, Amy Maciejewski and Natalie Reba. “These girls have played a lot together and should really be able to help us out down the road,” Dimoff notes. Looking ahead, Dimoff says his team has worked very hard in the off-season and is very eager to continue the work that has been started. This article also appeared on the Lady Lions' official website and was reposted with permission.
|
SportsAll the latest right here! Archives
August 2018
Categories
All
|