As the sun starts to shine on the hill, and pouring rain brings lush grass, for many students this means a new exciting athletics season. As we head into this spring sports season, new changes, and exciting opportunities arise for all our athletics.
Track and Field:
Coach Matt Ellis is still at the helm for Track and Field. Sprinters welcome the addition of a new coach, teacher Jalen Robinson-McClure, and additional winter training brings high hopes for this season. With the largest group of athletes seen on the track since pre-Covid, this season is sure to hold many new possibilities. On the running side, the sprinters put in lots of work during the off-season, competing in indoor races, and showing up consistently should lead to an outstanding season. Coming off a great cross country season, the boys’ distance team is expecting a fast season, along with the girls’ team, who have a fantastic set of newcomers this season. The field program is excited to keep former teacher, Coach Tom Larsen, as their primary field coach, and continue to strive for better.
Fastpitch:
Fastpitch also had a new change in their coaching staff this year, with the addition of Dean of Students, Willie London, as the new head coach. With a win already under their belt, this season looks like it has the possibility of being a new leaf for this bright team. The fabulous seasoned players, combined with a large group of freshmen has created a fun environment that allows growth, and the possibility for players to prove themselves. The reclassification of Bellarmin to 3A has been nothing but positive for this team, as they face level competition.
Boys Fastpitch:
Similar to many other teams the movement to 3A has provided the boys’ Fastpitch team with a great opportunity for competitive opposition. With a 1-1 season, the upper class man focused team has a great chance to capitalize on a reliable team. With the loss of Barnhart as head coach, Coach Unruh has stepped up to create an exciting and fun team atmosphere.
Girls Lacrosse:
The girls’ lacrosse team is starting off strong with a 2-1 season. Although having a sadeining loss against Stadium the girls are ready to come back even stronger. Senior Alice Malebranch said “at the beginning of the season playing Stadium as the first in league game was a tough loss, but I have high hopes for the success of the rest of the season.”
Boys Lacrosse:
If you had somehow missed the creative grey tracksuits these athletes have been wearing, then make sure to turn an eye. The team this year has focused on creating a positive team atmosphere based on passion, relentlessness, and unity. The handmade tracksuit was just the first step in a postive season so far. The close games against last year’s state podium teams are a good sign that this year has lots of potential.
Boys Soccer:
With a heavy senior led team this year, the boys’ soccer team is definitely ready to play. With a win already under their belts, they are ready to make a big impact. Hopefully the reclassification will bode well for them as they get ready for an amazing season. Coach Jim Dempsey leads the way.
Girls Tennis:
The tennis team has high spirits heading into this season. The ability to play people at their level has created an exciting and on-edge atmosphere of the team. Many schools are leaping at the opportunity to play against our girls, with schools as far away as Camas making the trip to the hill. Although match days will be longer with both JV and Varsity playing either all at home or all away, the chance for building team comradery has outshined these concerns.
Girls Golf:
Like many of our other programs the girl’s golf team has a young talented team. With goals set high for the minimum of top three at State this year, if not the win, the girls are working tirelessly to strive for excellence. Coming off being the league champs last year, and a high placement at state, the new recruits are sure to level up the team even more.
Boys Golf:
Boys’ golf has also gotten off to a good start with a win. The reclassification to 3A along with an older team is proving to be a good combination for them. This mixing with a couple new underclass has created a positive driven team this year who’s ready to compete at the highest level.
