The conclusion of the cold winter season is giving way to the spring season for the Vikings. There are many games to be played, and many accomplishments to be made for this season.
Boys & Girls Track and Field:
This year’s track and field teams consist of runners who can run sub-five minute miles and have made it to county championships. According to Head Coach Richard Schmitz the team is relatively young this year, and Coach Schmitz, along with the rest of the coaching staff, wants to prepare them for years to come.
“Our goal for this year is to get the team strong and ready for a bigger stage,” said Assistant Coach Jeremiah Pope.
Although the team may work together, there is a bit of a rivalry going on between the different genders included on the team.
“My goal is to run 4:40 in the mile, sub-10 in two miles, and of course, place better than the girls team,” said junior Noah White.
The team has high expectations for the season.
“We definitely want to be division champions this year,” said Schmitz.
Boys Lacrosse:
As the boys varsity lacrosse team readies itself for this spring season, the team has one goal in mind: to win.
“This team doesn’t worry about individuals. This is a team sport and this team is focused on the same goal,” said Coach Tom Rooney.
The team wants to get better as the season goes on and ultimately make a playoff run. Led by senior John Crawley, who has already committed to Johns Hopkins, Boys lacrosee has high expectations.
Girls Lacrosse:
The girls varsity lacrosse team, led by coaches Mary Romano and Raquel Piraino, is hoping for the best for this season. The team mainly consists of underclassmen, but they still believe that they have a strong chance to make a mark in this year’s postseason.
“We have a strong team and look forward to another successful season,” said Coach Romano.
“Hopefully we’ll get it going early and give ourselves good position for a playoff run,” added Coach Piraino. Fresh off her commitment to play lacrosse for Sacred heart university, senior Brenna Betsch will anchor the defense for the Vikings.
Baseball:
For the upcoming season, the varsity baseball team has some goals that they think are attainable. First off, the team would primarily like to build upon last year and make a more substantial playoff run.
“We want to improve and push for a playoff run,” said Coach Matthew Holzer.
The team has two players in particular that Holzer believes can contribute at a high level: seniors Bryce Keller and Nick Duarte. Keller, who previously won the Diamond Award, and Duarte, are both ranked among the top 30 players on Long Island. The team’s ultimate goal is to have “a fun, successful season, and a strong playoff run.”
Softball:
The members of the girls softball team think they have a good chance to make a playoff run this year, despite their abundance of new, young players. The youthful squad includes three eighth graders and four freshmen. The team also has a group of students returning from last season’s squad.
Among these veterans is the team’s top pitcher, junior Alex Caprariello. Caprariello is an all-county pitcher. Coach Eric Sutz believes that if they compete at a high level and play hard, they could have success as a team.
“I think we have a good chance to finish in the top half of the conference. I would like to make a run at winning the conference, and a playoff opportunity. If all things click, I think that’s a realistic goal for us,” said Coach Sutz.
Badminton:
The girls badminton team, coached by Dr. David O’Connor, is hoping for a successful season this spring. The team is excited for the season, and junior Liz Kallenberg believes they have a chance to have a good record.
“I think the goal for the badminton team this year is the same as last year, work hard, have some fun and try to be the best in our division,” said Kallenberg.
Tennis:
The boys varsity tennis team is looking to build off its recent successes. Coach Peter Travis has made a good playoff run his goal, but understands that this year should be considered a “rebuilding season,” due to the amount of new players on the team.
As one of the top singles players, Junior Ben Rosen has a similar goal for the team.
“I think we have a good team this year with a lot of experience and I believe we can do well this season and make the playoffs,” said Rosen.
Golf:
The varsity golf team, which has become a dominant team in the county, is looking for yet another conference title. The members of the team are excited for this season, and they believe they have a chance to win it all.
“We have won it before and we believe we can do it again,” said Coach Kathleen Doughty. The team hopes for a season filled with birdies and eagles, and they think this is an attainable goal.
Crew:
The rowing team, has very high aspirations for the upcoming season. The boys team recently finished their fall season, capping it off with a win at the Head of the Schuylkill meet, and they are looking to build on that success.
According to Head Coach Steve Panzik, the girls team has also grown over the winter season, bringing a new excitement to the spring season. Coach Panzik believes a number of boats have a chance to go far this season.
“Our goal for this group is to medal at states and qualify for nationals. If all the pieces fall together the team has the ability to compete for a national championship this year. I believe this is going to be a special year,” said Coach Panzik.