The Wesleyan winter sports teams are hoping to represent their school with pride and hopefully have a victorious season. Now that the season is really gearing up, each athlete has to push themselves in order to help better the team because at the end of the day, the team is first. Each of the winter teams have been showing up to each tournament, game, or competition with a positive attitude and a hard-working spirit in order to ensure the best possible outcome. The teams have been working hard this season to come out on top and to stay there for the rest of the season.
Swim and Dive: The swim and dive team’s season may have just begun, but they are off to a great start. The team had their first meet on Nov. 11 at home against Riverwood. Swim and dive coach, Kevin Kadzis, said, “The meet went well, we swam against Riverwood and both the boys and the girls came away with narrow victories.” This sets the team up for a successful season to come. When Kadzis was asked what him and the team are looking forward to he said, “I am looking forward to seeing how they improve over the course of this year. It is always a goal of mine to see the athletes reach their full potential.” This year’s team is filled with amazing swimmers and divers who have a full season ahead of them with many more meets to come. Kadzis said, “We always have a goal to end the season better than we started. Also, another goal that can be related to the overall team is that we really seek to put others before ourselves and put the needs of our team above our own which relates back to our team verse.” The team’s verse is Philippians 2: 3-4 which says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” The swim and dive team are looking forward to the rest of the season and are hopeful of what is to come.
Basketball Cheer: The basketball cheer team has been working hard and practicing after school to ensure a fantastic season. Senior Paris Kidder has been on the team for three years, and Kidder said, “I am looking forward to becoming closer to the squad and cheering on the Wolves at basketball games.” This year’s group of girls are very excited to work alongside the basketball team and their amazing coaches, Jennifer Pinkett Smith and Susannah Smith. This ten-girl team is looking forward to having their best season yet. When asked if Kidder believes this season will be the best yet, she said, “Yes, this season will be the best one yet, especially since it is senior year.”
Wrestling: The Wesleyan wrestling team has come together to try and make this season one to remember. Junior Sam Schmitt has been on the high school team for four years and he said, “I’ve loved getting to wrestle for my coaches.” Coaches Brian St. James and Dennis Stromie have been coaching and training their team in order to guarantee victories for the season ahead and make sure everyone can reach their goals. Each member of the team has their own goals that they are hoping to accomplish this year. For Schmitt he said his goals for himself and the team are having at least three state placers this year as well as making it to the state duels. The team has a long series ahead with the state tournament being the final goal.
Girls Basketball: The girls basketball team has been working hard this season in order to work towards their goal of making it to state. The basketball team has had one game so far against Greenforest which ended with the Wolves winning 65-52. The team has had changes this year with a new girls and a new head coach, Carolyn Whitney. Junior Abby Scott said, “This group has really grown as a team and we are ready to see how this season goes.” The team is ready to take on the challenges that this season has to offer and are looking forward to seeing what the results will be.
Boys Basketball: The boys basketball team is getting ready for hopefully their best season yet. The team had their first scrimmage against Hebron and will have their first game on Nov. 19 against Brandon Hall. The team is ready for another successful season and hope to meet all of their initial goals. Junior Bryce Masters is exciting to be on the Varsity team this year. He said, “Our goal is to make it to the region tournament and from there hopefully make it to State.” The season has just begun, and they are looking forward to making this season a great one for everyone especially the seniors, Micah Smith, Trent Bartlett, Preston Jones and Michel Mele. The team is ready for the long season ahead and are looking forward to making the best out of it.
So far, each team this season has represented Wesleyan the best they can and have really shown others what it means to put the team before your own individual needs. This winter season has stood out because each team has proven they have what it takes to come out on top and they have each improved immensely. Everyone is exciting to see what the Wesleyan Wolves have in store for the rest of the season.
