The 112-member rising 9th grade class consists of a lot of eager freshmen looking to play Cross Country, Boys’ Football, Girls’ Tennis, Girls’ Golf, and Girls’ Volleyball in the upcoming season. 

Cross Country 

Cross Country held tryouts from Aug. 11 to Aug. 15. According to Head Coach Holly St. John, over 60 people signed up. 

“There is a lot of enthusiasm,” St. John said. “I am also very excited about our captains [Luke Vilhauer, Zander Albert, Elena Trimble and Hailey Sellers] since they just have so much energy.” 

St. John hopes to have a fun, injury-free season this year. 

“Last year, both our teams went to the state championships, and the girls won their division,” she said.

St. John’s advice to freshmen looking to run cross country is for them to remain patient. Although the team typically runs 15 miles every week and practices six days a week, St. John advises new runners to come a maximum of four days. 

“It takes years to build up endurance,” St. John said. “New runners should focus and remember that we are here to have fun.” 

Boys’ Football

Boy’s Football held tryouts from Aug. 11 to Aug. 15. The team practices every day after school for two hours and held its first summer program this year. 

“The summer program was nice and something new for the team,” Head Coach Dallas Hartwell said. 

Hartwell is most excited about the group of kids he has on his team this year and hopes to help the team win as many games as possible. 

“I just want our guys to support each other and play to the best of their ability,” Hartwell said.

Hartwell advises freshmen to try out for the team since most people are unable to play football after high school. 

“This is a good chance to play football,” he said. 

Girls’ Golf

Girls’ Golf held tryouts from Aug. 18 to Aug. 22. Head Coach Joe Corby is excited about the returning players, as well as the new ones. 

“I’m excited for the new players and to see what we can do,” Corby said. 

The team will also have to adjust since three-time MCAL player of the year Lizzy Liu graduated. 

“This year is going to be a rebuilding year, with lots of learning,” Corby said.

Corby advises newcomers not to get frustrated with the many rules and simply to enjoy the game. 

“Between me and my assistant, we are open to teaching the game and different situations,” Corby said.

Corby claims that the commitment level is high, with practices four times a week for a combined 10 hours, depending on the number of matches.

 “Commitment level is 100%, and it starts with me making sure the girls know what to do,” he said. “The girls are committed and always ready to go, which I love.”

Girls’ Tennis

Girls’ Tennis held their tryouts on Aug. 11  and Aug. 12. Head Coach Christine Costamagna is excited about the “strong vibes” and enthusiasm she has seen. 

“It was fun for me to see the freshmen meet each other,” Costamagna said. 

Costamanga is excited to invite new freshmen to the team and see the returning players.

According to Costamagna, the Girls’ Varsity and Junior Varsity teams are competitive because the team is limited by the number of courts. 

“I advise players who don’t make the team and are interested in tennis to play throughout the year and work on their skills,” Costamagna said.

Girls’ Volleyball

Girls’ Volleyball tryouts were on Aug. 11 and Aug. 12. Freshman Volleyball Coach Lynn Stein is most excited that she will have a full team this year.

Stein believes that with any sport the more coachable a kid is, the more they improve. She advises kids to take risks because even if they struggle in the beginning, it will get better in the end.

The team practices for two hours from Monday through Friday and plays occasional tournaments on Saturdays. 

“Commitment may be a big jump from any activities [freshman] had in middle school,” Stein said.