Fall Sports Preview
Cheerleading is often regarded as not qualifying as a sport, but the cheerleading athletes at UHS are surely proving that ideal wrong.
“My favorite part about coaching students is getting to see them in an environment outside of the classroom, “ says Cortney Thomas, head cheerleading coach. Thomas is able to do just that with weekly practices, and frequent competitions.
The assistant coach, Felicia Tufano, is there to help the athletes improve on not only their physical skills, but mental fortitude as well.
“Our team is held to high expectations; I believe cheerleaders represent the best parts of high school. High motivation, enthusiasm, and school spirit. I think our team is motivated by one another; they are constantly pushing one another to do better,” said Thomas.
The cheerleaders’ motivation is definitely helping their season as they won first and third place at cheer camp over the summer. Their motivation and enthusiasm is sure to give them more victories in the future.
***
Although golf only includes a small group of people at UHS, it still creates a big impact.
Maya Mosley, senior, says, “My favorite thing about golf is the variety when you play. My personal season has been really great! I have tremendously improved since last year.”
***
Another sport that is serving UHS this season is tennis. The head coach of tennis is Matthew Avery. Avery is the All-Area Boys’ Tennis Coach of the Year. He led his team to finish 5th place at the Big 12 conference according to the News Gazette.
Team unity plays a big part in having a successful season as, Nikita Pack, UHS senior, said, “ Though this season has been hard, I’m glad the first people I see supporting me are my team. The season has been fun, yet difficult, from getting a new assistant coach to playing challenging teams, but win or lose, we still have fun.”
***
On your mark, get set because cross-country season is in route.
Matuba Divine, a member of the cross-country team, encourages herself to keep running during a race by telling herself she can do it; she can cross the finish line.
“I feel good when I cross the finish line. The coaches inspire me because they want me to get better,” said Divine, UHS junior.
Forrest Fahroiki, is the cross-country head coach, and is always seen leading his team to the finish line. He is ready to help any athlete with a shin splint or encourage them to beat their previous time. With Farokhi coaching, cross-country is sure to have an amazing season.
***
The swimming and diving team at UHS has been splashing their way to dominating the competition waters.
Stephanie Sherman, head coach, is helping the girls swimming team to not only improve on their strokes in the water, but also the team bonding of the group. “Swimming has to be the best thing that has ever happened to me. My personal season has been really great! I’ve improved a lot with just a month of progress. I’m really going to miss my team. They aren’t just teammates there are amazing people as well,” said Maritza Rodriguez, UHS Senior. UHS volleyball is spiking it’s way to victory. Erika Menning coaches Volleyball at UHS, and is helping the team improve this season. Ashia Ravanh, senior, said,” My favorite part is being able to play and grow as a team with the people I see on a regular basis. And being able to get on the court and forget about anything outside of volleyball and just play my heart out.”
***
Although, the UHS football team lost their homecoming game, they expect their season to improve. Nathan Watson, the head coach, instills on his team the importance of hard work and perseverance. The team continues to work on their skills during practices and games.
“I think a student being involved in any extracurricular activity helps motivate them to be accountable in their academics and push them to have a well rounded high school experience,” said teacher, Cortney Thomas. Athletics at UHS not only bring a competitive atmosphere, but also a sense of comradery. The individual athletes learn to celebrate a loss as much as a victory, and continuously work to improve themselves.
Come out to support the athletics at UHS!
About The Author
