Locker rooms become vacant, and fields are deserted as sports at Hylton come to an end for the year. Soon, all that will be heard will be the murmurs from the games that were played this year and of the aspirations of underclassmen.

    Many of this year’s soccer players have been playing sports since childhood, like senior Edgardo Romero. Many of them hope to become successful after leaving Hylton. Participating in high school sports helped them stand out to college scouts.

    “I think I’m going to grow a lot now that I’m going to college and that I will have to work even harder for the college team,” said Romero.

    Hearing the cheering of crowds is one of the most memorable moments for athletes. Team members show their love for what they preform by the sheer amount of training they do after school. Senior Edwin Ramirez admits that he does have to try harder in order to get playing time during games because every game is important.

    “When we win, I feel it’s a team win, an accomplishment. It’s a confidence booster. When we lose, it’s a disappointment, but it’s a learning experience as well,” said senior Hector Navas.

    One thing Hylton High School can provide for seniors is a tightly-knitted family on which they can rely.

    Senior varsity baseball player Joey Lomonaco, who transferred from Bishop O’Connell High School, admits that Hylton sports feel more like a family to him. Seniors have created memories here that will never be forgotten.

    Senior crew member Michael Dunning’s most memorable race was when his boat crashed leaving his team in last place.

    Lomonaco’s most memorable game was beating Woodbridge in the Cardinal District Semifinals. Many seniors hold on to memories they have made on the fields as well as off, thus taking a little piece of Hylton with them.

    “I’ve been playing at Hylton for four years and I’ve enjoyed every moment, especially the time we won against Woodbridge,” said senior varsity baseball player Chris Holmes.

    Most of the senior athletes share a common love for their sports, and that’s what has made them so close. They believe participating in Hylton sports has made for strong bonds and has taught them valuable skills for life.

    Ramirez, Navas, and Romero all say that some of the things they will miss the most about playing soccer are their teammates and coaches. The fact that they play on a varsity team makes them work harder each game. Most of the soccer players hope to play in college if given the opportunity.

    Most of the baseball players are planning to play while in college and are glad they can continue because being a member of a team has become a major part in their lives.

    “Playing baseball is very important me, especially to the college I am currently applying to,” said Holmes.

    Though not all seniors know whether they will be playing sports in college, they have all had a great run on Hylton’s fields. Dunning has played sports since he was a freshman, and now plans on joining the Marine Corps after graduation and then going off to college to become an officer.

    “High school has come to an end and they say the sky is the limit, but I’m heading to the moon,” said Navas.
    As they walk out of Hylton’s doors for the last time, senior athletes say their farewells to school and to their coaches who gave them inspiration throughout the years and helped them grow into adults.

    “I will miss all my friends. I love them all and my school. I’ve had some good times and I won’t forget it,” said Romero. “It was great.”