The 2012 Housatonic spring sports season was one filled with wins, losses, teamwork and competition. Freshmen enriched their first year at the high school by participating in both new and familiar sports; sophomores and juniors came back to improve their skills and relive the thrills of the game; and, for many seniors, their athletic career came to its end. As they say goodbye, it is only fitting to recap the spring season.
The Boys’ and Girls’ Track teams had a rough start to their season, but they quickly gained momentum and won meets. The boys finished with a 2-5 record; the girls finished 3-4. Impressively, both teams had athletes qualify for the Berkshire League and seven athletes qualified for states. In track, the throwers prevailed: Abrah Toomey took first place in javelin, Katie Heacox placed 5th in shotput, and Michael Tabor placied 5th in the discus throw. Anna Geyselaers, a sophomore, ran her personal best time in the 100 meter and received 5th place, qualifying her for state opens. Overall, the players saw the season as a success. According to RJ Thompson, the team captain, “We ran with character.”
The Girls’ Softball team played with dedication throughout the season, even when times were tough. A devastating loss to Lewis Mills in one of their final games made the team ineligible for the state tournament. The girls needed 6 wins to qualify for states, but ended their season with a 5-14 record. Although this season was a challenge, the girls all agreed that they improved through the season, and became a stronger team because of their willingness to work together. The team was certainly talented; senior captain Jaime Conklin was selected as All-League, All-State, and All-Star player. The future looks bright for the team. They have a strong group of underclassmen who plan to work hard next year and will, undoubtedly, make the state tournament.
The Boys’ Baseball team had high expectations from the beginning of their season. The eleven seniors have played together since they were freshman, and, as senior captain Wilson Terrall, put it, “We knew this was going to be our year.” Wilson’s prediction came to fruition: the boys finished with a 14-6 regular season record and made it to the second round of the state tournament. After a strong start, the season’s turning point was a devastating loss to Litchfield, after which they agreed to buckle down and give it their all. Even though they lost the last game 7-6, their hard work paid off. Captain Wilson recapped the season by saying, “We had a great group of players that came together to have a great season.”
The Girl’s Lacrosse team finished with a 7-9 record, their best in the past 5 years. Captains Brittney Pastre and Kiera Bisenius led the team throughout the season with aplomb. This group of athletes represented everything that a good team should have: sportsmanship, responsibility, and, of course, talent. Jill Cannon, the team’s only sophomore, said, “I think a big part of why we were so successful this season was because we all got along so well. We were all friends, which made working together much easier.” Jill’s reflection proves that loyalty is a key to having a successful sports team.
Boys’ Lacrosse had a difficult season. Under a new coaching staff, and with one of their captains injured, the boys tried their best but were unable to have the season for which they worked. Finishing 2-15, the team fought valiantly in every game and never gave up. Despite their tough season, the three senior captains made all-conference; Max Renner, Wylie Fresne, and Forrest Hayden were each recognized for his talent on the field.
The Boys’ and Girls’ Tennis teams also struggled this season, but had many individual and team successes. The boys finished 6-10, while the girls ended with a 0-16 record. Senior captain John Hare joked, “The most difficult point in the season was getting lost and trying to find Cogenchaug.” He explained that both teams had a positive, light-hearted spirit and enjoyed playing just as much as winning.
Congratulations to all the senior athletes. To all the returning players, good luck next year!