Isabel Hetherington & Emily Wood
Sports Editors
Photo by Kate Howard, Photo Contributed by Kathy Dinnie, Photo by Emily Wood, Photo by Emily Wood, Photo by Emily Wood, Photo by Emily Wood.
Senior captains: Bea Eppler, Bridget Falcone, Michelle Halpert, Michelle Paturzo
After a successful season last year, making it to the FCIAC semi-finals, the field hockey team is ready to come back stronger than ever. “This year, we are really hoping we make it farther than we did last year,” Michelle P. said.
The team has been working hard during preseason in order to prepare for their tough season ahead. “We are approaching this season with a positive attitude and encouragement,” Bridget said.
In addition to rigorous practices, the team has been spending time together off the field.Team bonding is something that will contribute a lot to our success this year,” Michelle H. said. With the arrival of a new goalie and other new team members, there are bound to be a few standouts, “We are expecting a good performance from our new goalie who moved here from England, Emma Ball, and from returning sophomore, Elizabeth Miller.” Michelle H. said.
Football
Senior captains: Louis Hagopian, Dylan Karnedy, Grady Lynch, Duke Repko
With the loss of their starting seniors, and quarterback Matt Milano, the Rams have a lot to live up to this year and can expect some change. “Our team has a big chip on our shoulder, we’re trying to prove to everyone that we can win,” Louis said.
But Dylan is confident they can get to the state championships with a diligent work ethic. “A lot of hard work will help contribute to fall success,” Dylan said. “Kids stepping up, making each other better and also the kids that put in a lot of time in the off season.”
According to Louis, the younger players that the will help contribute to the success of the team this season are, “Nick Cacione, Teddy Bossidy, our two quarterbacks will be standouts this season as well as the younger kids: [junior]Graham Wagner, and sophomores Frankie Cognetta and Alex LaPolice.”
Girls Volleyball
Senior captains: Annie Conover, Isabelle Herde, Emma Stracke
Having had a good record last fall, the girls’ volleyball team is hoping to maintain their success. “We had a great season last year and I think we just want to keep that momentum going,” Emma said. “I think we are just going to try our best and see where it gets us. Last year we were the underdog and I think we expect to surprise some people again this year.”
“We are going to approach the season with a great attitude and a lot of energy, all while making sure our game-play is at its best,” Annie said. “We have a lot of players with experience who show a lot of court awareness. This along with our skills and energy will be the key to our success,” Annie said.
Boys Soccer
Senior captains: Marcus Hijkoop, Justin Pertierra, Steven Valente
One thing that will help bring the boys to the state finals this year, is their technical skills, “Since we have some very technical players on the field this year, possessing the ball will be an important way to play this,” Justin said. “If we can switch the field of attack and work the ball around until an opening comes up, I’m confident our forwards will be able to score.”
Additionally, the players are looking to work well as a team in order to gain a strong record this season. “A good moral will help our team this year,” Steven said. “When everyone is on the same page our team can match up against anybody.”
Girls Swimming & Diving
Senior captains: Meredith Jonker, Tess Musky-Goldwyn, Ariana Ross, Maddie Rusch
With a tough preseason behind them, the girls’ swimming and diving team is fully prepared to start their new season off strong. “We expect to work extremely hard in the next couple weeks,” Ariana said. Our team has always been known to train to the very extent of what we are capable and we will definitely continue that practice this season.”
Along with being determined to defend their FCAIC champ title, the team has set other goals for their upcoming season. “Our goals are to have an undefeated season, win FCIACS for the third year in a row and win in the most competitive state meet,” Meredith said. Our most important goal is to win the State Open meet. This is one of the goals we have never been able to accomplish throughout our years at the High School.”
Boys Cross Country
Senior captains: Kalan Lysenko, Kevin McEneaney, Tucker Radecki
With the graduation of Alex Spinu, Henson Orser, and Isiah Masionette, have graduated, the boys have big shoes to fill. But Tucker says the long mileage accomplished over the summer will help the boys’ team during the season, “A lot of guys on the team put in some serious mileage this summer, and that unquestionably will lead to success,” he said. “A bunch of varsity runners on our team this year ran upwards of 200 and even 300 miles.”
“Our captains collectively will define our front pack, but I expect big performances from other seniors like Calvin Gaynor, Phil Arliss, George Bennett and Devaun Bovell,” Tucker said. “Our top ten will probably be rounded out by sophomore Mike Schulte and junior Will Molloy, and a 10 spot up for grabs to whoever wants it the most.”
Girls Cross Country
Senior captains: Brooke Decker, Katie DiFazio, Georgia Hunsinger, Sarah Luke
Having a team twice the size from last year, the girls’ cross country team is looking forward to a new season full of many up-and-coming runners. “This season is much different than last year’s season,” Sarah said. “The team has practically doubled in size and I expect us to do much better.”
With a wide variety of athletes, the girls are unsure of who will standout. “It’s hard to give a list of all the girls who look promising, especially since you never truly know how fast a girl is until they run the race, but everyone from the team last year has improved tremendously, and the new girls that have joined the team are all showing great skill,” Georgia said. “But I would say our top runners would definitely be Olivia Hompe, Lana Del Vecchio and the new freshman Sarah Enders.”
Cheerleading
Senior captains: Bess Howard, Sara Levine, Emily Luciano, Ali Tubridy
For the upcoming cheerleading season, the cheerleaders have high expectations.“I expect a lot from the upcoming season.,” Emily said. “We have a very young team and I think we’re all excited to see what we’re going to be able to accomplish.”
“For cheerleading, fall season is extremely demanding,” Emily said. “We have our practices, the football games, pep rally, team dinners poster making and more.”
But amidst the hard work, they are looking to bring energy into the stands at football games. “We plan on making everything fun not only for us, but for everyone at NCHS,” Emily said.
Bess agreed, stating, “I’m excited to see everyone come together for our town’s football tradition.”
Girls Soccer
Senior captains: Kelly Armstrong, Anna Borea, Abigail Sawabini
To gain success this season, the girls’ team is looking to work well cohesively and to get the ball out from the defense. “Approaching the fall season, we want to be working together as a team, passing, taking a lot of shots and playing out of the back,” Anna said.
With teamwork on the field and a united atmosphere, the girls don’t predict one star player will help the team achieve victory. “If I play like I think we will, I don’t think there will be one standout, but rather multiple people working together, ” Anna said.
