It’s officially time for girls’ and boys’ basketball, wrestling, and boys’ swim. Practices began the week of November 13, and athletes have been working hard to prepare for the season ever since. “We’re just doing some basic things to get people started, get people on the mat who might not know what they’re doing. And to help people who know what they’re doing, supplement and strengthen their skills,” Gil Mossburg, a senior wrestler said.
As games start, the teams develop their connection, and freshmen athletes navigate their way through a new experience. Luckily, seniors have been leading the way, showing newbies the ropes. “This year it’s more like we have to step up if people aren’t listening and such. Me and the other seniors have to be the ones that they can look up to,” seasoned wrestler, Karianne Baldwin said.
During the offseason, teams tend to spend their time together, working on the bonding aspect of their sport. From movie nights to volunteering together, building a relationship with your team can help improve teamwork and coordination. “There’s a fund run in Snohomish that we did. Of course, the new kids didn’t show up to that because they didn’t know, so the freshmen weren’t there. But anyone who was here last year, so now the sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Of course, we got funding from that from the Snohomish government, but we were handing out gelatin packets, water, stuff like that. And also making a bunch of jokes the entire time, we just got to hang out,” senior swimmer, Matthew Reeder said.
Senior athletes are also preparing for their last winter season and looking forward to college. Several wrestling tournaments have been held at a variety of local colleges, and athletes work hard to improve their skills. “I went to, in the past month, I went to two college open tournaments, I got second at one and the last one I won. So, I’ve been practicing freestyle and stuff and I’ve done college visits,” Baldwin said.
The last sports season for seniors can be bittersweet, whether they plan on playing in college or not. “It’s kind of just sad knowing it’s our last year,” Baldwin said.
“It’s senior season, I’m excited to keep going, finish out, and finish out strong,” Mossburg said.