Video produced by: Simone Puleo and Samantha Bruno
(All photos property of Comsewogue High School)
Warriors, Let's Fight!
Warriors, Let's Fight!
By: Simone Puleo
The Comsewogue Warriors football team has stared into the face of adversity season after season. This season, however, has shown that the Warriors can be a threat to opposing teams and be dominant on the field. We talked to the players and Coach Tremblay to get a glimpse into what it takes to come together as a team and overcome recurring hurdles throughout a season.
To have a successful team, it all begins with coaching. The players have nothing but great things to say about Coach Tremblay, and for good reason. Through all the ups and downs, he works tirelessly to get the team prepared week after week. “You just try to have them watch the film, learn from their mistakes, and move on'', Coach Tremblay said when asked about how he encourages players to bounce back after a loss. He always emphasizes the importance of remaining positive after bad games. “Constantly bringing it (the loss) up and being negative doesn’t usually work.”
In fact, Coach Tremblay’s mindset for practices is similar. He encourages his players to have fun and enjoy themselves on the field. With that being said, he does give his guys some tough love when needed. “Although I will yell at times, It’s yelling with a purpose. I don’t want to scream at somebody if they do something wrong. I want to teach them and show them how to do it.” The players truly look up to Tremblay and put in effort to improve week after week. Regardless of the outcome of the season, Tremblay hopes his players come out with great friendships and positive experiences, saying: “I tell the guys this before every game. If you’re not having fun, there’s no reason to do it.”
While coaching is important, having great players on and off the field is a key part of building a successful football season. Quarterback Kaeden West has always had a lot on his shoulders, but remains level-headed and a true playmaker for this team. If anyone has an understanding of facing a season-altering injury, it’s him. When asked about how the team overcomes injuries, he emphasized the idea of the “next guy up mentality” and highlighted the importance of young players stepping up, saying: “We have a lot of young guys who’ve stepped into big roles this year. We have a couple of new guys in our secondary and as our receivers.. Stepping up and doing their part.”
West is humble, always giving credit to key playmakers and how they’ve created a strong locker room culture to aid in on-field success. “Each week we have our captains' dinners at Hurricanes to watch film. Then our team dinners the day before games.. All the time we spend together helps to create that culture.”, West said when asked how they’ve bonded as a team. Left guard Devin Order added to this sentiment by describing their pregame rituals: “We turn all the lights off in the locker room, blast music, and..we smash our heads into some things.”
It’s safe to say that West has made a huge impact on the entire team as a captain, and his belief in them strengthens their belief in themselves. “Kaeden is a great quarterback and he can launch it like 50 yards down the field. That helps us a lot.”, Order said when asked about team strengths. This team has developed an unshakeable trust in one another and when they get into a groove, they’re ones to watch.
It’s no secret this team has struggled to be consistent. Even so, they continue to persevere. This team not only counts on each other, but our school, to show up and be loud. The passion and unwavering support fuels them year after year. When asked to give a final message to their fellow Warriors, Order said: “We realize this year that we’re all in. this is the last year some of us will ever play football. So we’re putting everything out there on the field.” If they’re all in, maybe we should be too. When all else fails, you can’t go wrong with some good ol’ fashioned warrior pride!
Girls Tennis Serving It On The Court
Girls Tennis Serving It On The Court
By Marissa Piombo
Girls Varsity Tennis coached by Michael Taheny has been having great success with the 2023-2024 season. The team went 7-5 this season which is one of the best records they have, plus they made the playoffs. Unfortunately, they only made it to the second round but we are beyond proud of the girls and all their hard work.
One of our captains Jill Moore has been playing for 5 years and loves every part of it. Something she says is “I love being around my teammates''. As we can see she loves playing and hanging out with her teammates. Tennis is a great sport where you can connect with your teammates and build strong bonds with them.
We also spoke to senior Alyssa Acconi about how she felt about the season and she gave us very similar feedback to Jill. She spoke, “I do it for the people and it's just something for me to do in the fall”. Tennis is a great activity to do if you don't know what else to do after school. It gets you in shape and improves your hand-eye coordination and agility, it can be good for anger management because you hit the ball very hard. Overall there are many pros to tennis. Alyssa had a winning season this year going 4-2 playing 3rd doubles with Marissa Piombo.
After having a conversation with their coach Michael Taheny we can deeply understand why he loves coaching tennis. Taheny has been coaching for 16 years and this was one of his best seasons as the coach. Something he says is “I love watching them grow up and get better over the years”. Being a coach is very bittersweet and he loves seeing all our improvement and becoming great tennis players.
All photo property of Comsewogue High School
Video produced by Marissa Piombo and Julianna Lanze
Property of Grace Ruiz
Property of Comsewogue High School
Video Produced by Grace Ruiz and Matthew Pyzikewicz
Property of Grace Ruiz
Property of Comsewogue High School
HUstle, HIt and never quit
HUstle, HIt and never quit
By Grace Ruiz
In the heart of Port Jefferson Station, a group of determined young athletes has been making waves on the volleyball court. The Comsewogue boys' volleyball team has not only shown remarkable improvement over the past years but has also fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and resilience. Through their unwavering dedication and relentless hard work, these boys have transformed into a tight-knit family, ready to conquer any challenge that comes their way.
From humble beginnings to their current status as a force to be reckoned with, this team's journey is a testament to their loyal commitment. Through countless hours of practice, grueling training sessions, and the guidance of their dedicated coaches, they have steadily improved their skills and elevated their game. ”So far the season’s been pretty good like every season there’s ups and downs, we’ve had good games and bad games but overall I feel like we have grown as a team and I’ve definitely grown as a player,” said Ryan Coffman. Each player has pushed themselves to the limit, constantly seeking ways to enhance their technique, agility, and teamwork.
Beyond the court, this team has formed an unbreakable bond. They have become more than just teammates; they are brothers who support and uplift each other. Whether it's celebrating victories or consoling each other in defeat, their unity has become the cornerstone of their success.”The great thing about this team is they motivate each other, so a lot of it actually doesn’t really come from me, it comes from them which is very very important, especially in a team sport like volleyball” Coach Valerio explained on how the boys are the ones that motivate each other in any situation. This strong bond allows them to communicate seamlessly on the court, anticipating each other's moves and working together as a cohesive unit.
One defining characteristic of this team is their unwavering determination. They never give up, no matter the circumstances. Even in the face of adversity, they rise above challenges and find a way to persevere. This resilience has been instrumental in their growth and has earned them the respect of their opponents. They have become known for their never-say-die attitude, inspiring others to push beyond their limits. The hard work and dedication of this team have not gone unnoticed. They have consistently achieved remarkable results in local and regional competitions, showcasing their talent and determination. ”There are a lot of different guys who are stepping up this year, Kyle Buck, Tim Crabbe, Ryan Coffman, a bunch of different guys, and the whole team is basically stepping up,” said Coach Valerio when asked if there were any players that stand out.
Their success has earned them recognition from their school, and community.“I expect them to play hard all the time, to have a heart when they are on the court, play together, and just give it their all 110 percent of the time, ”Coach Valerio explained what he expects from his players.
With each victory, they continue to raise the bar and set new goals for themselves. I know we could have done a lot better this season but from what I’ve heard from teammates who have been here for a few years now, the record is actually pretty much better than every single year we’ve had so far,” said Carson McCaffrey. Even when they lose they make sure to shake it off and keep fighting till the end. As Comsewogue's boys' volleyball team continues to evolve and strive for greatness, the future looks incredibly promising. With their unyielding work ethic, strong bond, and mental. They truly embody the spirit of resilience, teamwork, and growth. As they continue their journey, we can't wait to see what they achieve next. These boys will go far.., this is not the end, this is just the beginning of something great. Go Warriors!
Video Produced By: Aidan Bayer and Hamilton Granger
Photos Property of Rudy Grey
Don't Say No To Sports!
By Aidan Bayer
Sports tryouts are a crucial aspect of competitive athletics, serving as the gateway to participation in organized sports teams. While some may view tryouts as stressful or intimidating, they play an important role in selecting the athletes the coach wants on their team. Good sports tryouts offer numerous benefits to both athletes and the teams they aim to join. This explores the many advantages of well-structured and fair sports tryouts.
One of the most apparent benefits of sports tryouts is their ability to identify talented athletes. Tryouts serve as a platform for coaches and team selectors to evaluate a player's skills, athleticism, and potential. These assessments allow coaches to identify and recruit individuals who possess the necessary abilities to contribute to the team's success. Without tryouts, teams might struggle to find the right talent and end up with a less competitive and less skilled team. Good sports tryouts are designed to ensure fair competition. When tryouts are conducted, athletes have an equal opportunity to showcase their skills and earn a spot on the team. This fairness not only encourages people to come to try out but also reinforces the values of sportsmanship and fairness among the athletes. It fosters an environment where individuals are judged based on merit rather than other factors, such as popularity or personal connections.
For athletes, participating in tryouts provides a valuable opportunity for skill development. Preparing for tryouts encourages individuals to work on their strengths, refine their weaknesses, and train harder. The motivation to perform well during tryouts often leads to improved athletic abilities. This emphasis on self-improvement can benefit athletes not only in the context of the tryout but also throughout their sports careers. Sports tryouts are not just about physical skills but also about character development. Facing the pressure and challenges of tryouts can build resilience, determination, and discipline in athletes. These qualities are part of other aspects of life, such as academics and future careers kids plan on pursuing. By learning to handle both success and failure, athletes become well-rounded individuals.
Well-conducted tryouts also contribute to positive team dynamics. The process of competing for a spot on a team fosters camaraderie among athletes and encourages teamwork. Players often bond through shared experiences and the pursuit of a common goal. The resulting cohesion can lead to stronger and more cohesive teams, which are better equipped to face the challenges of competition. Good sports tryouts hold athletes accountable for their dedication and performance. The selection process encourages players to take responsibility for their training and conditioning, as well as their behavior on and off the field. This sense of accountability can extend beyond the tryout period and influence athletes to be more disciplined in their athletic pursuits. Good sports tryouts play an important role in the world of competitive sports. They serve as a platform for talent identification, promote fair competition, create skill development, character building, and team dynamics, and encourage accountability. These benefits not only contribute to the success of individual athletes but also to the overall competitiveness and sportsmanship of teams and the broader sports community.
When conducted fairly and transparently, sports tryouts are an essential aspect of organized sports that should be embraced and celebrated for their positive impact on athletes and teams. Sports tryouts are a chance to prove your mettle as an athlete and potentially earn a spot on a team. The preparation stage, tryout day, and post-tryout period all play important roles in your journey. With proper preparation, a positive attitude, and a commitment to continuous improvement, you can increase your chances of success at sports tryouts. Remember, it's not just about making the team; it's about growing as an athlete and enjoying the sport you love.
The Thrills and Skills
of Field Hockey
By: Alexa Kallmeyer
Athletes from Comsewogue High School have big futures ahead of them academically and playing the sport they love most as well. These students have worked very hard for many years previous to Middle School to become the best they can be and put a lot of dedication into field hockey.
Coach Nocera has motivated these girls to not only put their heads in the game but to always stay on top of school work and education. “I am very proud of what these girls have accomplished and all their hard work,” said Coach Nocera.
This sport requires lots of skills, speed, and teamwork. It is not an easy sport and it takes lots of practice. “ I love the bond the girls have with each other, it creates good teamwork,” said Coach Nocera.
As a few players have said, playing a sport has also helped them escape anxiety and stress over school. It gives them a chance to get exercise, distract them from the bad things they are going through, and have fun while being around teammates. Lauren Freudenburg, a senior on the varsity team since 9th grade, says she finds peace and happiness when playing field hockey. She is committed to Cortland University.
Video Produced by Alexa Kallmeyer and Wanda Reyes
Photo property of Comsewogue High School
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