Role Players

While the senior class has lead the charge for Homer’s athletic success this year, the junior class has also been essential to the results. The leaders of many of Homer’s sports teams this year may be seniors but the success of Homer’s teams during the 2017-2018 year could not have happened without the roles that the juniors played. The juniors pushed the seniors to be better at practice and on game days.

Juniors have found ways to play important roles. The lacrosse team has high hopes for this season and two juniors, Zach Mallory and John Denkenberger, are playing key roles to fulfill them. The lacrosse team saw success last year and return key players from that team. Mallory has stepped up to fill the third defensive spot that needed to be filled because of graduation and Denkenberger has became the number one faceoff man for the Trojans.

Denkenberger has stepped up in a large way for the lacrosse team this spring. When asked about performing so far, the faceoff specialist replied, “As a team we are performing very well. We are 7-0 and we are going to keep learning as we go and grow as a team. I feel that as an individual I have worked very hard to get where I am at and I know my role on the team very well. I Feel that I have been given the privilege to work at a very valuable position for our team and feel that I have done very well at it so far.” The goals of the team are high. “Our goals entitle, a sectional championship and a state championship. We have the talent and work ethic to get there if we stay focused.”

Mallory has found a home in the third close defense spot, but it did not come without hard work. “J.V. was a lot easier. Varsity practices are more demanding. J.V. is about getting better and on varsity that is taken to a whole other level. Personally, I had the goal of finding playing time this year, which I have worked hard to get.” The lacrosse team plays at a high level and hard work was needed to be ready for the season. As for the roles of seniors compared to juniors, Mallory went on to say that, “It is about even numbers wise. Most of the seniors are in starting spots so that gives a lot of the juniors something to strive for and look up to for next year.”

Goals have been set for the lacrosse team. The seniors are leading the charge, but the goals will not be able to be met without the juniors. The juniors this year have found roles on their teams and are ready to step up to become leaders next year.