Back to Winter Sports
By Madeline Perini ('24)
North Rockland Athletics is officially back for their 2023-2024 winter sports season! Our athletic department offers a wide variety of winter sports, such as bowling, boys' basketball, boys' swimming and diving, boys' track, cheerleading, girls' basketball, girls' track, ice hockey, skiing, and wrestling. You can catch our teams scattered throughout school grounds; whether it be in our brand new state-of-the-art weight room, the gymnasium, the pool, or all around outside, you'll be sure to see our athletes working hard. Below I highlight the start of the season for some of our sports teams!
Boys Swimming and Diving
Our boys' swimming and diving team has been back in the water for a month putting their best foot forward. A team made up mostly of young new talent, their goals for the season include making sections and states. What's so unique about this team is that a swimmer’s biggest competition is with themselves. They are always working to better their times and dives. Team captain Eric Schreck ('24) commented on their upcoming season: "They’re a tough team with great ambitions. My team is really stepping up and they’re swimming faster every day.” Their first home meet is Thursday, December 11 at 4:30 pm. Good luck boys!
Pictured Eric Schreck ('24) - Photo courtesy of Madeline Perini ('24)
Pictured James Kilduff ('24) - Photo courtesy of Madeline Perini ('24)
Ice Hockey
Our varsity hockey team got back on the ice in early November. In their first game on November 28th, the team came out with a 4-3 win against Pearl River. This win was essential to sophomore Luke Hilliard, who was awarded Red Raider of the Week as a result. I spoke to Captain James Kilduff ('24) shortly after their game. He said, “We’re gonna play a lot of tough teams this season, but my teammates and I are very determined, and I think we will have a great year.” Off the ice, the team has been working in the weight room for strength training and conditioning. No matter where they are practicing, they are giving it their all. The team’s next game is Friday, December 8th against Mount Pleasant at Sport o Rama at 9:15. Show up and support them!
Girls Basketball
Small but mighty, the girls varsity basketball team is fired up for their season ahead. After watching numerous practices and their scrimmage against Nyack, I can tell you this team is ready for anything. I spoke with captain Sarai Gurley ('24) who talked about her goals for her senior season. She said, “My goals are to lead my team to where they need to be, to help them out as much as I can, and just be the role model that I need to be for them.” This team also has a special dynamic, seeing as they’re a small group with players that range from eighth graders to seniors. Nonetheless, the girls are ready for whatever challenges are thrown at them this year. Their next home game is Tuesday, December 12th against Roy C Ketcham at 4:30 in the main gym. Come out and support the girls!
Girls' Basketball Nyack Scrimmage (11/29) - Photo courtesy of Madeline Perini ('24)
Boys' Basketball Harrison Scrimmage (11/28) - Photo courtesy of Madeline Perini ('24)
Boys Basketball
After coming off an amazing season, the boys' varsity basketball team is back and ready for a fight. In the 2022-2023 season, the boys made it all the way to the state championships but unfortunately fell short. While their accomplishments from last season surely don’t go unnoticed, winning isn’t this team’s main concern. I talked to senior Max Fausel, who emphasized their team motto: “We play for each other, we are quick to listen, slow to speak, we put team goals before our own, we play with confidence and composure, we are humble in victory and relentless in defeat.” The boys' next home game is Tuesday, December 12th at 6:15 in the annex gym against Mamaroneck. Pop out and cheer on the boys!
Boys Track
The largest group of athletes in the school, the boys' track team is ready for the start of their indoor winter season. There are many things unique about the team, seeing as they are split into sections; distance runners, pole vaulters, sprinters, jumpers, and throwers. However, North Rockland’s team is more special than most. Last season, the boys' and girls' teams operated without a track to practice on, while the new facilities at NRHS were under construction. Still, the team managed to jump these hurdles and sent boys to sections, states, and nationals. I talked to senior distance captain Austin Curry about their upcoming season. He said, “We’re all looking in great shape and have been able to rebound after a tough loss at sections and we're excited to see what the season has in store for us.” I also had the privilege of watching the throwers, jumpers, and sprinters practice, and the all-around consensus is that they are ready for an amazing season, and they’re in it to win it. The boys' first meet is Sunday, December 10th at 1:00 pm at the Armory in NYC. Best of luck to the boys!
Photo courtesy of @nrrockathletics on Instagram
We wish all of our winter athletes the best of luck for what’s ahead. Stay tuned throughout the winter sports season for updates. Go Raiders!
Cover and banner photo courtesies of @nrrockathletics on Instagram