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Photo credit: David Anater
Golf season leads into WPIAL invitational
By Sophia Doyle '25
After the bulk of the players graduated, the future of the golf team was off to a new start with new players and coaching.
The fall sport began in August and ended in late September. The team played against seven different schools in our section and had a total of 15 matches.
“I am proud of how our golf team did this year. While we only had 1 win, we made vast improvements overall from the beginning of the season, and I noticed that many of the players showed a desire to improve. We also had a lot of fun!” said David Anater, who stepped up to coach.
The team was largely formed by new players, including some who had never played golf before.
“I think playing golf will help me in the future and introduce me to more opportunities,” said Gia Richter, a sophomore. “For my first time playing I think I actually did really well, especially towards the end of the year.”
Although the team’s record this season was not great, many of the player’s grew a connection with each other and the sport.
“I think I’ve made improvements in the way I play golf by coming to St. Joe’s,” said Cole Spencer, a transfer junior student.
“It was really fun and everyone was nice to each other. It was a bonding experience I think for a lot of us,” said Knij'e Middlebrook, a sophomore.
Many of the player’s believed that this season helped them realize improvements that could benefit the way the team plays, and to their individual skills. “I do think there are improvements to be made in the future - I plan on implementing some practices later in the spring at some local courses and driving ranges. I would say as a whole our team could improve upon our tee shots,” said coach Anater.
The team’s dedication to improve their skills and to win helped challenge the player’s throughout the season. “It was more of a leisure activity when I started, but as I started watching others play it made me want to improve my skills and play more competitively,” said Middlebrook.
Although this golf season did not have the outcome many of the players had expected, a few of them made it to sectionals. St. Joseph hosted this year's tournament, and coaches were asked to determine players from their team who were eligible to play in the event based on how they do throughout the year.
Noah Lynd '24, Gabriel Maltese '25, and Elliott Szalla '25 were three players chosen from Saint Joe’s to attend the WPIAL sectional tournament. The invitational was a chance for students to play against other schools in the section to make it to WPIAL playoffs. “I think that as a first year golfer for St. Joe’s, we provided a lot for the golf team this year. I think we deserved our spot in the sectionals,” said Elliott Szalla, a sophomore.
The event was hosted at the Buffalo Golf course, and although the weather was not what the player’s had hoped for they continued to play throughout the rain. Some of the players felt that the weather conditions and how it changed the course impacted their playing.
“I definitely think it impacted my playing because the course was very wet. The ball would either roll very far on the greens or would just stop, so it made putting almost impossible,” said Noah Lynd, a junior.
Going to the sectionals was new for the players and it was something that made them excited to experience and be proud of their abilities. “I was excited about going to the invitational to see what St. Joe’s could provide for the golf team, and to play 18 holes for St. Joe’s for the first time,” said Gabriel Maltese, a sophomore.
Though the player’s did not make it to the first round of WPIAL playoffs, this was a learning experience for them and something they were excited to participate in for themselves and on behalf of the school.
“The goal wasn’t to qualify, it was to play well and have fun,” said Szalla.
This year’s golf team’s record may not have been the best, but it was a new experience for many people, it helped build relationships and was a learning experience for the team.
“I do have high hopes for the golf team for the future,” said coach Anater. “I also think that having most of our team be sophomores will allow for them a lot of time and opportunity to improve and help stabilize the program."
Photo Credit: Todd Roxberry
Photo credit: Julie Wilson '23
Soccer season ends with marked improvements
By Julie Wilson ‘23
The 2022-2023 soccer season has officially ended with a record of 3-12-2. Bryan Zwack concluded his second season as head coach and continues to love coaching.
“Teaching kids about going about the game,” is a highlight of his position, he said.
The senior team captains, Ethan Zale and Quinn Stefaniak, led the team through 17 games and several practices. Zale spoke about his leadership position.
“Being a team captain is something I’ve always wanted and as a senior, I had a much bigger role with the team,” Zale said.
It’s more than just the record, it's the friendships and progress they’ve made too. “We played better together as a team,” Zale said.
This is an improvement from the 2021-2022 season, with how close the games were.
“We made the games more competitive, and usually lost by only one goal,” Zale added.
This season even had some fun and unexpected wins. Beating the Riverview Raiders (1-0) was Damian Moore’s favorite memory. Everyone on the team had a role no matter what grade level.
“We always played with determination and it was a great year to build on, ” said freshman Richard Konopski.
One of the biggest games was against Bishop Canevin in which sophomore Peter Stickney scored the winning goal with only 26 seconds left.
Stickney said, “Everyone was happy and they dumped water on me.”
Volleyball game in action.
Photo credit: Justine Spinelli '23
Coach Dennis Jones celebrates with team after win.
Photo credit: Allie Meier '25
Volleyball season ends, giving hope for upcoming season
By Brad Roxberry ‘23
The 2022 Volleyball season came to a close with a record of 7-9. The team did not, however, make it to the playoffs. The Spartans were led by senior class captains Cassidy Safran, Gracie Callwood and Gabby Mason, who helped galvanize the team.
“I think this year we have more unity as a team and we play like a family,” said sophomore Knij'e Middlebrook.
When asked which player had the biggest impact on the team, Middlebrook confided, “I do, because I have the best positivity ever!”
As for improvements, Middlebrook said that it will take some discipline. “We joke around a lot at practice, and if we could just focus more on skills we need to work on, we will win even more.”
One of the keys to the volleyball team’s improved success can actually be found in the stands. When a lot of students come to cheer the team on, there is a big difference in the energy on the court and the level of play by the Spartans. Middlebrook noted that the team relies on the student body.
“The student section needs to be there for us, even when we are not doing great and support us through it all,” Middlebrook said.
While leadership plays a big role on a team, veteran players are always eager to welcome a new player who can be a key contributor.
Freshman Kate Giannetta knows that there is a lot of performance pressure for her to have a spot on the court.
Giannetta confidently said, “Yes, I feel that I need to try harder and give 101%.”
Underclassmen athletes look to upperclassmen to lead the way, both on and off the court.
Giannetta said, “I feel that Gabby Mason has the biggest impact on the team. She always keeps us pumped up and excited while we play. Gabby always makes sure we keep our head up.”
When asked how she sees the team performing next season she responded, "I think that losing four seniors will greatly affect us, but I think we will go to the playoffs."
The volleyball team finished with a record of seven wins and nine losses. Although the seniors will be missed, the volleyball team has a lot of special talent from the underclassmen.
Coach Zwack is pictured with graduating seniors of the soccer team: Damian Moore, Ethan Zale, Quinn Stefaniak, Brad Roxberry.
Photo credit: Anne Schratz
The four graduating volleyball seniors: Cassidy Safran, Gracie Callwood, Gabby Mason, and Savanah Ord.
Photo credit: Anne Schratz
Seniors hang up their Spartan jerseys
By Justine Spinelli ‘23
Every year, sports teams must say good-bye to senior athletes, and while it is not easy, it is something that comes with high school sports.
Recently, senior nights were held for the soccer and volleyball teams. It is hard not only for the remaining team members, but it is also difficult for the seniors to leave behind their team.
Cassidy Safran, a senior on the volleyball team said, “It is a bittersweet moment, leaving the team behind, but it has been a really long season in a short amount of time."
“It is sad it has to come to an end without making it to the playoffs because we definitely had the potential to,” contended Safran.
It is hard for the underclassmen to lose the seniors as well. Anthony Zavolta, a sophomore soccer player, referred to the seniors as the parents of the team and explained how their leadership would be missed.
Damian Moore, a senior on the soccer team, said, "Being a senior was not exactly what I expected, but it is sad because it is the end of my career."
Senior night takes place at the end of the season with parents of underclassmen putting together celebrations. The players walk with their families for photos while their favorite memories and history with sports are shared. It is a great way to commemorate and celebrate the seniors one last time.
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