ShiningSpringSportsWildcatsspringseasonisonthewaybyGrantCorcoranandGregEvans

The boys lacrosse program is coached by Michael Beutel. The boy’s record from the 2021-2022 season was 12-1. Coach Beutel has set some expectations for his team this year. He said, “I’m looking for guys who’re hungry to become better students and athletes. We want our guys to be hard workers who’re gritty and resilient, on and off the field. If this group can play as a team in all phases of the game, and maintain their composure in pivotal moments, the sky’s the limit for this group.”

The new 2022-2023 year of baseball is on the way, so that means new players and new opportunities.

Last year the varsity baseball team had eight wins and seven loses. Junior varsity team, on the other hand, had ten wins and zero losses.

Coach Craig Lopez said, “I’m excited for this new season and for the opportunities for all of them. My goal for this season is to get them to believe in themselves and to be the best versions of themselves.”

The boys and girls tennis programs are both coached by Katie Benson.

The boys tennis team’s record from the 20212022 season was three wins and nine losses. Meanwhile, the girls tennis team’s record from the 2021- 2022 season was five wins and seven losses.

The 2022-2023 soccer year is about to start. The 2021-2022 boys junior varsity record was six wins, zero losses and three ties. The 2021-2022 boys varsity record was nine wins, three loses and three ties.

The 2021-2022 girls varsity record was nine wins, four losses, and two ties. The 20212022 girls junior varsity record was seven wins, zero losses and three ties.

Tamia Nelson, sophmore said, “We’ve been running a lot and getting in shape. This is going to be a tough season, but we will pull through.”

Coach Fernando Ramos said, “I’m excited for this season. We need to work on fitness this year.”

In addition, the boy’s lacrosse team is looking for managers this season: one to take stats and one film manager to film the games. Anyone interested should email Coach Beutel at beutelmw@staffordschools.net or talk to Coach Miller in room 429.

According to Beutel, key returners for the season are Donny Gonzalez, Logan McGrath, Shane McGrath, Jesse Ramos, James Ramos, Gabe Wess, Eli Druiett, and Steven Preston.

Coach Benson is looking for positive energy and more team spirit this year. She said, “As an individual sport it can be hard to remember to encourage teammates from court to court so that is one of my goals for the season.”

Key players on the boy’s team include William Hudson (senior), Nolawi Solomon (junior), Jacob Grena (senior), and Logan Zollner (junior). As for the girls, Jasmine Muturi (junior), Meagan Calvert (junior), and Megan Soderholm (junior) are all returning players.

The softball team is coached by Meghan Smith.

Softball’s record from the 2021-2022 season was five wins and three losses with several games canceled.

The girls lacrosse team is coached by Lauren Donahue. The girl’s record from the 2021-2022 season was seven wins and two losses.

Coach Donahue said, “As a program we are looking to improve each day at practices and at games. We are looking for consistency in our gameplay and to make it further than we did the previous season”.”

Four starters graduated last year, but she said there is a good group of returners that will help mentor new recruits. She said she hopes to bring junior varsity girls up to the varsity roster and see some newcomers make a splash at tryouts since there are positions to fill.

According to Coach Donahue, on offense, senior Kat Druitt will be returning. In the midfield, seniors Olivia Wahlin and Mary Wahlin, as well as juniors Ava Windham and Gabby Bartels will be returning. Furthermore,on defense, junior Delainey Hinson and sophomore Adleigh Fraser will be returning. Finally, two goalies who will be returning are junior Carley Pruett and senior Emily Arvesen.

“We are looking for our players to be ALL IN at every practice and game. To grow as a player on and off the field,” said Coach Donahue.

Coach Smith said she is looking forward to having a lot of players returning this year since they will be able to pick up where they left off last year with the exception of a few new players. Some of the returning players include senior outfielder Lexi Kantor, senior catcher/third baseman Madi Bachman, sophomore shortstop/ pitcher Liz Harley all returning for the 2023 season. “I am looking forward to their leadership and guidance with some of our underclassmen,” said Coach Smith, “but I am really excited to see some of my underclassmen perform and step up.”

According to her, the expectation is that all players embrace the role they are given at any given moment–whether it is as a starter or a teammate cheering on others in the dugout; everyone has a role.

She said, “I want my players to play selflessly and play for each other. Enjoy every moment even if it’s not “their” moment. Once my girls do that, I know they are playing together as a team.”

Her outlook on the season is a positive one, as she said, “We have one of the best offensive teams in the district and if the girls perform the way I know they can, we will be good, scary good.”

After this great month of love for your friends, family, special someone, and of course music, here’s a list of some of the biggest songs and albums that have come out according to Genius and Billboard top 100.

• Feb 2, 2023

Karol G x Romeo Santos- X Si volvemos

• Feb 3, Young Fathers- Heavy, Heavy Korn- Requiem Mass

• Feb 10, Paramore- This is why

• Feb 15

Yo la tengo- This stupid world

• Feb 17

Pink- Trustfall

• Feb 24

Gorillaz- Cracker Island

On another note, some of the greatest music moments of the month were Rihanna’s controversial Super Bowl performance. This had been her first Super Bowl and first performance of the year.

Secondly, the annual Grammys came with head turning outfits and artists like Bad Bunny winning the Best Musica Urbana Award for ‘Un Verano Sin Ti’, Beyonce gaining the most Grammys, performances from Steve Lacy, Olivia Rodrigo presenting awards and so much more.

Now welcoming March, it is up to us to wait for music from Rihanna, Beyonce, Lana del Rey, Olivia Rodrigo and more amazing artists all rumored to be releasing albums.