B R E E Z E WAY
· SPORT S ·
DECEMBER 2015
WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW BY MAY SEIGEL
Wrestling
With construction finally wrapping up on the new wrestling building, Bishop Kelley’s wrestling team is ready to make this season their strongest ever. “I think we’ll see a lot of growth and ownership by this team,” head coach Zac Livingston said. After a rough season last year, the squad is more seasoned. The team had to undergo a lot of rebuilding last year because there were a lot of younger boys in the line up. In order have strong year, the team has been doing a lot of offseason work. “We are getting better and better everyday,” Livingston said. Matt Smith (11), who will be competing with Bishop Kelley’s wrestling team for his third year, is optimistic about the season. “We’re looking to win our district and be more competitive out on the mat,” Smith said. In addition to getting more mat time and experience, Coach Livingston plans on driving home the basics and making sure execution has reached perfection. All in all, the team plans on finishing high this season.
Swimming
The swim team had a great season last year and is ready to grow, making this season even better than the last. The team welcomed new head coach Katie Rodgers, who brings a positive vibe to the team. With the addition of a few new members, the team is looking at about a 21 person roster going into this season. This gives the team a strong core because most of the swimmers also participate on club swim teams. Coach Rodgers and Assistant coach Sean Callan are finding ways to improve the team. “We’re working from every angle on what can be done to build stronger swimmers and a stronger team,” Rodgers said. Aside from swim technique, the coaches are focused on team bonding. “Those are the things that give us the foundation we need when it’s time to dig down deep and face a challenge,” Rodgers said. At the first meet of the season Coach Rodgers said the team made her very proud. “Each day I find myself more and more impressed with the heart, drive, and determination of our swimmers,” Rodgers said.
Girl’s Basketball
Wrapping up last year with 1 win and 20 losses, the girls basketball team is ready to come out of this season with a lot more wins. Although the team will continue playing in the Frontier Conference against 6A teams, they are prepared to make the changes necessary in order to ensure success. “I would like to see the intensity that we played with last year, and the never-quit attitude,” head coach Jade Allison said. “I expect a more mature team this year, and those things combined will hopefully give us a few more wins.” The team is already off to a better start with some good work in their pre-season scrimmages but Coach Allison believes the team is still growing. “They have a ways to go before they are at their peak,” Allison said. As for predictions on how this season will go, Allison thinks it will be competitive every time it steps onto the floor, but she is hopeful that the team will be able to get themselves over that “hump” and put themselves in a better position for a good seeding in the playoffs.
Racing down the court in wheelchairs, Macy Craig (10), Micaela Martin (10) and Kirstyn Stecker (10) warm up before the preseason basketball Late Grace Arnold (10) dives in at the Bixby meet. The girl’s team finished 4th of 11.
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Boy’s Basketball
The boys, who had a slightly better season ringing in with 9 wins and 15 losses, are also prepared to make this season stronger than the last. They will be competing for their second year in the 6A Frontier Conference as well, but plan on having more wins and more importantly seeing more student attendance at the games. “I’ve been working really hard this off season and Murphy and I should combine to create a real dynamic force on the court, Jaxon Schulz (11) said. “We will be satisfied with nothing less than a gold ball, and I will be satisfied with nothing less than an MVP.” Head Coach Danny Limes says the team has been working very hard and has had a very good and productive pre-season that will prepare them well for the tough season ahead. From a coaching perspective, Coach Limes hopes to establish more depth to assist the team in the playoffs. He is reluctant to make any predictions about this year’s season. “We’re taking it one game at a time,” Limes said.
Going for a three, Jake Jeffries (11) helps the team stay competitive against Jenks. The Comets stayed close for three quarters, but ended up losing 46-58.
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