Sports
March 7, 2013
Spring sports previews
Boys’ soccer Girls’ track Boys’ track The 2013 Saints boys’ soccer team is out for redemption after being denied a State title last year. The team lost in penalty kicks last season to Norwalk in the first round of the State tournament. This years’ seniors are trying to match what the upperclassmen did their freshman and sophomore year and win a State title. “As seniors we really want to go out on a good note and win State this season,” senior Colin Gunn said. Xavier returns several key players from last season including seniors Isaac Frisch, Bryan Curphey, Ben Breitbach, Daniel Cowden, and Gunn who all got significant playing time last season. The team is coached by Amir Hadzic, and open season play begins on March 28 at the annual Metro Jamboree held at Kingston Stadium.
The girls’ track team is looking to the seniors on the team to set a positive example for the underclassmen of the team this year. The team is young by all measures, with seniors Audrey Richards and Allison Pitz leading the way for the team as seniors. Despite the lack of experience, they are still setting their goals high. “As one of the few seniors on the team, I am really looking forward to bonding with all the teammates to hopefully create something special. I believe we have the chance to make State and be successful if we work hard as a team,” Richards said. The team competed in their first meet of the season on Tuesday at the Demon Indoor at the University of Iowa.
The Xavier boys’ track team is looking to rebuild and surpass the success of last season. Several State finalists are among those returning, including seniors Nick Steingraeber in the 100m and Craig Murtha in the discus, who both begin their final season leading their fields for the state. The team will need to work hard to make up for several positions lost to graduated seniors and injuries. “It will take a total team effort with the underclassmen following the example set by the captains and varsity members. We all have to buy into the system that Coach Camacho has put into place and has been successful in the past,” Steingraeber said. The Saints run tonight in the Demon Indoor at the University of Iowa.
Alex Fox Sports Writer
John Richardson Sports Co-Editor
John Richardson Sports Co-Editor
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Girls’ golf The Xavier girls’ golf team had a sour taste in their mouths last season after being denied a State tournament bid by three strokes at the district meet held at Ottumwa Country Club. The team has very high expectations this year after losing only one member of their starting six, Taylor Wertzberger. A 5A class has been added to Iowa high school girls’ golf, but the Saints will remain in 4A, meaning they will be facing off against smaller schools come Districts and State. “We have a lot of depth on the team and really have a great outlook on the season as a whole,” Coach Julie Kadlec said. The girls’ first meet of the season is on April 4 as they compete against Jefferson and Prairie at Jones Golf Course. Alex Fox Sports Writer
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Tennis The Xavier tennis teams are hoping to continue the success of last season and continue in the footsteps of other successful Xavier groups. The girls’ team, which is coached by Lindsey Dunkirk and led by junior Devin Hayes, are looking to follow and surpass the success of last year. “We are trying to work hard as a team and make it to State, individually and as a team,” Hayes said. The boys’ team has their aspirations set even higher. “We have a lot of varsity members returning this year, and we want to take State,” senior Grant Hunt said. Practice starts March 11 for the two teams. The boys will host Waterloo Columbus for their first match on April 1. The girls will be traveling to Waterloo Columbus on April 1 for their first match as well.
John Richardson Sports Co-Editor