Fall Sports Wrap-up

By Aaron Ntoko (Sophomore)

Fall sports recently wrapped up, marking the end of the first season of sports for the 2023-2024 school year. As the winter sports season rolls in, The Eagle Times wants to recap the accomplishments of our fall sports teams.

Football: The U-Prep football team had a 7-4 winning season.  “Our team bonded and we have new guys and we don’t treat them any differently,” said Sophomore Nahayo Clavel, an offensive and defensive line player. The team was eliminated from the playoffs early in November. “We didn’t communicate well and we weren’t disciplined,” Clavel said. “It was really fun to be a part of this season and I believe we helped set the team up for a successful future,” said Senior Aiden Elliston, one of the team’s captains. “I think this season was a turning point for the program and that going forward we will be a winning team.”

Girls Soccer: “I would say that overall, the soccer team became more competitive,” said Sophomore Orli Trumbull. “Despite our lack of experience, we were able to apply pressure to teams of experienced players.” The girl’s soccer team had poor luck “winning any section games” but they still tried their best. “We had several promising freshmen join this year, each of whom I think will grow into really good soccer players if they stick with the team through their high school,” said Team Captain Mariah Gaines. “As a senior on my way out, I am incredibly happy with how this season went.”

Boys Soccer: The boy’s soccer team played a good season but didn’t make it to district playoffs. “We got a new coach and we had a better record,” said Senior Team Captain Emmett Dorsey. Unfortunately, their lack of transportation occasionally held them back. “We often didn’t have a bus to get to our games or sometimes they wouldn’t even show up.” New Coach Kendall Roberts helped the team improve over last year’s poor record. “I am looking forward to all the young guys stepping up next year,” said Senior Max Pekich. “Most of our starters were seniors so there are a lot of positions up for grabs.” The younger students are hopeful for next year. “I’m looking forward to making a run for the playoffs,” said Sophomore Sam Pellegrino. Others agree. “I’m looking forward to working with the guys that are coming up from JV and stepping up into their roles on the Varsity team,” said Freshman Yik Hoi Low

Girls Tennis: The girl’s tennis team had a successful tennis season. They won the city championships and Reece Williams, the team captain and #1 singles player on the team, made it to subregionals but her season came to an end before the state tournament. Doubles players Mae Balog and Sydney Pelligrino placed 2nd in the city championships. “We as a team had a great season. More than half the players on the team were new which we all were excited about,” expressed Reece Williams. “Everybody made progress,” said Rose Carlie-Pierre, a new team member.

Girls Volleyball: The girl’s volleyball team had a winning season of 7-3 and went on to play Allerdice in the City Championships. Unfortunately, they came up short.  “Some things that didn’t go as well were that we often lacked communication during games, and rather than playing as a team we played as individuals,” said Sophomore Omega Jones. “Some things that went well with our season was our ability to adapt to the game and our improvement overall as a team.”

Cross Country: The cross-country team had a great season. Seniors Eilidh Chapman and Charles Sweeney and Junior Marcos Gonzalez went to state championships in Hershey. Gonzalez was the team’s top runner. “Our team had good spirits and overall made improvements over the season,” said Junior Javon Laprade. “The good things about the season were my team’s spirits and our overall improvement. There were a lot of injuries though and the weather made things rough sometimes.” Laprade is optimistic for next year. “I’m looking forward to seeing if any new members join and what events we go to!”