Fall into Sports

As the weather is cooling down and the smell of falling leaves fills the air, we can hear the crack of bats, cheers from the stands, and the squeaks of shoes on the gym floor.

Now that fall sports are truly getting into full swing, all of the goals and accomplishments that the athletes are working towards are in view. The cross country and soccer teams are both fighting tooth and nail to regain their footing after placing second in the state championships last year. 

Senior Chase Wittman stated, “One of our main goals this season is to place in championship races, specifically our state race, especially since we are coming off a runner up placement from last season.” 

The athletes work towards this goal, even whilst they had setbacks earlier this season with runners being down from injuries preventing them from being at the top of their game. 

“I’m most excited for the chance to go to state again, and hopefully win this year, or to definitely go deep into playoffs,” shared senior Luca Arroyo.

Not only are our athletes working hard to have comeback seasons, but they are also thrilled about playing for Jefferson Academy and competing alongside their teammates. Striving to be the best team is going beyond just the players’ minds, as many teachers, coaches, and fellow students are also cheering on the teams towards state.

 “I’m excited to play with my friends,” said senior Troy Brown. “I’ve missed high school because I get to play in front of my own school and represent something that I care about.” 

Multiple of our soccer players are playing golf this season, which allows for team bonding to go beyond the pitch.

“I am definitely excited for golf tournaments and for the opportunity to play alongside my friends in golf and soccer,” explained senior Dylan Bahrenburg. 

The dream, and soon reality, of state is lingering in the minds of all these athletes as they continue to grow their team bonds and push themselves to the next level. The reality of achieving these high goals does come with some bumps and setbacks along the road, as all things do. Many athletes had a similar outlook when it came to the challenges being faced thus far in the season.

 “We need to get out of our heads, and not get down on ourselves when mistakes are made,” shared senior Riley Clark. 

Many student athletes hope to regain some losses from earlier in the season due to the teams’ overall morale. 

Junior Ellie Arnold stated, “We have some improvements to make that will be fixed when we aren’t so hard on ourselves.” 

From the outside, sports may look as if they are completely physical, but in many cases, the mental barrier can be the most demanding aspect of the game.

“Figuring out who is going to talk when and being positive is going to be a big thing for our season,” expressed Brown.

As this fall season progresses on, with the roar of fans, the setbacks, and goals reached, our teams will continue to show what it truly means to be a Jefferson Academy athlete. They have the grit, determination, stamina and ability to push over the mental and physical barriers that they will face.  The road to success is always bumpy and unpredictable, but our JAGS are experienced, and they are ready to take on any challenges that may ‘fall’ their way. 

 Senior McKenna Adams exclaimed, “I am really excited for this year, we are all hoping for a really good season, and we along with a lot of other people are expecting us to go really far!”