By Elle Logue,
Managing Editor.
Over the course of the summer, students not only vacationed, lounged at home and worked summer jobs; they were also practicing their sport. Starting games this fall, girls’ golf, girls’ tennis, cross country and football have been preparing for their seasons. Getting ahead of the game, winter girls’ and boys’ basketball have put in the time despite the gym being closed for renovations during a large part of summer break. Track and Field and baseball also practiced after the end of their spring seasons to make sure they keep their skills sharp. Though they’ve all done summer training, each team has its own purpose for practice.
Girls’ tennis has been practicing twice a week at the Santa Rosa High School courts, and their first home match is Aug. 29. When asked about the upcoming season and what it will bring, senior Itzel Rodriguez-Garcia said, “I believe that the moments we share as a team will be what I look forward to the most.” This is something that resonates with most athletes, to which new member of the girls’ golf team sophomore Faye Kovacevich could attest: “I look forward most to . . . getting better so I have the skills to be able to go out with friends and play.” The golf team goes to the course and, for new players like Kovacevich, practice their swing and handle different clubs.
Summer training is all about practicing your technique, but a big part of the fun is getting to spend time with your teammates. Cross country, coached by Carrie Joseph and three assistant coaches, has been active all summer with trail and pancake runs, and at the end of July the team went to cross country camp. This event is commonly stated to be the best part of the sport by many of its members due to spending time running with your team and being out in nature. The first cross country meet will be taking place on Aug. 30. Football also consistently worked and did conditioning on the field. Their first home game is scheduled for Sept. 13.
Even though the season starts in the winter, both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams have been practicing regularly throughout the summer. Girls’ basketball participated in Summer League at the Junior College and tournaments with many other schools under the coaching of Luis Patrick and Jim Gomes. Patrick commented that summer training “maintains fitness, improves skills and builds team chemistry.” Lots of players on the boys’ basketball team have played on travel teams, and they participated in open gyms at the high school where they would do inter-team scrimmaging. The basketball experience gained over the summer is very valuable, especially for athletes going from JV to varsity who get the chance to play against those with more skill.
Far ahead of the game, baseball and track and field members refined their skills. Track and field coaches opened up the track for long jumpers and pole vaulters who need access to equipment to practice their event. Sprinters and hurdlers also had opportunities to use the track. Baseball players spent time in the weight room and some were involved in summer baseball programs, a chance to play with their teammates outside of a school organized team.
The key to success in any sport is consistency, so whether the season starts in fall, winter or spring, athletes thrive on opportunities to practice year round. This summer has been very productive for many of the SRHS sport teams and hopefully there are many fun sporting events for athletes and spectators alike to look forward to this year. Good luck, Panther athletes!
