By Lydia Woodburn
McNicholas High School student athletes across several winter sports described their goals, experiences, and expectations for winter season.
Elizabeth Wolfer, a swimmer, said she had participated in the sport since she was young. “I’ve been swimming since I was four,” Wolfer said. She said her goal for the season was to improve her performance. “I want to get better at my backstroke,” she added.
Kennedi Blair, a cheerleader, said she had cheered for ten years and cheered during the fall season. Blair said she wants to improve her skills this year. “For this upcoming season, I would like to get a full up lib in a stunt,” Blair said. She said high school athletics differed from middle school because of more involvement. “Cheering in high school is different than middle school because of how much more hands-on and fun it is,” Blair said. She also said the support from coaches stood out. “The best part about McNicholas athletics is how encouraging the coaches are, no matter what,” she added.
Daryl Patton, a basketball player, said he had played basketball since fourth grade and participated in football during the fall. Patton said McNicholas athletics required discipline and effort. “McNick athletics has made me work harder and push myself to be better,” Patton said. He said high school sports demanded more commitment than middle school programs. “They differ by how hard they make you work, with more discipline,” he said.
Logan Knueven said he recently joined the bowling team. Knueven said bowling had previously been a hobby. He said his goal for the season was to improve consistency. “I hope to become better at bowling, and more consistency in my scores,” Knueven said. Knueven said he noticed a difference in skill level at the high school level. “People probably have their skills more honed,” he said.
Coaches said expectations and character development are just as important as skill for the sport. Brian Combs, head coach of Rocket Bowling, said players were expected to show respect, meet academic requirements, and communicate clearly. “I expect them to treat each other and their opponents with respect,” Combs said. He said encouragement plays a central role in his coaching philosophy. “Encouragement is much more effective than criticizing or punishing players,” Combs said. Combs said strong team members supported others and continued developing their skills beyond practice.
Thomas Moore, a wrestling coach, said athletics extended beyond competition. “It is our desire to develop not only great wrestlers, but great students and kids who demonstrate outstanding character in the Catholic faith,” Moore said.
The McNicholas Milestone 