As the fall sports season continues on, winter sports are preparing for seasons of their own. Ridgewood High School is home to 6 winter sports, bowling, basketball, wrestling, swimming, Hockey, and winter track. With promising finishes for most sports in last year’s winter season, athletes have been commenting about the promise of this year’s winter for Ridgewood Athletics.
The bowling team had a remarkable 2015 season, maintaining a 9-5 record and finishing third in the freedom division, and are looking forward to a prosperous 2016 season. Anthony Mayer-Aschhoff, a member of this years bowling team, spoke highly of this upcoming season, saying “I think we will do well, we finished strong last year and are gaining some new kids that will help the team move forward.” Coach Bennett will host an informational meeting in late October for anyone interested.
Both the boy’s and girl’s basketball teams performed strongly during their seasons last year, maintaining positive conference records of 6-4 and 7-3, and overall records of 13-14 and 16-10 respectively. Both teams look to improve on these records during their upcoming seasons. Anna Grasso, a member of the girl’s junior varsity basketball team is confident in her team’s performance for the approaching season, saying “I think the team will do really well this year because everyone is super competitive and determined to win. Junior Caesar Silvestro of the boy’s basketball team also spoke positively of the upcoming season, stating that “I believe that we will do well this year because we have coaches and players that are willing to put in their best effort.” Tryouts for both teams will be held in November.
The wrestling team continued a streak of successful seasons, winning its fourth district championship in a row. The team had an overall record of 17-7, with four conference wins. Although much of the starting wrestling lineup were graduating seniors, Junior wrestler Joe Dougherty remains sure of the team’s ability, saying, “The competition this year is going to be tough, but I think we are very capable of doing well.” The wrestling team will hold tryouts in late November.
Under the direction of Coach Schmidt, the swim team achieved remarkable success during its 2015 season. Succeeding in maintaining a positive, 5-3 record, the swim team returns with a strong varsity squad. Caroline Hadfield, a junior on Ridgewood’s swim team, shared her thoughts on the upcoming season, “It is going to be a great swim year. We have been working hard for past years and it will be no different this season.” The swim team will also hold tryouts around november for all of those wishing to join.
The hockey team had a dominating 2015 season, achieving a record of 16-8-1 and a third consecutive league title. Although the team graduated one of the best senior classes in recent history, hockey player Tim Anzano remains confident in its ability, saying “I think we will be successful this year because our team definitely has potential and if we work hard enough then for sure we can have another great hockey season.” Tryouts for the team will be held in mid-November. All are welcome.
Winter track had relative success in its 2015 season, sending multiple runners to state competition. A majority of the team will return for the upcoming 2016 season, suggesting that it will be a strong year for Ridgewood track. Ian Dartley, a Junior on the track team, discussed the upcoming season, saying ““We have a lot of returning guys and we’ve also got some newcomers, overall everyone’s showing great promise and I think we have a really good shot at grabbing some state titles.” Winter track will begin in late November.
The 2016 winter sports season holds great promise for Ridgewood High School, and we wish them the best of luck. Go Maroons!
Michael Goetze
Staff Writer
Image: Will Coben