By TYLER SIEGMANN
Jericho High School fall sports teams have recently finished a very successful season with many advancing to the playoffs.
The girls varsity soccer team had an outstanding season. They finished 2nd in their conference, and they also qualified for playoffs. Unfortunately, the girls lost in the first postseason game to Friends Academy 6-5. The team overall had a great season because of many key components. Junior athlete Lauren S. said, “Communication contributed most to the team’s great success.”
Another successful team was boys varsity soccer. They finished the season with a record of 9 wins, 5 losses and 4 ties. Senior Luke J. said, “The soccer season was slightly disappointing. We wanted to do better, but we did our best and that’s what matters.” Coach Whelan added, “We had a strong team. Although we didn’t meet all of our goals we made it far against some very tough teams.” Sadly, their season ended in the quarterfinals of the Nassau County championships. Senior Hunter T. said, “It was sad that we won only 2 playoff games, but we had a very big win on the road against a tough team.”
The boys varsity volleyball team made it to the playoffs this year. They defeated Floral Park in round 1 of the playoffs, defeated West Hempstead in round 2, and Great Neck North in the semifinals. Unfortunately, they lost in the county championships to Bellmore JFK High School.
Girls varsity volleyball excelled too, finishing in 4th place in their conference with a 10-6 record. They were very successful with many new players. Senior Sabrina B. said, “The season was good, everyone had a lot of fun, and we did well overall.”
The girls swimming team finished in 3rd place in the county championships. Sophomore Laura M. said, “The season went pretty well. Everyone tried their hardest and that is all that matters.” Sophomore Ashley L. added, “We did great, but the teamwork with the relays could have been better if we practiced more.”
Although there was no Jericho High School football team, players combined with Oyster Bay High School’s team creating a collaborative team that exceeded all expectations. The team finished with a record of 7-1. Sophomore Luca C. said, “It was a good experience playing with Oyster Bay, because I met a lot of new people.” Athletic Director Mr. Mankowich expressed his pride of the football team this year. “I was most impressed by our members of the varsity football team. When we had to make the decision to cut the program, it took a lot for those kids to stick with it and travel every day to Oyster Bay. They did such a great job immersing themselves in that program,” he said.
Another team with great success was the co-ed cross country team. The runners exceeded their personal goals. Freshman Corrine D. said, “I improved throughout the season, and I was able to see my personal records and times grow as I did.”
The girls tennis team also had an impressive season. The team ended undefeated with a record of 14-0 and were Conference 2 champions. They were able to do well despite a shortage of practices. Sophomore Hitomi H. said, “We should have gotten more practices in, but we did make the best of it.” They made it to the playoffs, but lost in the second round to the number one team in the conference, Port Washington. Next year they will be moving up to Conference 1.
It was the boys badminton team that was most impressive this fall with a record of 18-0 including the title of Nassau County Champions. They defeated Calhoun in the first round, Syosset in the semi-finals and Great Neck South in the county championship round. Senior team captain Jiaqi Z. said, “The season was wonderful. Since this is my last year, I really tried to play my fullest for the team and my coach.” The team this year had fresh new athletes who are very talented. Coach Burkowsky said, “Every season is unique. We are always improving because we are getting new people. What was most unique, though, was the undefeated record the team holds.”
Each of the teams had a great season. Hopefully Jericho can keep this momentum going as the winter sports season begins.
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