By Bob Wason and Robbie Dotterer,
Staff Writers
We may have had a cold winter, but the winter sport teams at Jamesville-DeWitt High School were hot. There were seven varsity teams representing J-DHS this winter, and of those seven, three were sectional champions.
Both the Varsity Boys and Girls Indoor Track teams had successful seasons. The boys team won a sectional title, their third in a row, and came in second place in the league meet. “The team did really well this season. We had great support from the coaches,” said sophomore runner Jesse Johnson. Senior Zach Liebmann was the only boy to qualify for states, placing tenth in the pole vault. “I was so excited to make states for the second year in a row. It’s always fun to go up against the best from the entire state, and makes for great competition,” said Liebmann. The girls team also had a great season. They came in second in the sectional tournament. “I think that this year was a really good experience. The season was really good and fun. The team got really close,” said junior Patrece Martin, who was the only girl to qualify for states. “States was a great experience for me; I really hope to be back next year,” said Martin, who finished 19th in the triple jump.
Another successful team was the Varsity Boys Basketball team. They made it to the sectional finals before losing to Bishop Ludden. “The season went pretty well, we did better than our expectations. I’m just proud of all my teammates for making it to the sectional championship, even though we lost,” said senior David Antosh. History was also made this season as senior Jafar Kinsey scored his 1,000th career point. “It was so exciting to score my 1,000th career point, especially on senior night in front of all my family and friends,” said Kinsey.
The combined J-D/CBA Varsity Boys Swimming and Diving team also had a successful regular season, going 10-1, the only loss being Liverpool. The team went on to lose in the sectional finals, again falling to Liverpool. The team did send two J-DHS swimmers, junior Kevin Potocki and sophomore Casey Sawyer, to the state championship. The boys, along with two CBA swimmers, set a new record in the 400 freestyle relay event at the state qualifiers. “It was a great experience. I was so proud of the way the whole relay team performed, and I’ll never forget breaking the record,” said Potocki. Sawyer shared Potocki’s feeling, saying, “It was such a fun and interesting experience to go to the state championship. Hopefully next year I can qualify to go for an individual event.” The record, which was 3.14.80, was set at Hamilton College.
The wrestling team also found winning ways. The most successful wrestler was senior Ben Honis, who won the sectional championship. “The season was really was a great ride, and I’m looking forward to my future in the sport,” said Honis. Honis will be attending Cornell University for wrestling in the fall. “Ben was such a great influence to have around. He’s taught me so much, and I am a much better wrestler because of him,” said sophomore Lucas Rowe. “I’m going to miss Ben, but I can’t wait for wrestling next year. I am going to keep trying to get better,” said sophomore Tyler Mueller.
The J-D/CBA combined Varsity Boys Hockey team carved up the ice this winter, but not as long as they did last year. The team lost in the sectional semifinals to Auburn, 3-2. “We were really disappointed we lost, but I’m still really proud of my teammates and can’t wait for next year,” said junior captain Ryan Durkin. “The Auburn game was such a tough loss to swallow. After winning the state championship, I was so mad we lost so early. Next year our goal will be to get back to the state championship,” said junior Stuart Harley. Junior Braeden Doust shared the disappointment; “I’m still really mad we lost. I’m going to practice and try to get better for next year,” said Doust. “I’m already counting the days until next season. I’m not at all happy with the way this season ended,” said junior Lucas Relkin.
Congratulations to all of the J-DHS winter athletes in their respective sports!