Many student athletes are excited about the opportunity to play sports this spring. Over the past year, there have been struggles with the pandemic because sports, events and even school were not in person for some time. However, a change of season and change of sports is around the corner. Many teams have already started practicing, and everyone is anxious to begin the upcoming season. These sports include softball, baseball, lacrosse, boys tennis and track. Student athletes and coaches provided a preview of the upcoming spring season.
Softball Head softball coach Mark Rinehart has been coaching at Mooney for 30 years. This year, the team has a mix of all four grade levels and good leadership. Open facility started in January, and much improvement has been recognized since then. “We’re very excited about the upcoming season," Rinehart said. "Not being able to play last year was no fun, and I think everyone is anxious to go out there and play ball." Every year, the team hopes to play their best ball at tournament time. Previous accomplishments include winning 22 sectionals, seven districts and six Steel Valley championships. The team has a track record of winning championships, and that is what they are trying to achieve this year. Baseball Rob Raseta, one of Mooney’s baseball coaches, has been coaching for 20 years at Cardinal Mooney. He said, “I feel real good about the upcoming season. We have a solid core of seniors who will be willing to lead very talented underclass groups. We do not have a lot of depth, but we are a very talented team from top to bottom.” Raseta wishes to accomplish a lot this season, including winning the SVC, sweeping Ursuline and winning state. Lacrosse Seniors Ava Szalay and Liam Gatesman have been playing lacrosse since freshman year. Szalay plays defense, and Gatesman plays attack and goalie. “I think that we have a pretty good chance of being better than a lot of people think," Szalay said. After losing a lot of seniors last year, we have a smaller team, but we all get along very well and are determined to win.” |
It's spring again!It's time to play a brand new season As spring sports appear, it is the best time of year You are on the team for a reason Playing the game there is nothing to fear. Lacrosse, baseball, softball, boys tennis, and track Playing these sports are never boring This is your time to earn the plaque There are many activities to be exploring. Different positions and events Serving, running, jumping, throwing, and hitting It is your time to present There is no missing in the quest for winning. Many new people and friends to make There is no I in team This is your time to awake Come together and pick up your self-esteem. Time, effort, pain, courage and strength You sacrifice it all for the game Do not take advantage of the length This is how you earn the fame. Success, happiness, spirit and respect You gained it all from the game This will make a big effect This is something that you can claim. |
Both seniors feel confident about this upcoming season.
“We have many new players who are learning the ways of the game quickly, so I think we will have a successful season,” Gatesman said.
Boys Tennis
Boys and girls tennis coach Jennifer Policy is excited for the upcoming boys season. Policy started coaching during the 2017-2018 school year.
She said, “I am most excited for actually having a season since we were canceled last year.”
Senior Michael Pelini, student athlete, has been playing tennis since his freshman year. He feels really good about this season and thinks the team will accomplish a lot.
“We have experience with the upperclassmen and a lot of potential with some very talented underclassmen,” he said.
Pelini wants the team record to continue to improve, as it has since he was a freshman. Since it is Pelini’s last year playing, he would love to win sectionals; he has come very close in his recent years.
Track
Freshman Dayna Hughes has been running since she was in kindergarten. Her sisters, senior Anna Hughes and junior Jenna Hughes, have also been running with her since they were young. Dayna is the youngest sibling in high school and is excited to finally be able to run a track season again since her eighth grade season got canceled.
She said, “It's nice to be able to be with a team because I haven't been with one since cross country.”
Hughes likes running with her sisters because they all push each other for the better. Sisterhood helps Dayna push across the finish line.