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A look at some students excelling in their winter sports
By Michael Waltz and Kellen Porter
Michael Bauman
Coming into the swim season, freshman Michael Bauman had no idea the amount of dedication he would have to put into the team. But he is still getting used to things and is preparing to do well in the beginning of the season.
Bauman has been swimming for eight years. Bauman first started swimming in DCAC because it was interesting “But most importantly to meet chicks”.
Bauman has added to the team chemistry by bringing hard work and determination to the pool, and a fun personality out of the pool.
“[The team] really make the practices fun,” Bauman said,
“Henry Gaetino pushes me to be better, and Josh Bergolt makes me, laugh.”
Putting aside the fun that comes at practice, Bauman has one big goal for the year: to make state cuts. As a freshman, that is difficult, but with the support from his team and advice from his coach, he just might be able to make it to Eastern Michigan (the location of the state meet) this year.
Kylee Niswonger
Kylee Niswonger is a freshman who plays on the Women’s varsity basketball team. She has been playing basketball since second grade.
“My older sisters played, so that’s what got me into it,” Niswonger said.
Although she is a grade under even some of the youngest girls on the team, she is having no problem fitting in.
“The team is already very close,” Niswonger said.
With the already great chemistry within the team, it should make it an easy transition for Kylee in her first year playing varsity. All the players on the team are great motivators, but when asked who pushes her the most Kylee said her teammates Sammi Corcoran and Kyleigh Valentine, because of how hard they push to become better. Kylee’s hard work, dedication, and team-first attitude will be a major asset to the basketball team’s success this year.
Jasper Howell
Sophomore Jasper Howell is a main asset to the wrestling team, bringing skill and determination to a dwindling varsity wrestling roster. Howell was taught the art of wrestling at the ripe age of five. Howell didn’t start wrestling because he liked it; he started wrestling because it runs in the family.
“Everyone one in my family wrestled, so I decided to,” he said.
There was little expectation for Howell, then a freshman, joining wrestling, but attrition and the graduation of four seniors who participated in the state meet last year changed those expectations. The wrestling team is also having problems with kids in all grades staying dedicated.
“The kids that are committed go [to practice] every day and are making the team better,” Howell said. “There are only 16 kids on the team, and we have to fill 14 weight classes which will be tough for such a small team.”
His goals for the year are to get at least 40 wins and make regional cuts. As a key piece to the team, Howell’s success on the mat will determine the wrestling teams overall success this season.
