Written by Katlyn Marotz, Staff Writer & Sports Editor
When December arrived, KUSD’s eight fall sports came to an emotional end for Indian Trail high school senior athletes, as they all had their final experiences on their courts, fields, pools, and tracks.
Cross Country
The boys and girls cross country team made a stunning performance at their state meet and during their overall season.
“I am very grateful that we got to have a season and that our girls and boys both qualified for state!” said senior Addie Monk. “It was a very special experience to have my last high school meet at state.”
Monk shared that she was nervous because of the COVID-19 restrictions and rules. And even though it was difficult, the organization made it an overall safe and inspiring experience which brought the team closer than ever because of relatability.
“I think we had a really great season!” said Senior Mary Pratt, about her cross country experience. “We had really good team chemistry as well, which made it a really fun and uplifting season.”
Golf
The girls golf team also worked hard through its season and created a supportive atmosphere for players. While the WIAA opted to continue the season, coaching was more limited because of safety requirements and some players opted to sit out the season because of safety concerns. Those who chose to participate expressed they were glad to even just have the opportunity to play.
Tennis
In the IT tennis world, the players had one of their most successful seasons and took second in the Southeast Conference. Senior Eliza Robertson shares a couple of pieces of her own advice with fellow underclassmen players.
“I would tell underclassmen to start practicing with your doubles partner early on,” she said. “Creating those connections and togetherness in your game comes through practicing together and getting better together. Also, lessons and being consistent in your practicing makes all the difference in tennis skills!”
Volleyball
The boys volleyball team made it all the way to sectionals to cap off a winning season, even through the difficulties it came with. Alvin Moreland, a boys senior volleyball player, said the changes required due to the pandemic allowed his own team to grow and have a successful season. He shared some meaningful advice.
“A tip to underclassmen is if it’s your first time playing that sport and you don’t do well in it, don’t give up on it. Train after the season for it, so you can become a better player for the team,” he said.
As for the girls volleyball team, they, as well, collaborated and worked together to produce a strong season, making it to the Southeast conference playoffs, by creating a supportive and accepting environment.
Boys Soccer
Senior Sean Robinson, who has been playing soccer for 13 years, had a few thoughts regarding his final high school soccer season.
“Personally, I was really glad to have a season at all. I had a good time with my teammates. I was very sad that it’s my last season here at IT, but I think it was a good season nonetheless,” Robinson sad.
Not having fans in the stands affected the team.
“This affected our morale during games, and for the seniors, it was sad that our friends and family couldn’t watch us play,” he said.
Football
The boys football team also felt the impact of playing for an empty stadium, but players too created a hard-working atmosphere and came together to finish the season off by winning against a longstanding rival, Tremper High School.
Girls Swim
The girls swim team was the last of the fall sports to finish off their season. And they did very well indeed at making it a successful one, becoming the No. 1 team in Kenosha with a state appearance.
Senior diver Maggie Losch discussed her own personal challenges and victories as well as the team’s.
“My final thoughts on my last high school dive season were amazing, I was so thankful that I was able to have my senior season and go out with a new Personal Record and finishing off the season with my parents there watching me dive in person.”
“The COVID restrictions really impacted the practices and what I mean by that is we were divided into two sessions so we weren’t able to practice as a ‘team’,” Losch explained. “Along with that, we weren’t able to do the normal team bonding activities that we would do in a normal season. This impacted how close we were this year, but everyone still was so welcoming.”
In the end, the score on the board doesn’t matter as much as how the team worked together and the bonds created. Each senior athlete started at a loss, but they each created an unbeatable experience in a difficult new world.
“Set goals for yourself and do not overthink. All you can do is your best. Practice every day as hard as you can, because only you are capable of reaching the goals you set for yourself.” Losch said.