As winter sports tryouts wrap up and practices start, athletes prepare for the season ahead. Two seniors in particular, explain their thoughts and feelings about what they are expecting for the upcoming season. 

Emmanuel Nwakpuda set out to ask senior basketball player, Griffin Durst, a few questions.

How is your season going so far?

“It’s been pretty good. We got a lot of younger guys coming in who haven’t played for high school yet, so trying to get them learning and everything and get the system going.”

How was your first scrimmage?”

“We had a jamboree that was good. We played some really good teams. Some of the best teams in the state. We got to see some of the tough competition we are going to face this year.”

How was your record last year?

“I don’t know the exact record but we had a good year last year. We lost in substate to Derby in quadruple overtime so we are definitely looking for a redemption there.” 

What advice do you have for underclassmen playing a high school sport?

“I just say show up to all the workouts and practices because if you stack days on top of each other, it really does add up.”

Next, Nwakpuda interviewed varsity swim star Elijah Leenerts. 

How was your first swim meet?

“It was good. We ended up winning over Manhattan and got first place so it felt pretty good.”

How do you think your season is going to go?

“I think we have a really good team and our season will be really good this year and we’ll place really well.”

How was the team’s season last year?

“We ended up losing the Centennial League, but we won city, so that’s a positive, but going for that Centennial this year.”

How do you feel about this being your last season?

“It’s definitely sad. I’m excited for the rest of the season but definitely going to be sad when it’s over.”

What advice do you have to underclassmen playing a highschool sport?

“Just enjoy the time while you have it because it will be over before you know it.”