The leaves are turning, the weather is changing, and school has begun. Our tiger athletes have been dominating the fall sports season with a month of the 2021-2022 school year already under our belts. I was given the opportunity to interview the Morris senior captains of ongoing Fall sports, which includes Volleyball, Tennis, Girls Swimming, and Football.
The senior captains of the Volleyball team are Syd Dietz and Brie Dybdahl. When interviewed, both captains spoke of their recent victory over Minnewaska, their rival team, during homecoming week. The volleyball team has been putting a lot of work into strategizing and improving their gameplay and errors, as well as readying themselves for playoffs which will come later this season. According to Syd and Brie, the biggest supporters of the volleyball team are their parents and our very own MAHS Genius team. To quote Sydney Dietz, “The boys are at every single one of our games, and they have put in many hours of extra work to make sure we have a fun environment…” Some lasting advice from Brie, “To all the young athletes. Enjoy every year of your sport. It will go fast, and before you know it, you will be playing your last season of the sport you love.” The volleyball team will continue on their season, working hard as a team but playing as a family.
Morris seniors Lakia Manska and Abbigail Athey head up the MACAWCA tennis team, alongside West Central seniors Kassidy Girard and Kj Nibbe. I interviewed Lakia and Abbigail regarding the tennis season thus far and received rather positive results. Aside from some complications with rain, the tennis season has been extremely successful and is currently ranked second seed in the section. With conference and individual and team section matches arriving soon, the Varsity team has been working hard in preparation. On a more personal note, I inquired about the captain position entirely. Lakia stated her favorite part of being a tennis captain was “being able to plan team bonding. Our team is super close! It is nice to grow close and de-stress with the girls.” Abbigail responded that she is most thankful for her teammates. “They are all so amazing and we get along so well. There is never a dull moment with the girls.” With a bright future ahead, the tennis team will persist with a positive mindset and excitement for what lies ahead.
Taking a dive into our next fall sport, Girls Swimming, we have captains Shannon Dougherty, Molly LeTendre, Taryn Picht, Grace Mortenson, Callie Snell, Alexis Benson, and Marissa Kjorness. I was able to speak with Molly and Shannon, both seniors from Morris. Swimming has been going well so far, and many of the girls are enjoying the opportunity to participate this year, as a good number of them got quarantined due to Covid and missed out on a good chunk of their season. Both girls are very appreciative of their coaches. Molly spoke highly of her coaches, explaining how “they play a huge role in pushing us to do our best and challenging us in practice to make us better people.” Shannon agreed, adding “We have a lot of coaches on our team who help us to do our best, but in the end it’s up to us to work hard and get some PRs.” As for some lasting advice, Molly advises the younger girls to “Focus on your times, not what place you finished. Make the best of your events and your season. Appreciate your teammates and encourage them to be the best versions of themselves. Enjoy it while it lasts because all good things will eventually come to an end.” Best of luck with the rest of your season, Gators!
Last but certainly not least, we have the Football team. Senior captains for the 2021-2022 season includes Toby Gonnerman, Monte Fehr, Durgin Decker, and Ethan Lebrija. After interviewing our Morris captains Toby, Monte, and Durgin, I can see what a close-knit team of tigers we have. When asked about the current state of their season, these guys were optimistic about their progress and ready to take on whatever the opposing teams may throw their way. Coaches, parents, the student section, the community in general, and Kenny Perkins were declared the Tiger football team’s biggest supporters. Durgin stated his favorite part of being a captain was “Knowing you can be the person to step up and help lead others.” Toby explained, “My favorite part about being a captain would be the bond and friendships I get to make. As a captain, I get to help underclassmen get to know what Tiger Football is all about and the bonds I make with the underclassmen and upperclassmen as well are some that I will remember forever.” The captains also described the brotherhood formed within the many, many players on the team, and the significant role it plays to the success of their team. Monte’s advice to the team is simple: “Play hard and remember to have fun.” As their season continues, these young men will continue to work toward success through strategy and a positive attitude.
This autumn season is filled to the brim with exciting sports, and each team is made up of beautiful-minded individuals who strive to excel in all they do while showing their school pride. If you can, get out there and support your local tiger athletes! They appreciate every smiling face and ounce of support the community provides. Go Tigers!