Winter Sports Preview
By Jen Hodshon
While watching the Weather Channel, it may be hard to believe that winter is right around the corner, but along with winter comes the Catamount Winter Sports Season. The 2007 and 2008 sport season looks to be an encouraging one with the addition of new coaches, players and our very familiar veterans. I took the time to meet with the different sport coaches and talk to each of them about their upcoming seasons.
Men’s Basketball
While passing the main gym one afternoon, I could not help but notice the amazing dedication being given by a group of young men. I later learned that this was our very talented Men’s Basketball program hard at work during the off season. Coach Hepp is very excited for this upcoming season, and is hoping that Panther Creek can make a name for itself defensively, “( My goal as a coach this year is to) Develop a defensive identity.” The team is already looking like a fierce competitor, in a very strong conference, with many players returning. But you can also plan to see a new group of talent in the brand new freshman class. The team is also starting a “Little Hoopsters” project, which will be the team’s fundraiser for the year. This project will involve Saturday morning training for children between the grades of third to eighth. This year’s basketball program looks even more exciting than ever, and it is not too late to try-out. If you are interested in trying out, you can contact Coach Hepp, or get more information on the team website, HYPERLINK "http://www.panthercreekbasketball.com"www.panthercreekbasketball.com (you can also get more information on the “Little Hoopsters” program). The men’s first game is Wednesday November 15 at Panther Creek verse Carrboro, so please come show your support for the program!
Women’s Basketball
“With a year of experience under our belts and some talented freshman joining the program we should be a much stronger team this season!” As stated by assistant coach, Coach Milhollan, this season looks to be much more promising for the Lady Catamounts. After coming off of a rough first season, the Lady Catamounts are looking to make a name for themselves in the extremely competitive Tri-8 conference. This year’s team will be filled with the very familiar faces of last year’s squad, along with some very promising freshmen. The team is also welcoming along years of experience, with Coach Andrews and Coach Milhollan. Both coaches played in high School and College, and also participated in Track and Field. This year’s basketball season looks to be both promising and exciting for the Lady Catamounts. If you are interested on trying out this year, please contact Coach Andrews or Coach Milhollan, and attend try outs on Monday October 29th.
Wrestling
A brand new coach, brand new teammates, a brand new season and a brand new freshman class. This year the Men’s wrestling team will be faced with many new and exciting challenges, as they welcome a lot of change. New head coach, Coach Armfield, is looking forward to the new season, “Get ready to know what pain feels like.” Yes it maybe a little over-dramatic, but it also shows that this new season will be no walk in the park for our guys. Coach Armfield was enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and knows all about working hard. He also wrestled all through high school, “Always had a passion for the sport. Taught me a lot about discipline and hard work. I hope I can do the same for our wrestlers” The wrestling team is still looking for dedicated athletes. If you are interested please visit Coach Armfield during SMART lunch, in room 2606. LET’S GO BOYS!!
Men’s and Women’s Swimming
As the Winter Season begins, swimming happens to be a much forgotten sport. Though, it is one of the biggest sporting teams in Panther Creek, swimming is a sport normally lost in the pack because of its far away meets and practice spots. Not only will the team be welcoming new head and assistant coaches, but the team is close to doubling in size with the addition of the new freshman class. “My goals are to create a feeling of team unity for all swimmers at Panther Creek High School,” stated the excited, new head coach, Ms. Nosal. The new swimming season looks to be a big deal for the Catamounts. Many of last year’s regional qualifiers will be returning to the team, to help the Catamounts bring home the gold. Swimming is a walk-on team, and will begin on October 30. Please contact Coach Nosal or Coach Snow for more information.
Cheerleading
The men’s and women’s basketball games are filled with fans, families and fierce competition, but many of times it is forgotten that the Cheerleading teams are also there filling our ears with catchy cheers. The cheerleading program has many changes this year, with the edition of two new squads. There is now a new J.V. squad and a competition squad. All will be participating during the winter season, and the teams will consist of the same girls that spread school spirit during the fall season. Unfortunately for any new students, it is too late to join the squads and your next time to try out will be next summer. Please come out and show your school spirit, along with the squad, at pep rallies and sporting events.
Gymnastics
For many Catamounts, they found it hard to believe that we even had a Gymnastics squad last year. We did indeed have a squad, and a squad that showed a lot of potential for years to come. Unfortunately, P.C.N.N. was unable to speak to the head Gymnastics’ coach for the 07-08 season. It looks like this season there will a lot more participants, and a lot more to enjoy. We wish the squad the best of luck!
As you can see there are many new and exciting events to look forward to this sports season. Between basketball games, wrestling matches, swim meets and gymnastics competitions; there will be no time for a true Catamount fan to rest. P.C.N.N. is wishing the best of luck to all student athletes, and encourages others to support their school.
