Cougs off to a great fall start
November 17, 2022
Field Hockey
Varsity Captains: Seniors Macy Budke and Caitlyn Weitzel
JV Captains: Sophomores Kayla Hausman, Jenna Krastel, and Junior Chloe McCarthy
The Field Hockey team is hoping to channel last year’s achievements and push toward even greater success. Macy Budke says, “We have been putting in a lot of work and have a great group of girls this year. I am excited to see where the season takes us.” An important part of their team’s success is their dynamic. Kayla Hausman says, “The field hockey program takes pride in not just having good team chemistry, but going as far as being a family.” Caitlyn Weitzel agrees, adding, “When we say we are a family we truly mean it. Not only on but also off the field.” Whether you are a newcomer or a returner, you immediately feel the love. The captains have two more things to say: First, they want to thank Coach Grant and Coach Cummings for all they have put into the program, and second, how much they have loved playing with all the athletes on the team over the years.
Men’s Cross Country
Captains: Seniors Antonio Hernandez and Alex Chacona
Right off the heels of an astonishing season filled with a regional championship win and the second-place title at States, the Cross Country team has been taking it ‘run’ day at a time. The team is pretty big this year filled with notable talent. Alex Chacona says, “Our teammates have been putting in the work and are growing to become better, faster runners.” Antonio Hernandez agrees, adding, “We have been grinding all summer long and I am so proud of all the hard work we have put in.” It’s certainly going to be an exciting season. One thing they want you to know is how physically and mentally demanding running is. Just come to a race and see it for yourself!
Women’s Cross Country
Captains: Seniors Emily Atha and Julianna Giglio-Tos
Last Fall, the Women’s Cross Country team won the Regional Championships but this year, they are “striding” to go even further! Emily Atha says, “Our Sport is every other sport’s punishment. We are a different breed.” Their mindset for this season involves two key factors: “You have to have fun and focus on improving only on your own time,” Julianna Giglio-Tos explains. As much as it is a solo sport, Cross Country requires a fierce team dynamic. The team is filled with love and compassion. They always cheer each other on and push one another harder. The captains agree that they are so excited to see what the team will accomplish this season!
Men’s Volleyball
Varsity Captains: Senior Jack Price and Juniors Liam McGann and Jackson Killough
JV Captains: Juniors Peter Morton and Jackson Rockhill
The Men’s Volleyball team has “some of the best energy at Fallston and always tries to make the games as fun as possible,” says Jack Price. With many new players, the team is working to improve every day. Jackson Rockhill says, “It is going to be a great season with fun moments and great plays!” Volleyball is very much a team sport, devoting much of their practice time to working on communication and building relationships. “Everything we do is built off of communication and teamwork,” says Peter Morton. “We are a very well-structured team.” Liam McGann agrees. The captains all agree that “everyone plays an important role, even without scoring.”
Women’s Volleyball
Varsity Captains: Seniors Sam Conrad and Renae Gent
JV Captains: Sophomores Kay Lindhorst and Kaitlyn Williams
After winning the Regional Championship last season, the Women’s Volleyball team is ready to do it again. Renae Gent explains, “We work so well together and know how to adapt to competition.” The bonds are stronger than ever, and the energy is through the roof. Kay Lindhorst says, “It’s a fun time with everyone.” The women’s volleyball team shows up and shows out, especially when it comes to team spirit in school. They persevere through all the competition and celebrate their achievements no matter the result. Sam Conrad says, “I am proud of our team and cannot wait to see how far we go this season!” Kaitlyn Willimas ties it together perfectly saying, “I’m happy I get to play with my [some of my favorite people] and I’m grateful for this season!”
Men’s Soccer
Varsity Captains: Seniors Jayden Dillard, Dylan Kreis, Ethan Salsa, and Christian Worthington
JV Captains: Sophomores Gaz Chieffo, Parker Frank, Gordon Lefkowitz
Returning from a second-place finish at states, the Men’s Soccer team is already off to a great start in the new season. Dylan Kreis says, “We’re at a 4-1 record right now and are looking to keep it up.” Gordon Lefkowitz agrees, stating, “We want to go back to the state championship and take the title and I believe we can do it this year.” Filled with an abundance of new and returning talent, the Men’s Soccer team is returning with a vengeance; and they are more ready than ever to battle it out.
Women’s Soccer
Varsity Captains: Seniors Ellie Ajello, Kathrine King and Hannah Richard
JV Captains: Sophomore Sarah Gnagey and Freshman Cassidy Harrington
After winning the State Championship title last fall, the Women’s Soccer team is back and “ready to do it again,” says Hannah Richard. But this time they have more to prove. Starting a new season meant losing the 15 amazing seniors from last year. Hannah explains saying, “We have a pretty young team with tons of talent, and each day we work better and better together.” And the talent stretches from varsity to JV. Sarah Gnagey says, “There’s no one person that stands out above the others; there is talent on our team all through the defense, midfield, and offense.” The team is certainly in for a thrilling season and Ellie Ajello agrees, exclaiming, “I am so excited for the new season and getting to play with all the new girls on the team!” The main goal is to play hard but they can’t do it without building their bonds and having fun. “I think we can win states again, but we are taking it game by game and just having lots of fun as a team,” the captains agree. All in all, the team is carrying themselves with joy and admiration. They are proud of each other’s hard work and excited to see where the season takes them.
Golf
Captains: Sophomore Cam Konkle and Junior Alex Langford
After winning districts last season, the golf team is up to the challenge of an even more tee-rific season! “I am looking forward to a successful season and I think we have a shot at making states as a team this year,” says Cameron Konkle. This year, they have a new coach, Mr. Capozzoli, and they are so happy to work with him. The best part of being on the golf team is the dynamic: they’re all great friends. Alex Langford says, “I am grateful for all the good friendships.”
Football
Varsity Captains: Seniors Aiden Dixon, Logan Myers, and Brady Slater
JV Captains: Alternate Every Week
Following a victorious 2021 season with a regional varsity win and division JV win, the Football team will “go long” and “kick toward” another fantastic season. As long as “we play hard and play smart” state titles will be within reach, says Logan Myers. Football may be an intense sport, but “the team is a family,” says QB Aiden Dixon. The captains want to thank their teammates and let them know that “Everything we do is for y’all! We love every one of you, Cougs ‘23!”
Cheerleading
Captains: Seniors Tessa Finamore and Olivia Rietschel
The 2021-22 cheerleading state champions are ready to leap into the new season as they work to perfect their ‘High V.’ The cheer team roots FHS’s other teams to victory, but that’s just one base in their pyramid as they put in the hours in preparation for their competitions. Tessa Finamore says, “We are currently working very hard on putting our next routine together.” I see another ring in their future!
