One of the best things about Springtime is the thrilling sports that are commencing. These exciting sports include Girls’ and Boys’ soccer, baseball, softball, tennis, track and field, and competition cheer. These sports are highly competitive and are a staple at Sparkman High School. They are in full swing and the dedicated players are locked in on accomplishing the goals that they have been working for all off-season.
Starting with Track and Field, let’s see how senior Mikell Davis is feeling how his season is going. He is a very hard-working athlete who is willing to do whatever it takes to perform at his highest level.
“I’m exactly where I expected to be. I have made sure I have eaten the right things and trained the right way to be able to accomplish my goal of placing at the state track meet,” Davis said.
Next, baseball is the heart of “America”, and varsity baseball player William Peccia says the Sparkman baseball team shares these same views. They have changed up a lot of what they do, and instead of focusing on the IQ as much, they have switched to the physicals. Trying to make their bodies more athletic and stronger than the teams they face off against.
“Our work ethic has obviously been working so far. We already have six more home runs than we did all of last year, and our season has barely even started,” Peccia said.
Let’s switch over to a sport that, at most schools it may be overlooked, but at Sparkman, it’s what we’re known for. Competition Cheer is the heart and soul of Sparkman athletics. They had a very successful year, accomplishing exactly what they set out to accomplish. Varsity all-girls cheerleader Kam Brown thinks they even exceeded their own expectations.
“We were the first all-girl team at Sparkman since 1994 and we placed top 10 in the nation and afterward being able to have fun with your teammates and do all of the tricks that aren’t allowed in our routine is always my favorite part,” Brown said.
Softball is off to a hot start so far during the season with a 21-6 record. They are preparing to make a deep run in the playoffs. They have beaten all expectations and varsity softball player Megan Wilbanks believes that they can shock the state.
“I truly believe in our group of players and we know we are going to make a deep run in the playoffs with the chance of winning it all and bringing home a blue map,” Wilbanks said.
Another spring sport with a history of winning at Sparkman is girls’ soccer. Winning the state championship two years ago, the team looks to bring home another one this year. They have prepared the way that their prior state championship team has prepared. Varsity player Raegan Bellmon is confident in their work ethic and is eager to get back on the field, coming off a knee injury.
“It’s definitely hard trying to stay focused while coming off an injury because it’s my senior year, but I’ve kept a good mindset and I’m ready to help the team as soon as I come back. Regardless, we have worked extremely hard over the off-season and have conditioned every day to be in shape for our games,” Bellmon said.
Being a 7A and one of the biggest schools in the state, we have the privilege of having some sports that most schools aren’t able to have, such as tennis. Since tennis is not a very popular sport among high school athletics, Varsity tennis player Claire Wullf is competing in hopes of winning her personal county championship. She also believes her team has been off to a great start.
“Our season is off to a great start. We are currently 13-3, and halfway through the season,n we are preparing to compete in the County Championships and hopefully do good in sectionals.
Lastly, boys’ soccer has started on a rough start. They are coming off a couple of losses but are confident that they can bounce back. They are a tight-knit team and are dedicated to getting their problems fixed.Varsity Soccer player Samuel Vargas has high hopes for this year and has his eyes set on winning it all.
“I want to win the state championship. That’s what we set out to do, and I still believe that we can accomplish that if we work together. I love hanging out with my friends and building a closer relationship with them every day,” Vargas said.
They have been working extremely hard to prove themselves to their fans, coaches, and peers. We hope that all the hard work pays off and to we see great success in all of our springtime sports.
