Summer vacation may be over, but fall sports are in full swing. The teams have been decided and practices are underway. Coaches and players are beginning to anticipate the great and successful season ahead.

Football:

The football team has been preparing almost nine months for the fall season. The team has been training in the weight room and conditioning at practices.

“They are long overdue to play somebody. They built up a lot of time in the weight room and they have got to be anxious by now,” said Coach Markway.

The boys have been practicing for so long to improve their skills and will hopefully have the opportunity to compete for a district championship by the end of the season. Captains Mike DeCiechi, Konner Fitzgerald, Patrick Kissell and Jake Jones are sure to push their team and lead them through a great season. But for now, the football boys are just going to concentrate on taking it week by week and focusing on their upcoming games.

Dance Team:

The ladies of the dance team are eager for the new season to begin. The St. Dominic Crusaderettes are working on improving technically, choreographing show-stopping routines and growing closer as a team. Captains Lindsey Peters and Sarah Hacker are going to help their team achieve these goals by pushing everyone hard at practices and organizing team bonding events throughout the season.

“We will have team dinners and game preps before games,” said Peters.

As the dance team continues to work hard and get to know each other, we will look forward to watching their next half-time performance.

Softball:

The softball team has been preparing and working hard for another awesome season. Last year the ladies went undefeated in conference and they expect to do the same again. An infield comprised of seniors Chaney Pollard, Jenna Wilmes, Megan Schellert and junior Katy Kruse will be looked upon to anchor an outstanding defense. There are also a few new players this year who are going to make great additions to the team.

“The players that are new to our team this year have good talent and a good work ethic and the whole team is really working hard,” said Coach Duncan.

This week, the varsity girls play in the Holt Tournament, so come out and show your support for the team!

Tennis:

The tennis team is ready to go this season and are going to give it their all. The players push themselves at their daily practices and are focusing on getting to know their new teammates and new coach, Kevan Morshed.

“I think our returning players, new players and new coach will all have a role to play in learning from each other and making our team stronger,” said junior Morgan Murphy.

Additionally, the tennis team has to be extremely excited for their brand new home courts! They are looking forward to being more visible in the St. Dominic community and having a bigger fan base. So if you are looking for something to do, watching the ladies’ tennis match will definitely not disappoint!

Soccer:

The boys’ soccer team is ready for the start of the season, and they anticipate a successful year. Coach Koeller feels encouraged by the experience of the many returning players and looks forward to the challenges of the playing season.

“I think that we are just going to take it game by game and grow. It’s a process and I think that we are going to evolve into quite a good team by the end of October,” said Coach Koeller.

Seniors Will Faherty, Jack Stoll, Connor Flynn and Charlie Weston bring great leadership to the field, and they will inspire other players to work hard and bring victory to the team. The boys play their first game vs. FZS on the 26th and that is definitely something that you do not want to miss!

Cross Country:

The cross country team is ready to run into the new season! Every day they have a new practice schedule to help them prepare for their upcoming meets. The team consists of many dedicated and hard-working athletes.

“Watching the team run with so much energy and determination during every practice leads me to believe that the cross country team will go far this season,” said junior Ashley Cook.

Based on the rigorous practice schedule and the great work ethic of the runners, this upcoming season is sure to bring victory for the team.

Volleyball:

The girls’ volleyball team is practicing every day in preparation for their first game. The main focus of the season is to build team chemistry and work well with each other. The team lost four seniors this year, so players will have many new teammates to get to know this season. That being said, bonding should be easy for the girls because they are so supportive of each other.

“The best thing about the volleyball team is all the great people. Everyone has each other’s back no matter what,” said junior Alaina Rothermich.

The first game of the season for the varsity team is Friday, August 28. The ladies will be playing Duchesne, so it is sure to be an awesome game.

Cheerleading:

The cheer squad is looking forward to the Friday nights under the lights. The girls have been practicing new stunts and sequences that they will be ready to show off during halftime at upcoming football games. To get to know one another, the girls have had team bonding days where they learned about each other and did fun exercises.

“There are a lot of new girls on varsity this year, and I am excited to see how all us will work together,” said senior Tori Foushee.

More practices and team bonding days will ensure that the girls will be more comfortable with each other and will help to build the team spirit that is needed for the games.

Golf:

This year the ladies’ golf team is the largest it has ever been with 13 players. The girls are working hard and pushing each other to improve. The team is hoping to advance and build on last year’s district championship and have made it their personal goal to do even better this year. Senior Maddi Vandervort and juniors Kate O’Toole, Ellie Henry, Caleigh McVey and Liz Hawkins will be looked upon to step up and lead the team through a strong season. In addition to playing well, the girls will also be focusing on having fun and encouraging each other as a team.

“We have so many good golfers that everybody is pushing one another. It’s very, very competitive to see who is going to get to compete at every match,” said Coach Mennemeir.

The girls’ first appearance on the green is today against FHC, so we wish the ladies the best of luck and hope they bring home a win.

By the looks of the awesome teams this year, it is sure to be a triumphant season for everyone. Good luck to all the athletes competing in any games, matches, or meets! Make sure to show your support for our Crusaders by attending!