Though the weather is getting colder, KHS students are warming up for the start of their winter sports seasons, including swimming, indoor track, wrestling, bowling, and fencing.
Winter Track
Senior track member Jayden Hur says, “I am very excited to see what this season brings. I think it’s going to go well because this is a good opportunity to improve for the spring track season. There are a lot of younger athletes stepping up, such as Ilario Badalamenti and Henry Manton.”
Speaking of younger athletes stepping up, sophomore Gael Lugo also had some comments on his excitement for and worries about the team. Lugo told us that this year, he is most excited “to keep training and get better.” However, he has his hesitations, too, “It’s my first year, [and] it may be a little harder because everyone is getting sick, which makes it a little tougher.” All in all, athletes and students alike are expecting to see a great winter track season.
Fencing
Senior fencing member Matthew Waibel is eagerly awaiting the beginning of his season. In terms of what he is most looking forward to, Waibel said, “Counties, States, and Cetrulos.” For those not familiar with fencing, the Cetrulo is a large fencing tournament in which schools from all over New Jersey compete. Waibel also remarked on how he believes the team will perform this year, saying, “I think Juan Jaramillo, Jason Osterman, and I will do very well this season. I think Juan will look to have his standout season, and Jason and I look to continue where we left off.”
Swim
Former Junior Captain and now senior swim team member Noah Montalvo says, “I’m most excited for improving my times and having fun with my friends on the team.” Regarding how he believes the team is going to perform this year, he states, “I think the team will do well, and I hope we make it to sectionals and maybe states this year.”
Senior swimmer Vito Bubbico also says that he is excited for this season to start, stating, “I’m looking forward to bettering myself and reaching some of my goals this year, as well as to building a strong relationship with my team.”
Bubbico also says some rallying words about the performance of the boy’s swim team this season, saying, “We have all put in a lot of hard work, putting in hours in the pool and the gym during pre-season. We’re excited to get the season started and are out for blood this year.”
Whether it’s swimming, running, fencing, wrestling, or bowling, the athletes in Kinnelon are all amped and ready for this year’s winter season. And in tandem with that, the students of KHS are excited to watch their peers and see how their seasons go.