The Winter sports season is in full swing. Almost every sport has competed at least once so far, so before anything gets too far, here is a more in depth look at the Winter Warrior sports.  

Boys Basketball: 

Key returners: JP Schilling, Kyle Billings, and Tyree Kelly

Promising new members: Andre Klaver, Lucas Austin, and Carter Chance

Last year’s greatest accomplishment: Winning sevens games in total 

Biggest rival game: @ Geneseo 01/07

Quote: “I see the season going well. We have a young team this year but we all work hard so we’ll be fine,” said senior Tyree Kelly

Girls Basketball: 

Key returners: Baylee Adami 

Promising new members: Addie McCombs, Kierstyn Mays, Kathryn Rowzee, Aubri Menchaca, and the fresh-soph group they hope to improve

Last year’s greatest accomplishment: Their win against United Township where the end score was 74-33.

Biggest rival game: @ Dixon 12/27

Quote: “This season depends on our attitudes, teamwork, and the ability to be coachable,” said senior Baylee Adami.

Wrestling: 

Key returners: Dylan Ottens, Drew Kested, Thomas Tate, Noah Davis, and Alejandro Arellano

Promising new members: Zyon Westbrook, Landon Kenney, Austin Clemens, and Diego Leal

Last year’s greatest accomplishment: Beating Rock Falls last year 36-20

Biggest rival meets: @ Geneseo 12/09, @ Dixon 1/12, @ Rock Falls 12/22

Quote: “I think we will have a great season this year. We have some really talented wrestlers who put in a lot of hard work,” said senior Manuel Cano 

Boys Bowling: 

Key returners: Andrew Doughty and Ethan Melcher

Promising new members: Mikah Hernandez, Dylan Doss, and Conner Jagitsch

Last year’s greatest accomplishment: Placing second vs. Geneseo and Rock Island 

Biggest rival game: Geneseo

Quote: “The team’s focus this year is to build upon previous success and qualify for sectionals and hopefully advance even further than that,” said senior Jordan Razo.

Girls Bowling: 

Key returners: Hannah Conderman, Katelynn Garcia and Brendy Gatica

Promising new members: Emyli Doss, Loralei Michels and Shayla Kelly

Last year’s greatest accomplishment: Second place at conference 

Biggest rival game: @ Geneseo 12/27 

Quote: “I love everyone on the team and we are all there for each other even when we aren’t doing our best,” said junior Regan Guinn  

Boys Swimming: Kyle Ruiz

Key returners: Reiley Austin, Mason Adams, Michael Garland, Braeden Ruiz, Luke Clark, and Luke Valentino

Promising new members: Conner Porter

Last year’s greatest accomplishment: Winning a total of 6 times 

Biggest rival game: Moline 1/20

Quote: “Something I’m excited about is hopefully being on a state relay,” said senior Braden Ruiz

Cheerleading: Maggie Bailey 

Key returners: Karsyn Bailey, Emma Wilson, Holly Behrens, Bailey Warner, Taeya Wolf, Jesseka Boyer, Jaycee Roberts, Meg Morgan, Taylor Johnson, and Madisyn Zigler

Promising new members: Hailyn Garza and Addison Robbins

Quote: “My main focus this season is to make sure we leave our underclass men ready to take over our program next year,” said Senior Karsyn Bailey.

Poms: Jennifer Thueson 

Key returners: Sydnee Thueson, Alice Sotelo, and Marisa Salmon 

Promising new members: Six new freshman 

Quote: “This season I’m excited to grow relationships with my teammates and perform to our best ability at every competition and basketball game,” said senior Sydnee Thueson. 

Speech: Tori Duffin

Key returners: Jenica Francis, Samantha Feather, and Tori Arduini

Promising new members: Francisco Pease, Israel Grande, and Rileigh Wren  

Last year’s greatest accomplishment: Jenica Francis placing sixth overall at state

Biggest rival meet: Top of the State @ Rockford Jefferson High School 

Quote: “This year we are more prepared and ready to perform in front of a live audience again,” said senior Sophie Shaw

Make sure to attend some of these rival game events and look out for some key returners at any of these winter team games. As always, make sure you support the Sterling Golden Warriors. 

The team focus this year is to build upon previous success and qualify for sectionals and hopefully advance even further than that.