This year, WJ athletics had many successful teams, but some still struggled.  Even though there were some teams that did not do well this year, there is certainly optimism for 2015-2016. Teams that played well this year will look to build off their success, and those that were mediocre will try to improve in the areas that they struggled. The Pitch Online previews the 2015-2016 athletic season:

WJ Football:

The football team finished with a disappointing record of 1-9 this year. However, they have players who were on JV this year who will be playing on varsity next year, and current varsity players are very confident that they will help turn their season around.

“We need to play with more confidence and get stronger not just individually but as a team,” said varsity team member, junior Christian Campbell.

He also said there were plenty players on JV last year that could help varsity next year.

“There are many good players that played on the JV last year that can help a lot next year. They range from lineman to skill positions,” said Campbell.

He said he is very confident that they can play better next year.

“If we continue to work hard and play as a team, we will have a better season than last year,” said Campbell.

WJ Girls’ Soccer:

WJ varsity girls’ soccer had a very good record this year, finishing 9-3, eventually losing to Whitman in the playoffs. Next year looks to be promising for girls soccer. They have a very talented team and their experience of winning a playoff game bodes well for them in the future. There will be a lot of players returning to varsity next year, as there were nine underclassmen on varsity this year.

WJ Varsity Boys’ Soccer:

WJ varsity boys’ soccer also had a good year finishing with a 9-3-2 record. They won two games in the playoffs before losing to Blair High School. Since they also have plenty of underclassmen on varsity, the future looks bright for boys’ varsity soccer.

WJ Boys’ Varsity Basketball:

WJ boys’ varsity basketball finished with a dismal 0-22 record this year. Even though their season was disappointing, there is still some optimism for next year. They will have some good players transferring from JV to varsity. They could very well improve and have a better record next year. Coach Brian Fairall very could change some things so that could improve next year.

WJ Girls’ Varsity Basketball:

WJ girls’ varsity basketball had a very strong record of 17-5 this year, and won two playoff games before losing to Whitman. Next year looks promising for them, as they have very talented players. The experience they had winning two playoff games will be very helpful for them in 2016. The future looks very bright for girls’ basketball.

WJ Varsity Baseball:

 WJ boys’ baseball finished with a record of 7-9.  Sophomore Jonah Renbaum, who will be on varsity next year, said he thinks that varsity would do well next year.

“We have a great coach, and the rising seniors are great leaders and baseball players.” said Renbaum.

As to what varsity could improve on, Renbaum said they could improve defensively, but added that they are a good hitting team. Renbaum said that he definitely thinks they could improve next year. If varsity improves defensively, they could have a very good year next year.

 WJ Varsity Track & Field:
Track and Field had a good year this year. They have a couple outstanding runners returning to varsity next year. Junior Campbell finished second in the 300m hurdles and third in the Distance Medley at the Woodyard Relays in April 2015. Sophomore Courtney Christian finished third in the 300m relay at the Cougar Relays in March 2015. They look to have an even better record next year.