Currently, the SJV athletics are transitioning from fall to winter sports, and our athletes are eager to prove themselves. The basketball, wrestling, swimming, ice hockey, bowling, cheer, dance, and gymnastics teams are preparing for their seasons that will begin in the coming weeks.

Girl’s Basketball:

Girls Basketball is hoping to defend their T.O.C, state, and shore conference titles this season. Senior Paige McCloskey says, “I’m looking forward to tryouts this year more than ever. This is going to be a great season and a great way to finish off my high school basketball career.” The team is striving to improve their 31-1 record from last year.

Boy’s Basketball:

The Boys’ Basketball team is under new leadership this season. Ryan Finch is taking over the team and will hopefully lead the boys through a successful season and to a title. The goal for the program this year is to be as successful as possible at all levels. Junior Paul Coburn says his goal is to “help his team win in any way possible.” Under new leadership, the team is hopeful in improving their 16-10 record from last year.

Wrestling:

The wrestling team is likely to dominate again this season. After placing 10th in the Shore Conference rankings, four of our five wrestlers advanced to the quarterfinals last year, and Luke Ecklof added a regional championship to the school’s records. This year, the team hopes that the wrestlers as individuals will make it further than they ever have.

Swimming:

SJV’s swim team is in its fourth season, and everyone is working extra hard this year in hopes of winning states. As individuals, each swimmer strives to secure a Shore Conference title. Senior Sophie Corbin states, “We're very close as a team, and we love helping each other out and improving each other's strokes and times.” The team exudes enthusiasm and sportsmanship qualities that are sure to benefit the team this season.

Bowling:

The bowling team finished with a 7-2 record last year and won division champs back to back in 2014 and 15, and finished 2nd last year in their division. In the last season, Stephanie Brogna and Justin Johnson had the highest first games in the Lakewood Scotch doubles. Brogna also went to states last year. This season, the team has new captains: seniors Justin Johnson and Christina McLaughlin. When asked what she loves most about bowling at SJV, McLaughlin states, “It is a huge mental game, and I like that you are in a team, as well as competing against yourself. It is also a great way to meet people and make friends.”

Cheer:

The cheer team moves from the sidelines onto the mat once winter comes. The girls compete most weekends starting in January, leading up to states in Dallas this February. They learn all new choreography and perfect their stunts all season. The team has a prestigious reputation to uphold. They are defending their National title in Dallas, as well as a state title. All of the girls are excited to protect their titles this year.

Gymnastics:

The gymnastics team had an amazing debut season last year, finishing second at the NJSIAA team championships. This year, the program will be taking a different approach. SJV gymnasts will compete as individuals representing the school, instead of as a team. Lancer Nation wishes best of luck to our gymnasts: Sidney Trestup and Grace Costello.

Hockey:

Last year, the Boys’ Ice Hockey team finished the season with a 5-12-2 record. The team’s goals this year, according to senior Ty Buckley,  are to “give it all they got” and ultimately be the best in the state. When asked what his personal goals are, Buckley states, “Play every shift like it’s my last, and give everything I have for my teammates.” With such determination, the team is hopeful that they will greatly improve their record.

Dance:

The dance team will be joined by the cheer team in bringing school spirit at home basketball games. The dance team continues to perform for the school and spread spirit all around. The dancers perform their routines during half times of home basketball games, as well as pep rallies. Sophomore Gianna Wedwaldt says, “I love dancing on the dance team here because I can be apart of the school community while doing something I love.”

Good luck to all of our winter sports teams!