As the fall season ends, many sports are coming to a close. However, as sports like tennis and soccer wrap up, others such as basketball, indoor track, swimming and wrestling are now taking the stage for the winter.
While some student-athletes choose to use the winter to train and build stamina for the upcoming spring season, many continue participating in their sport or join additional ones offered during the winter.
Some of the sports available during this winter season include boys and girls basketball at the varsity, JV, and freshman levels, as well as boys and girls wrestling at the varsity and JV levels. Additionally, indoor track, swimming and diving, cheerleading and Unified bocce are also in session.
“The reason why I love winter sports is because I can train for the upcoming spring season,” freshman Zara Woodman, a member of the State High rowing team, said. “It’s also a great way to interact with the team and grow together as we prepare for more games.”
Woodman also mentioned her passion for rowing and her enjoyment of being on the State High team.
“I really love rowing, because it’s like, a really fun way to get your cardio. It’s a great full body sport…The places that we row here are absolutely beautiful. I love practicing at the lake. It’s just like, the water is just amazing,” Woodman said.
The rowing team is currently undergoing winter conditioning for the upcoming spring season. Woodman, along with others on the team, has been training in the fitness center as the weather grows colder.
“Students are becoming more active and are utilizing the space they have here at school more out of season,” the head of the State High fitness center, Diane Swauger, said. “Ultimately, because of the weather, [due] to the fewer winter sports seasons and the popularity of spring sports, we do get very busy from January to March.”
Staying active throughout the winter, whether by participating in a sport or training at the fitness center, is extremely important.
“Doing something is better than nothing,” Swauger said. “And that’s all that matters. And that can be one of the bigger sticking points that people assume where they have to be ‘this strong’ or ‘have to be able to do this.’ It’s just showing up consistently and [as staff], we can try to provide opportunities to help students work through those winter months.”
However, not all winter athletes play for State High teams. Freshman Ali Foster plays ice hockey for both the Johnstown Warriors and the State College Icers.
“I like the snow and cold, it’s really fun as an ice hockey player,” Foster said. “I like team sports and I’ve learned a lot and have had many positive experiences.”
Foster also shared an additional message to inspire future athletes.
“Pursue your dreams and keep trying. You don’t have to be good at your sport, at least you’re doing it,” Foster said.
As the days get colder and shorter, more winter sports and offseason training will continue to grow in the coming months. Many State High student-athletes are determined to maintain their skills and push themselves throughout the winter in preparation for the seasons ahead.
