By: Caroline Smelko

As winter sports have come to an end, Eisenhower athletes are preparing for what comes next. This year, spring sports began on March 4, 2019. Eisenhower Middle/High School offers students the chance to take part in many different types of sports, and encourages all athletes to participate in these upcoming sports.

Baseball and softball are options for high school students to get outdoors and bond as a team. The Eisenhower baseball team made a run at a state title just four years ago and followed that strong season with another one, making it to the District 10 championships. With the graduation of many strong players, both of these teams have found themselves in building years, as the baseball team just hired new head coach, Coach Corse this season. Although the boys are experiencing a rough start to their season, they look forward to improving their team in the rest of the season. The softball team welcomes new head coach, Rich Pascuzzi, to the staff in hopes to develop their team even more. Throughout the past couple of seasons, the girls have been young and in a growing period, however, all their hard work is beginning to pay off as they just recently broke their losing streak in their game against Seneca.

Another activity for boys and girls in grades 9-12 is trap. The coaches of the trap team are Ron Trawick and Carl Black. A trap meet is different from your average school sport; it is a chance for kids to improve their shots by using a gun to shoot at clay pigeons launched into the air. The trap team is very strong this year as they have been dominating in all of their meets with outstanding team and individual scores.

Joining the track teams offers students a chance to stay active in multiple ways. Based on your physical abilities and strengths, you can be a runner, jumper, or thrower, but there is no doubt that someone can be all three! Athletes in grades 7-12, both boys and girls, can participate in track events. This year, coaching the track teams is returning head coach, Darlene Beach, assisted by Sharon Harris. In recent years, Eisenhower’s girls and boys track teams have made strong appearances in both the District 10 and States meets. The girls have won the title of Region 4 Champions for three of the past four years. Both the boys and girls teams have had strong appearances at their meets this season, winning against Otto Eldred, Dubois County Catholic, Smethport, and county rival, Youngsville.

With such recent success in this sport, The Squire sat down with senior, Delaney Nizzi, to get some insight on the upcoming season. When asked about her hopes for her senior season, Nizzi responded with, “I am hoping to make it to states again and break another school record while making memories.” Nizzi has been a strong asset to the team for the past three years and says that, “It is bittersweet being my last season; I love the sport, but it stresses me out.” Nizzi has no plans to continue her track career after graduating this spring, but has learned many things from her track career. She says, “track has taught me to work hard, how to lose, and how to make the best of every situation.” So far this season, Nizzi has made outstanding accomplishments, earning many first and second place ribbons.

Joining a high school sport is a great way to stay active and get outdoors. It offers you the chance to make memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. The students at Eisenhower/Middle High School are excited and looking forward to these upcoming seasons. We hope to see you at these upcoming spring sporting events to show your support for our Eisenhower athletes!