As the winter breeze sweeps through Wisconsin, athletes at Stoughton High School prepare for the upcoming winter sports season. The sports include basketball, hockey, wrestling, boys swim, and dance. Girls Hockey has become an increasingly popular sport at SHS and has brought in many interested girls.
Coach Rachel Behl shows excitement for this brand-new start. “Our practices are late at night, and we have eight different schools in our co-op. This year we have a lot of new people on our team. Overall the culture and team chemistry has been going well,” Behl said. “Everyone is working hard and hoping to take more conference wins this year. Last year we had two conference wins. We achieved that this past weekend and swept Viroqua. Now we are hoping to have success a few more times,” Behl said.
Going to another section in the ice rink is boys hockey. They also have a variety of games this year with senior Pete Heinecke as his last moments.
Another growing sport on the girls side is wrestling. Although the team is still young, first-year Coach Becker has a lot of enthusiasm for the growing team and the season ahead. “We’re excited to continue doing our part to help grow the fastest-growing sport in the country,” Becker said. “We have no seniors, but we hope to build off the success we experienced last year and have another great season.”
First-year wrestler Addison Murphy is a junior and already feels love for the sport and the team.
“The girls team is small but no less dedicated and has a ton of potential by learning and growing quickly,” Murphy said. “The dedication, community, and strength of the athletes is what defines a team and is truly inspiring to be a part of.”
Girls Wrestling prepares for competition alongside the boys wrestling team, a program that has successfully produced a number of state champions. Former wrestler and Coach Bob Empey has created a strong foundation for the season.
“We practice every day during the season, just like every sport. Obviously, we take holidays and Sundays off. [Our team culture] runs on trust. We even have a theme of “I BELIEVE. There’s a lot that goes into it,” Empey said. “This season we want to improve daily, become great teammates, and compete at the highest level we can.”
From the mats to the studio, the dance team has a lot on its hands as it officially starts preparation for competition season. Peyton Johnson is a senior dancer and marks this season as her last dance.
“Heading into competition season, we have a total of three routines: hiphop, pom, and kick. Our main theme is Top Gun, which is where you can see us rocking it out during competition and awards. During competition season we as a team have decided that Noodles and Company is the best place to go for dinner after we perform,” Johnson said. As the gym lights turn on and the squeak of sneakers fills the air, boys basketball starts the season.
Four-year basketball player Andy Perkins also hopes for this year to be his best overall.
“I’m really looking forward to making the most of my last year and enjoying the time with my teammates. It’s exciting knowing this is our final chance to compete together and leave a mark on the program,” Perkins said. “There are definitely some matchups on the schedule I’m excited for, especially Mt Horeb who have really become one of our rivals. Those games are always high energy and very close.”
Another sport that is in the air is girls basketball. The team plays at least two games a week with some competitions over weekends. Captains are four-year players Marley Burke and Ella Magg.
Amid the busy winter season, another group is making waves. The boys swim team has a long season ahead of them, with the state competition scheduled for early February.
“I am excited to compete for my last high school season, as well as work towards a good team culture where everyone pushes each other to be their best,” four-year swimmer Gavin Reiser said.
There is a lot of variety to enjoy this winter! Whether it is in the pool, courts, rink or mats go out there and show your support to our athletes.
