Winter sports are starting to wrap up as the spring season quickly approaches. The Hawks have had one of the greatest seasons in recent memory. Nearly every winter team had a winning season, earning records—some being the best the Hawks have performed in years.
The wrestling team put up a dominant record of 25-2 and is still taking to the mat this season. The 25-2 record is tied for the best record in River Dell wrestling history. Athletes on the team have reflected not only their pride for the season but also the closeness of the team and its ability. The wrestling team, however, is losing several seniors, but through the talent and hard work of the underclassmen they are hopeful of recreating this season’s success next year. Senior wrestler Riley Magat said, “Definitely the best season out of my four years here. Everyone did great and I am so proud of them and myself for a great season.”
Both the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams have put up winning records and stellar performances on the court. The boys’ team had a record of 16-11 and the girls’ team had a record of 18-7. Both held their own, delivering lots of close matches all season long. Both teams will lose seniors but have high hopes for next year after a great performance on the court. Junior Nick Clark reflected, “We had a pretty good season that had its ups and downs, but we finished strong and I’m proud of that.”
The boys’ and girls’ swim teams also showed out this past season. The boys’ team went a nearly perfect 10-1 but lost in the quarterfinal round of states. The regular season, though, was filled with lots of success as the team went 10-0. The girls’ team went 6-4 for the season, with one of the losses coming in the playoffs, but overall both teams had winning records and great performances. Senior Abby Rhi reflected, “The girls had yet another incredible season this year. We started with a strong winning sweep against Fair Lawn in our season opener and closed our season at Livingston. We also won our first match against Ridgewood in River Dell swim history. Lastly, the girls did an amazing job securing 3rd place on the podium at our League Championships Tournament.”
As for the bowling teams, the boys went 5-12 with many hard-fought matches against stiff competition. They hope to improve their record for next season. As for the girls’ team, they went 14-4, losing in the semifinal round of states. Their regular season was very successful with a whole host of 7-0 wins. Sophomore Jack Leahy mentioned, “The season was a great improvement from last year. We got further in the playoffs. On top of this there is a great group of guys that lift one another up.”
The indoor track team has been crushing it all season long as well, with multiple impressive performances from its athletes. Two of them are now school record holders as they put up incredible performances on the track. Off the track and on the field, the Hawks have been soaring in the high jump, long jump, and pole vault. The Hawks have also proved to have some arms, with seniors contributing to the shot put side of things. Senior captain Chris Baxter said, “We did very well as a team and had a lot of guys step up. It was a breakthrough season for many.”
The competition cheer team had a perfect 8-0 season, with many impressive wins and overall performances. It was a hard-fought and impressive showing. Senior Mackenzie Misskerg reflected, “Now we were division champs and had an undefeated season, which is something we have not done in over a decade. I think that this season the team was the closest we have ever been.”
Boys’ hockey had a decent season, with many of their games being hard fought against tough competition. Overall, they went 10-10-1 but still had a great season on the ice. However, like many of the other teams, they are losing a whole host of seniors. The team, however, is hoping to improve for next season. Senior Kenny Walsh reflected, “We were just above .500 with an appearance in the state tournament and the Gold Cup.”
Overall, the Hawks put up an impressive winter showing, and even if each varsity team is losing some seniors, they have high hopes as the future classes possess a great deal of talent. On top of this talent, the coaches take pride in one of River Dell’s best winter seasons in recent memory and possibly school history.
