written by David Chittenden|

Winter is fast approaching: it’s getting colder and the days are getting shorter. This may seem dreary, but look up, it’s time for winter sports. At Morgan, our competing winter sports teams are boys and girls basketball, wrestling, indoor track, and fencing. Our teams are getting ready for the long road ahead, but the future looks bright.

Mr. Grippo, the girls basketball head coach, says the team is quick and agressive, and he likes their ability to shoot. However, he says the team is inexperienced. With only 2 seniors and 1 junior, he believes his team will have to learn quickly to stand a chance this year. Mr. Grippo’s goal for the season is to “get to Mohegan Sun.”

For boys basketball, JV coach Mr. Zawadski is getting the team ready. He and Tyler Anglin agree that a strong point for the team is its returning starters. Coach Zawadski believes the team needs to spread out the scoring. Tyler says the team needs more depth on the bench but that they play good defense. Both Tyler and Mr. Zawadski agree on the goal to make it to states.

Mr. Underwood coaches indoor track, and he had a lot to say about the team. “Numbers: we have a lot of people with quality from all grades.” One weakness he sees is inexperience in several areas. On the other hand, he has put a new focus on student coaching. He wants the returning stars, such as state champion Will Teas, to coach the younger players and improve their techniques and abilities. For the state tournament, Coach Underwood would like to see the boys in the upper third of the state tournament. For the girls, he would like to see them match last year’s performance with a place of 2nd or 3rd in the state tournament.

The wrestling team is also looking good this season. Compared to last year, the team’s numbers have almost doubled from 13 up to 25 wrestlers this year. Coach Erik Leiss, state champion 1999, said the team is working on fundamentals right now, getting the new guys ready for the first match. He is proud to have two strong captains: Hunter Aiono and Brian Taylor. They are both state placers from last year and good leaders, especially by example. Coach Leiss would like to see Morgan wrestling place in the top 3 of class S at least, and he believes that this team can do it.

It’s time for us to get hyped for winter sports! It only costs $3 for students to get into the games and $5 for adults. Please come and support our athletes as they look forward to the season ahead. Click here for the winter sports schedule.