A Glance at Winter Sports Past and Upcoming Seasons

Fall sports have officially concluded and winter sports have begun! Coaches and athletes alike are excited to get on the court, mat, and in the pool.  

Last year, the girls basketball team made school history by tying for first place in the Mt. Hood Conference, and taking second place in state. Although hard to top, Coach Hudson is looking for a run at the state title once again. As a fifth year coach at Barlow, Hudson has high expectations for this season with a rather experienced team. Fortunately, the team reflects the same mindset going into the 2022 season. Senior Annie Koenig shares, “Since we had such a great experience last year, I would love to make it to the state tournament again.” Although winning is important, Koenig is most looking forward to the environment of being with other girls on the team, and the overall culture of being a Bruin. Koenig wraps up by emphasizing the importance of supporting your high school teams, saying “Please come out and support girls basketball because we love having you all there!” The girls basketball season kicks off on December 2nd, versus Cleveland High School. Home games being December 6th, against Oregon City. 

With years of experience coaching boys basketball, Coach Johnson knows exactly what he expects out of his team this year. Looking for improvement each week, he wants his players to “…value practice time and look to get better.” With tryouts underway, there is much promising talent out on the court. “A good mix of players from last year along with new, young talent,” states Johnson. Last year, Jalen Atkins made first team all conference and Jahvari Martino earned honorable mention, both high recognition in the Mt. Hood Conference among other great basketball talents. Coach Johnson notes the Central Catholic, Gresham, and Nelson games as good competition he looks forward to. Additionally, the team is participating in the Les Schwab Invitational at the end of December. A tournament Johnson refers to as the best high competition from local Oregon schools, alongside national high schools.

High expectations are set by Coach Heiser for wrestlers this season, as he looks for “…improvement by all wrestlers in the classroom and on the mat.” Priding his program on having one of the top team GPAs in 6A wrestling, Coach Heiser emphasizes the importance of being a student first and how this can be difficult with a demanding schedule. Along with dual meets against conference schools, the team will compete in seven tournaments including the Harvey Meyer Tournament held at Barlow. “Wrestling is just an inclusive sport. No matter gender, size or body type there is a place for someone,” expresses Heiser. Wrestling’s inclusivity is one of the sports great highlights and makes the sport that much more enjoyable to those on the team.  Dylan Howell, junior and three year varsity wrestler, shares his excitement for the incoming wrestlers. “I am wanting to help these new guys and girls with wrestling, getting the basic technique down…it all starts with the basics…” states Howell. He hopes these basics— learned, and improved on, are enough to bring a district title to Barlow and give individuals a chance at placing, or winning, state.

Swim team begins their season December 2nd, at Clackamas for a dual meet. Dual meets at Barlow begin December 8th, and go through February. Coach Miller advises both the girls and boys teams, and is looking for improvement in her already strong swimmers. Last year the girls went undefeated in dual meets and took 2nd in the Mt. Hood Conference, the boys team was also very successful placing 3rd in dual meets and in the conference. Overall, Coach Miller said last year had some of the strongest swimmers she has coached, but this year she sets out for both teams to win the conference and have more state qualifiers.

All athletes and coaches are working extremely hard to perform their best this winter. Student attendance does not go unnoticed at games or meets, so go out and support your fellow Bruin athletes!