As we begin second semester, the CCES campus is bustling with activity. We are in the midst of basketball and wrestling season, and while these teams are finding success on the court, it is already time to look forward to spring oppurtunities. This year, we again have eight spring sports ready to rock and roll, now in 3A. In this article, we will be previewing all sports and getting interviews from various captains and athletes.
Boys Soccer
Boys soccer begins its first season in 3A after narrowly falling to rival St. Joes in last year’s state championship. Senior defender Payne Hornish is confident the team can go one step further, saying, “We making it all the way back this year and we ain’t gonna have the same result as last year.” Despite losing five key seniors, there’s lots of buzz around the team going into Coach Russell Shelley’s second season at the helm. Highlights on the Caveliers’ schedule include a tournament in Charleston in late February, a match against J.L. Mann on April 3, and rematches against St. Joes on April 7 and 16.
Girls Soccer
Doing one better than the boys soccer team, girls soccer has lost three consecutive state championships. Senior Amelia Spinks, however, is optimistic about the upcoming season, saying, “There has been a good show out in the offseason. Lots of potential.” This will be the first season for Coach Jacob Rawlings, having previously served as an assistant coach with the team. The Lady Cavs open their season against Wade Hampton on February 18, with the schedule including games against Mauldin on March 28 and Hammond on April 14.
Boys Lacrosse
Boys lacrosse returns to familiar territory this spring. Entering Coach Porchetta’s third season leading the team, expectations are beginning to rise for the upcoming season. After a dissapointing and surprising loss in the upperstate semifinals to AC Flora, the Cavaliers have rebuilt their staff and roster. New to the squad are Coach Riley, known to the community as a legendary substitute teacher, and Coach Cady, a former Hillcrest Ram (Yikes!). Senior and Hampden-Sydney commit Ryan Doherty put the mindset of the team perfectly when he said, “we’re coming out like dogs this year. Straight grit.” This team of heart will face challenges when they travel to Christ School, and when Lucy Beckham and Wando come to town.
Girls Lacrosse
Senior Foster Miller wasn’t lying when she said “I’m excited for this season. We are going to dominate with a solid lineup of defense and an elite attack line.” The Cavaliers lost four crucial seniors and starters last year but return with their top scorer and a few of their top defenders. On top of this, they managed to pick up a key transfer from Greenville, as they took one of the Raider’s top starters away. The Cavs also had their best season to date last year, as they were able to advance to the upper state championship.
Baseball
“We’re already looking better than last year. Time to hit some swamp donkeys,” says freshman Noah Wedel. The move to 3A will test the grit of the baseball team this year, as they will be facing multiple D1 committed pitchers. Depth might be a small issue, but with only two games a week they should be supplied with enough pitchers to get through the season. After losing Eli Kernaghan and Clayton Duke to Clemson and TCU, respectively, they will need those on JV last year to step up and fill those holes. At the end of last year, baseball lost to Southside Chrisitan in the Upper State championship. However, they are looking to redeem themselves this year and take home the state championship. With Coach Simpson entering his second year as head coach, and with many players having another year of experience, baseball is well prepared for the season ahead.
Track
Our track team is one of Christ Church’s most curious teams. Led by senior Eliza Roy, a top athlete in the school, these squads have high-end talent. Junior Jude Hall may or may not be competing this year, but if he does, he excels at hurdles. Beyond these two, groups of freshmen and sophomores seem to quickly be rising the ranks. We asked senior Anson Jorgenson about these candidates, and he said that “we are looking really promising, we have some newcomers who are prospects.” Additionally, junior Gabe Kinsey, aka “GKINS,” can reportedly throw a Javelin really far.
Tennis
“New coach, new year, new tennis team, state bound, lehdoit.” These are the wise words of Hutch Lyman, a senior leader on the tennis squad. Headlined by Lyman, senior Carson Bowers, and junior Krish Patel, the team enters its first season under the stewardship of Senior Chaplain and avid tennis player Wallace Adams-Riley. After finishing as runner-up last year, the team will look to bounce back. Only one thing stands in their way. Oceanside.
Boys Golf
The boys golf squad heads into the season looking to win their 12th consecutive state title. Senior Raushan Graywall is full of optimisim heading into the season, saying, “[It’s] gunna be insane, Christ Church boys on top.” Graywall doubled down, saying, “CC boys ‘boutta spin the block twice like there ain’t nowhere to park.” Despite losing six seniors, there is plenty of confidence that the team can extend their legendary run this spring.
