Oxford’s spring athletes had sensational performances from the gym volleyball nets to the batter’s box. With impressive records coming from (insert sports best-kept records at the end), here is a full recap of OA spring sports and a preview into possible CIF playoff competition.
Track
The track team has dedicated this season to team chemistry and personal achievements, with many ideas for bonding and hosting practices regularly. Even with less senior participants, the team has still managed to become a close group.
“We are one of the bigger sports, and there are so many athletes,” said senior Helen Tran, the varsity throwing team captain. “We started off the season with a bonding practice where we just got to know each other, and I think it’s clear we’ve shown more of an effort to bond.”
At the 605 League Prelims meet, the team secured many notable varsity placements. Tran placed third in varsity discus prelims, senior Sam Ho achieved first place in discus and second place in shot put, senior Hien Nguyen brought home third place in the 200 meter and first place in long jump, and Sophomore Samantha Schramm placed third in shot put. With many PRs throughout the season on top of good placements, the team is satisfied with their season performance.
“In regards to specific events, I think we’ve been doing pretty well,” said Tran. “People might be sad over not reaching their PRs, but I’d say overall the effort is there and I’m proud of everyone.”
Baseball
Coming off of a league championship last season, the baseball team has been working hard to get back in the game and continue their impressive CIF streak. Currently holding a 6-1 league record, the boys stand second in the 605 league and hope to beat Cerritos for the number one spot. Pitcher and first baseman Carter Senglaub has high hopes for his senior year season and notes how the fiery energy from the rest of the team puts them in a great spot for this year’s championship.
“We’ve been way more together than we have in previous years, which is mostly thanks to the freshmen bringing a ton of energy to every game. We’re a lot more experienced as a team, I think we have a shot to make something happen this year and I’m excited to see where we go,” said Senglaub.
Boys Volleyball
Boys volleyball has been working hard all season long and strives to make their CIF run last as long as possible. Although the team this year has had to make some serious adjustments after losing dominant seniors last year, they made it a team goal to bounce back and play harder than before. Falling just short of their season goal to beat Cerritos, the boys continue to work hard for the rest of the CIF season and will start training for next year. Senior varsity setter, Darwin Ho, reflects on the positive environment OA volleyball has given him. Although this is his last season with the Patriots, he sees the potential in all of the current players and knows they will continue their work for future seasons.
“Although I won’t be here next year I have high amounts of hope and belief that this team will continue to improve,” Ho said. “The team this year has had its ups and downs but I would say there is always room for improvement. We have our moments when we have played our best and played our worst. In the end when it comes to our goals we put in our best effort and that is what counts.”
Across the board, track and field, boys’ baseball, and boys’ volleyball had opportunities to bond and improve as a team.
