J bout the s ence for n his team h en a part o when we played against Raypec, who is our district rival We had many ups and downs but still came out with a winning record for the first time in years. The Ray-Pec game was a huge highlight this season. We came out on top, three against two The game had so much energy and passion from both teams Pirates also beat a top-ranked team in the 10th inning with a walk-off hit from Kole Murphy just summing up the season into one game. Freshman Cooper Shrum states his favorite parts about his first year on the Varsity Baseball team, “I was really looking forward to playing with the seniors and doing everything I could to help them have a successful last season.
My favorite part of the season was going to Arkansas for a tournament During this tournament, I started my first Varsity game as a pitcher. In my first inning, I struck out four batters. During the Raypec game, I was thinking I have to find a way to get our team going, by getting a hit, making a good play, or just cheering us on Nothing can top my all-time favorite memory this season was winning our first district game in four years!” Senior Josh Mittelstadt explains his team's greatest accomplishments during his last season, “We were all nervous for our big games this season but came out better than we could have imagined. We improved our regard by winning 15 games this season. Beating our rivals was a huge deal for the team and I am so glad I got to experience that my last year We were all so excited after the big game and I have never
Freshman Cooper Shrum brings the heat on the mound looking for strike three.
Sophomore Connor Gooding squares up waiting for is chance to get on base.
Senior Josh Mittelstadt gets in ready position to make the next play
spread by Kennedy Austin and Hannah Russell
Senior Connor Jones eyes on the ball to set up for the next batter.
The boys golf team had over 25 members this year, making it one of the largest golf teams in BHS history With this growth, came new players who were instant successes Senior Drew Bollinger played golf for the first time this year, even though it was his senior year.
Bollinger said, “I made a good amount of progress throughout the season, I’d say my handicap went from a 30 to a 15.”
He said that he decided to go out for the golf team because it’s peaceful. “I’ve never played another sport where I can just go out, relax and play My favorite part about matches and tournaments is being with all the guys, and obviously winning whatever I'm playing in.”
Though Bollinger doesn’t plan to play golf collegiately, he plans to continue to play for fun
Senior Jase Banks practices his full swing right before he attempts the third hole.
Senior Cooper Forsythe checks his surroundings while he perfects his putt.
Senior Drew Bollinger watches his perfect hit go into the hole.
The girls huddle together on the field to have their pre-game talk before they start the game with their Autism Awareness jerseys on to spread awareness
The girls had a rough start to their season but they ended it strong getting third in districts The team had a record of 8-11 with many injuries affecting their season, but they still played to the best of their abilities Some players from the soccer team talk about the team and their advice to upcoming players. Senior Rane Rynard says "There was a lot of emotions going into the season this year, personally and team-wise. I am so thankful that I got to play with some of my lifelong friends and an amazing set of coaches this final season My advice to younger players would be to persevere through adversity, but also to embrace every moment you have on the field because it doesn’t last forever " Senior Kennedy Holloway says, "Even though the season did not go the way the team wanted, especially for the seniors, we all gave it our best shot. For younger players, I encourage you to always give it your all and never give up, no matter how the game is going." Sophomore Halle Dolphin says, "This was a good season with a great group of girls, I was sad to see them leave because they became like my older sisters but the following seasons I will make more relationships with the team and continue to work hard My advice to new players would be to always be coachable and set yourself goals to accomplish throughout the season."
Grace Comstock takes a goal kick for the Belton Pirates
The girls celebrate after Kennedy Holloway scores a goal
Kennedy Holloway gets ready to kick the ball for kick-off
Halle Dolphin scans the field as she dribbles the ball
Encouragement and endless support are two key components in any successful athletic team. These essentials are what brought the 2023 boys tennis team together through the season. Energy and perseverance was shown through every match played by the boys, allowing for personal and team growth. Teamwork is a big objective in tennis, according to senior Caden Petzold (Varsity 2), "You have to be able to trust your partner to do the right thing but you also know that your partner is counting on you so you can’t make any mistakes " For others, the challenge was more physical, "My biggest challenge was playing people who are tall, this was a great challenge for me because tall players can come to the net and stand there and reach anything you hit, I overcame this by playing Caden and practicing with him over and over and learning how to hit around and over him." says senior Neil Patel (Varsity 4). Junior Omar Martinez (Varsity 3), shares what influenced him to join tennis and what he plans to do with it for the future. "I've been playing tennis for about three years and I started due to being encouraged to join it by friends. I hope to get a scholarship for college to play tennis but if not, I'll still play tennis for clubs and at tournaments " Optimism and leadership characterized and guided the boys as they looked forward to another season
Senior Neil Patel prepares to hit a forehand at his oppnonent
Seniors Sean Hennessey and Coleman Hardee play doubles at their home tournament
Senior Caden Petzold makes his serve at his opponent to start the game
Junior Carson Dent hits his backhand to win his last point against his opponent.
Freshman Emma Gillespie pole vaults at her track meet
Ashton Morgan, Emma Gillespie and Kelsie Giacone pose for a photo at their track meet
Junior Aiden Walton and softmore Talon Belshe run a relay together at their track meet.
Junior Morgan Bandy throws shot-put at her track meet
Track at Belton High School is a family out of the house and on the field. This season the track team completed many athletic goals they had for themselves. Freshman Bella Scherfenberg broke the school record for javelin Senior Ben Sharp broke the school record for pole vault These amazing record breaks show just how determined our track team is The Belton high school track team is full of grit and perseverance. This year has been amazing for the track team, and we can only hope that next year they will continue to reach the goals and shoot for the stars. With the rising stars coming out of the track team Belton knows they won't disappoint.
Juniors Piper Keltner and Morgan Bandy pose for a photo. Junior Ashton Morgan pole vaults at her track meet.
Junior Piper Keltner runs in her relay at her track meet
As the school year comes to an end, graduat mind. There’s excitement for what’s to com what is being left behind Some struggle to and accepting adult responsibilities, while o naturally Students have the option of gettin furthering their education, trade school whic about their designated career choice and spe area of expertise Taking a gap year and wo is also a good choice, some are ready to go immediately and go into an entry-level job. going into the military, which will give them training and could give them resources to fu they so choose Graduating Senior Audrey G emotions that arise when thinking of gradua crying this year, not because it’s bad I think realize how good it was and now it’s gone.” as a clean slate while others feel like they’re their life behind Also a graduating senior, A of her classmates and teacher in her Genera class, “I love that class. I love Mrs. Harrell Senior Corin Lozano speaks of who he has achievements in high school, “I owe my success to my teachers and staff that helped me realize my goals in life and the career path that I want to pursue as well as my parents for helping me along the high school journey.” Speaking at the commencement udent Council president, Caden Petzold and nt, Joseph Huerta The seniors graduation is leaf for them and we as a school wish them r endeavors.
Senior Bella Evans sings the National Anthem at graduation
Senior Caden Petzold welcomes guests at graduation.
Cum Laude status seniors line up on the stage to be recognized
Senior Joseph Huerta gives the 2023 class speech
The 2023 senior class peaks through the curtain anxious to take their seats.
