Lacrosse Interview : Conner Finn

Written by Xavier Thompson

Edited by Kyle Gluuckstein

Lacrosse is arguably Warwick Valley High School’s best sport performance-wise, with players winning sections three years in a row and looking to make it four this 2023 season. I interviewed 4-year returning star player and senior captain, Connor Finn.

Q: Why do you play lacrosse?

A: “ I was encouraged to play as a little kid by my parents.It’s fun and I love the sport.”

Q: What are the practices like?

A: “They’re all different; some are easy and some are hard, but for the most part, they’re fun.”

Q: What’s your favorite part of practice?

A: “My favorite part of practice is just getting to spend time with my team.”

Q: How do you and the team prepare for games?

A: “We watch film and practice when the other teams play.”

Q: How has the team performed in games?

A: “We’ve had three scrimmages so far. We’ve won two and lost one. I think we’ve done well.”

Q: What are your expectations starting the season?

A: “To win every game and win the championship.”

Q: What type of coach is Coach Kelly?

A: “He’s a great guy and an outstanding coach who loves the sport and his players.”

Q: What players have the biggest impact on the team and why?

A: “Francess Keneally and Matt Sansone. Fran’s our defensive leader who’s going D1 and Matt’s our offensive leader.”

After talking to Connor I can conclude that he and the team are very confdent and are expecting a championship this season. I wish them the best of luck!

Written

This year Warwick Valley High School has a tremendous pool of talent with a current 10 Division 1 signees in the 2023 senior class. This is a profound accomplishment for the student athletes as well as a testament to the excellent development of the Warwick athletic community. Statistically speaking, only 2% of high school athletes nationwide are given the opportunity to play Division 1 athletics and it takes an immense amount of talent, hard work, and sometimes a little luck (Ncsasports. com). We asked a small group of Division 1 students some questions about their recruiting process, for advice they have for other student athletes, and their predictions for their future athletic career. Our first interviewee was Ryan McLaughlin, who will be attending Hofstra University and playing baseball in the fall. McLaughlin was a varsity standout in both baseball and football these past few years and was named #44 (captain of the football team). McLaughlin stated that he chose Hofstra because it was an excellent opportunity and because “the coaches are very welcoming and get straight to business.” Ryan had always wanted to play college baseball, although the recruiting process started off somewhat slow. “I struggled in the beginning because I didn’t put in the efforts to reach out.” McLaughlin recommended that student athletes and Division 1 hopefuls put their best foot forward by finding any means for coaches to see them and to play for programs that will help their recruiting. Ryan is currently looking forward to his upcoming senior season with varsity baseball where his goal is to win Warwick’s first ever Section 9 AA Title for baseball. Next, we asked Wagner Football commit Drew Borner some questions about his recruiting process. Drew recently signed to Wagner University as a kicker after talking to schools such as Stony Brook, Bryant, and St. John Fisher. Drew always knew that he wanted to play college sports, and although he started as a soccer player he eventually shifted to a football kicker because he was drawn to the game by the “pressures of being a kicker and the camaraderie of the team.” Borner stated that the recruiting process was long and suggested athletes begin early and reach out to as many schools as possible. He thanked his father and Athletic Director Greg Sirico for helping him with his college recruitment. Finally, we interviewed Skyler Blanton who signed to play Division 1 lacrosse at East Carolina University this past November. Skyler chose ECU over other schools including UConn, Stetson, and ASU because of the warmth, the exceptional coaching, and the player environment. Blanton admitted that the recruiting process was “very stressful” but recommended that athletes visit as many schools as they can. Skyler also cited her hard work and dedication as the source of her talent. On any given day she attends school, spends hours at practice, works out, and does homework. Blanton was exposed to lacrosse by her father and developed her passion at a young age after not liking other sports like softball. According to scholarshipstats.com, about 1 in every 13 high school athletes play college sports, with Division 1 athletics at the top of the college athletics pyramid. All student athletes have a different path to commitment, but each player we interviewed agreed that starting the process as early as possible is the most successful way to find a Division 1 athletic program with a good fit. We hope that this article will help potential college athletes find their fit and continue the Warwick tradition of academic and athletic excellence.

Have you heard of the newest varsity sport at Warwick Valley? Girls flag football is a recent activity that schools across the nation have adopted as of 2023. You may be wondering how Warwick is taking on this recent sport. Well, the NFL team, the Jets, are sponsoring many New York teams, including ours. This means that Warwick gets new jerseys, mouthguards, equipment, and all the flags a team could need, thanks to the Jets. Warwick even got the opportunity to practice at the Jets practice facility on Sunday, March 26th. The girls were able to scrimmage and practice other teams from the area to kick off the season. This season, Warwick will be playing the Orange County teams.

Spanish teacher, Mr. Barquero, and art teacher, Mr. Manno, are the teams’ head coaches. In addition, athletic director, Coach Sirico, and history teacher, Mr. O’Brien, are the team’s other main coaches. This sport and its coaches welcome all girls from freshman to seniors who wish to participate in the sport. The team practices twice a week and has games approximately twice a week from April to June. The practices take place at Park Avenue

Written by Jenna Mosier

Edited by Brenna Belasco

Elementary School from 5:30 pm to 7:10 pm on Mondays and Thursdays. These later practice hours accommodate girls who play other spring sports, such as varsity softball or varsity track.

I was able to ask a couple of the players about their favorite aspect of football now being offered for girls. Senior Abigail Tobin explains her love for the sport and says, “I love when the rush of nerves and excitement are at an all time high when you realize that it could all come down to whether you catch the ball or not in a game.”

Freshman Penelope Bieling explains, “I wanted to play flag football to try something new; it seemed really fun, and I love sports. My favorite part about playing this sport is learning the game, playing against teams in my area, and getting to go to practice with some of my closest friends.”

Senior Amanda Wentworth states, “I love that I get to play and compete with my friends, along with learning more about the sport.” The excitement that Warwick’s high school girls have for the sport is evident, and many girls are being brought together. Overall, flag football is clearly a welcoming environment where all girls have the opportunity to learn and have fun!

Edited by Jaralynn Cruz, Staff Writer