6 minute read
Athletics
Athletics Transition from Winter to Spring
by Lance Quessenberry Athletic Director
As we transition from the winter to the spring sports season, I want to look back at our winter season and the blessing God provided. First, Coach Lee and the Girls Swim team had an outstanding year which produced their first event to be considered for the state meet. These ladies keep competing and get better each year. We can’t wait to see what they do next year. Next, our Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball teams were in similar situations with new coaches and learning new systems as they built a solid groundwork for the future. Both teams had up and down seasons, but the foundations for both were set in place. It is going to be fun to see their growth in years to come. The Varsity Wrestling team continued their growth, not only in numbers, but also competition level. They had great accomplishments as a team and individually, with the most notable one being Jeramiah Smith. Jeramiah finished 4th in the Class 1 State Tournament at the 160lb level. We look forward to the continued growth of this program and how God uses Coach Thomas and his athletes. Lastly, the Cheer and Dance teams both did outstanding jobs as they continue to improve each year. Coach Ray and the Cheer team seem to get better each week as they set the tone for the atmosphere of each game. Coach Pace did an outstanding job with the Dance Team in her first year and we look forward to their continued growth and improvement. Before we wrap up the winter sports, I want to say a special thank you to all the seniors for the winter sports. It has been a pleasure to watch you the past four years. You made an impact competitively, Lance Quessenberry but more importantly, you made an impact spiritually. You made huge positive contributions to each of your respective programs, and we are forever grateful. Spring sports started on March 21st, and the competitions for our Varsity Baseball, Boys Golf, Girls Soccer, and Track and Field teams promise to be exciting. Check out the athletics calendar on the school website and make plans to see our spring athletes complete. Thanks to all of you for your support!
Wilkins to Play Baseball for SCA Alum Nathan Bacon
Information in the Winter 2022 SOARING newsletter article, “Baseball Reaches Two Significant Milestones with Most Recent College Signing,” incorrectly stated that having three baseball athletes go on to play in college was an SCA record. In 2007, four baseball athletes signed to play in college: Nathan Bacon, Sam Carr, Ryan Porter, and Austin Shearer.
Athletics
Varsity Wrestling Returns to State Tournament
Junior Jeramiah Smith placed 4th at the state tournament in the 160lb weight class. Pictured (L-R): Coach Greg Thomas, Jeramiah Smith, Andrew Smith, and Coach Stephan Gordon. by Greg Thomas, Head Coach Junior Jeramiah Smith highlighted the wrestling season as he won the district championship for the 160lb weight class and then went on to place 4th in the Class 1 State Championships. Smith led the team in most categories throughout the season including a new school record of 181 takedowns to go along with his 42-8 record. Other key members of the team were juniors Memphis Hinton (132lb), Dalton McBroom (195lb), Grant Self (145lb), and freshman Gabe Harris (138lb). All young men had good seasons and will help SCA to become a top-level program very soon. The team needs a few more mentally, physically, and spiritually tough athletes to raise the bar!
Baseball Promises an Exciting Season
by John Gage, Head Coach Varsity Baseball is excited for the upcoming season and the chance to defend their conference, district, and sectional championships from last year. They return seven starters and have eight seniors returning for their final high school season. The seniors include two All-State players in Garrett Ferguson (Missouri State commit) and Morgan Wilkins (Dordt University commit) along with Eli Guffey, Nate Bartlett (Truman State commit), Mason Holt, Sean Garrison, Hudson Harris, and Josh Freed. Other returning starters are sophomores Fischer Ethridge and Xander Zumwalt with newcomer Isaac Truesdale rounding out the rest of the starting lineup. The Eagles return to Kauffman Stadium this season where they look forward to playing St. James Academy on April 25. The team is selling Royals vouchers to earn the privilege of playing at “The K.” Tickets are available in the View Level, Outfield Plaza, Field Plaza, and Field Box seating. They can be purchased at the front desk of the secondary, from a baseball player or coach, and online at the QR Code.
Varsity Baseball placed 1st in the Marshall Invitational on April 1-2.
Athletics
Boys’ Golf Looks Forward to Promising Season
by Gary Breshears, Head Coach The JV and Varsity Boys’ Golf teams started their seasons with their first competitions on March 21. Varsity started with a 9th place finish out of 22 teams at the Truman Invitational. Junior varsity also finished 9th at the Oak Park JV 2-Man Scramble on that same day. Both teams had strong individual performances at their respective events. Looking ahead through the season, the varsity team should have a good run toward a district title. They are led by two returning state qualifiers in Elijah Huckabee and Hayden Perry as well as two other varsity returners who missed state last year by only a few shots. The remaining players have made some nice improvement that will potentially lend some nice support for the team.
Varsity Dance Team Holds Mini Dance Camp
Girls in grades K-6 participated in a Mini Dance Camp led by the Varsity Dance Team.
Varsity Dance Team members gain leadership experience as they teach elementary girls a dance routine. Varsity Dance held their annual Mini Dance Camp fundraiser for girls in kindergarten through 6th grade this past February. Participants in the camp played fun games and learned a dance routine, which they performed during halftime at the Varsity Girls’ basketball game against Van Horn the following week. Girls in K-2nd performed together and 3rd-6th grade girls performed with the high school dance team. Then they all came together for a grand finale! The camp gives members of the dance team the opportunity for leadership and fellowship while interacting with younger students. “It was amazing to teach and perform with many of SCA’s young dancers! The whole dance team felt proud to watch them master the camp dance and perform it at the high school game with confidence,” said Junior Dance Team Member Lydia Conner. The Varsity Dance Team performs during fall and winter sports seasons. Tryouts for the 202223 school year will be held in April.
