Winters in Warrenton, Va., can be harsh, and for students who participate in sports outside, it can be even more challenging. Students who run or exercise outside face the frigid weather after school. During the winter, the weather can be around 40 degrees, which is chilly for exercising. These dedicated athletes aren’t the only ones who show up in the cold; the swimming, boys’ and girls’ basketball, cheer, wrestling and track teams are all winter sports offered at Fauquier High School (FHS).
It takes a lot of effort from these athletes to maintain their grades and sharpen their athletic skills. This extraordinary effort is often overlooked because it is expected, and with the winter weather making it harder and colder, these athletes should receive some recognition.
Running or exercising in the cold may not be fun, but it can have positive effects for athletes according to some studies. Winter track star, junior Aspen Wilson, agrees with the results, saying “… we have the meets inside, but practicing outside definitely helps make you a stronger runner.” The winter track athletes have a simple schedule with practices on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and optional workouts on Tuesday and Friday. With practice running for around an hour and a half, athletes have time to focus on the student part of being a student athlete.
In the winter, it starts getting darker earlier outside, and with students who just got their license, this will affect their driving abilities.“[I think that I will have a harder time driving in the dark] because I’m a new driver,” said cheerleader and sophomore Aurdey Lewis. After several hours of practice, athletes get tired, and as it gets dark, driving becomes harder. Cheer girls always have a pep in their step while doing their routines at games and in practices. Cheerleaders have a two-hour practice almost every day unless it is game day. There are generally two to three game days a week. But the group has a good dynamic and enjoys each other’s company for these long days.
All the teams at FHS have an easy, welcoming, environment, which is what makes them so special. The swim team has a unique tradition in which swimmers go to one of their teammates’ houses for a pasta dinner the day before the meet. The team runs practices inside every day except Fridays, when meets are usually held. Sophomore Gianni Davis said his favorite part of being on the team is playing fun games after practice. “Honestly, it’s just the times that we would play water polo … and sharks and minnows just to get to know each other.” Davis’s goal this year is to cut his times down by a few seconds and keep working on his strokes. While this practice schedule is heavy, athletes have a lot of fun while sharpening their skills.
The schedules are long, and so are games, but it’s all worth it for the athletes. Junior Contessa “Tessa” Kurelich, who is on the girls’ basketball team, said, “I love the bonds I have with all my friends and getting to hang out with them in the locker room. Getting to support them and going along with them even if I can’t play.” The girls have practice every day unless there is a game. Practice runs for two hours and helps shape them into becoming better athletes. Kurelich’s goal this year is “having a winning season and getting our team chemistry up.” These goals help the team bond and improve. With strong team chemistry and a goal to have a winning season, the girls are set for success.
