As the fall sports season is winding down, students are starting to cast their eyes forward: What is in store for the winter season? This is your one-stop-shop for most winter sports, what they are looking to accomplish, whether they’re practicing in the off season, and how many seniors are returning to the teams.

Girls Basketball
Coach Dillon, the girls basketball coach, has two goals for the team this season: to see the players grow and develop as the season progresses, and to win the conference championship. In his own words, he expresses confidence in his team, saying “I think we have the pieces in place to do that.” Hard work, dedication, and the ability to come ready to play at practices and games are how the team will accomplish these goals. Three seniors are currently returning, and tryouts are taking place Nov. 20 through Nov. 22.

Girls Swimming
Coach Montoya, the girls swimming coach, is going to strive to build a community within the team. Even though swimming may seem like an individual sport, it is important to foster a sense of community to support each other. Along these lines, team relays, in Montoya’s opinion, must have a “sense of unity to excel.” Coach Montoya wants to provide feedback tailored to each individual swimmer in order to enhance their performance as much as possible to achieve excellence this year. Five seniors are returning, and this year promises to be a successful one with high hopes!

Boys Indoor Track
The goals of the team this year, according to Coach Willer, are to “continue the Tradition of Excellence that Morris Hills Boys Track and Field has established over the years.” Morris Hills has had an excellent cross country and track program these past few years, and to continue this Coach Willer has stated that they will work hard everyday, especially on the little things. 8-10 Seniors will return to continue this tradition of excellence, and look forward to competing again this year.

Morris Hills Bowling Team
The bowling team has been long overlooked, but now things are looking up! Coached by Mrs. Niemo and captained by James Olson, they look to win the Morris County Tournament, finish in the top 3 teams this season in New Jersey, and improve last year’s bowling average scores by 20 pins. Returning bowlers will work to improve their skills, and James Olson will “personally work” with the team to “gradually…improve” throughout the season. They are currently conducting Captains Practices during the off season every Sunday at 1:00 p.m. hosted by Rockaway Lanes, and anticipate three seniors to return. Tryouts are Nov. 20, but the bowling team will like to invite any interested students to participate in their practices if they can.

Boys and Girls Fencing
The girls fencing team strives to compete for the conference, and promote leadership qualities in all of their fencers. Similarly, the boys, although a younger team with 7 returning seniors compared to the girls 10, are striving to compete for the conference as well. The girls seek to advance to the State Finals in the NJSIAA State tournament, while the boys will try to make the state playoffs. There are no tryouts, and practice will start Nov. 20. Any and all are welcome!

Winter Cheerleaders
For this winter season, the winter cheer team hopes to work on a stunning routine, made more so by having multiple groups to accomplish high level stunts. Returning cheerleaders will help incoming ones, and they will work hard in practice while assessing as the season continues.

Boys Basketball
Compared to previous seasons, the basketball team, as termed by Coach Maclay, is “inexperienced.” Despite this, however, the team hopes to advance to the County and State Tournaments. They continue to work hard to make up for their youthfulness, playing in the Centenary Fall League and currently working out at open gyms. Three seniors are returning: Aidan Johnson, Cyrus Maclay, and Chris Petit-Frere. The basketball team is currently looking for a freshman or sophomore statistician to do the book. Please reach out to Coach Maclay if interested.

Morris Hills/Knolls Ice Hockey
The ice hockey team, combined with Morris Hills and Morris Knolls, seeks to win their division, the Mennen Cup, and a State Championship. They will meet these goals by working as a team, on and off the ice. Currently, they are undergoing optional practices, with nine seniors returning to play once again this season. Tryouts are Nov. 20 and 21 for anyone interested in skating for the team.

Boys and Girls Wrestling
The boys and girl wrestling teams are back, and are looking forward to the season. The boys are looking to finish top 3 in the NJAC American division, win the North 2 Group 3 section, and win Group 3 state championship. Meanwhile, the girls are aiming high, looking to get 15 wins, win the NJAC tournament, and become the #1 team in NJ this season. Tryouts are Nov. 20 – Nov. 22 for the boys wrestling team. The girls wrestling team doesn’t have tryouts; any and all are welcome.

Conclusion
Looking back(or in this case, forward) on the winter sports season, every team is coming out ready to roll. Put in hard work, dedication, and the results will speak for themselves is the general consensus among the coaches. Morris Hills is ready for the winter season. Let’s go Knights!