Unified Bocce Rolls Into the New Season with First Match Against Middletown
by Taylor Seabolt for Walkersville High School Lions Pride
Recently Walkersville High took home the state title for Unified Tennis with the strong leadership of Coach Will Scheetz. As our players roll into the winter season a new mentor steps up to the plate to guide the team, Coach Charles Hunter. Will the Unified Bocce team earn a state title for the sport this season? Take a look into the first game.
“I’m expecting every player to give their best; win or lose I want every player to walk off the court knowing they gave their all and demonstrate top notch sportsmanship,” said Hunter.
The day before the team’s first game was an important practice in which Hunter accessed the skills of each player and worked on areas of weakness. Setting up the courts takes little to no time given how well the team works in order to achieve the same goal. From 2:15pm to 3:30pm the team works hard to improve their skills and encourage their peers.
“I’m nervous but I liked to practice with my friends. Even I know we are going to kick some butt,” said junior Katie Summers.
“I feel good about our first game and I’m happy to see how everyone will do. I’m gonna have some fun,” said junior Garrett Tyeryar.
“I’m excited to play bocce ball,” said junior Jamie Roderick.
“My confidence is a lot higher since yesterday’s practice every single athlete showed improvement since the last practice,” said Hunter.
On game day the bocce players met in the commons after school, and players hustled to get the courts put together in an organized fashion. Walkersville got some practice time as the Middletown Knights began to fill in the tables. The team was moved into the senior cafeteria to give the competition practice time. Hunter took a few minutes to give the players a pep talk urging them to do their best and win.
When Walkersville poured onto the two courts, the team’s chances of winning looked mighty fine. Through the games and encouragement of the team Walkersville played a tough game. Not only do the players demonstrate good sportsmanship to each other but to the Middletown Knights as well.
In the end, the first bocce game ended in a tie between the two very strong schools. Players lined up to high five opposite teams and wish them luck on their next game. Hunter brought the players in for a short speech, expressing how happy he was everyone did their best.
“The game went extremely smoothly and we stayed on target the entire time. The best part about this game was having such a large group of talented and supportive players on both teams. Everyone cheered for one another and it was a lot of fun,” said senior bocce player Caylee Winpigler.
“It was a blast! Seeing everyone cheering each other was an awesome sight. Both our team and Middletown’s team gave their all, and we ended up with a tie, which apparently doesn’t happen often. We all had smiles through the whole thing,” said senior bocce player Enrique Figueroa.
“I feel the team did a really good job there were some really really good shots close to the pallino but I can tell they are getting a lot out of practice, I’ve seen a lot of improvement,” said Hunter.
A fantastic ending to a wonderful day, was the first game a step closer to the state title? We will have to wait for the rest of the season to unfold.
