How to prepare for the season ahead
Sports are a big part of our community and school here at OM. With a solid fall season closing out, everybody can look forward to the winter sports that begin on November 14th. The winter sports include: boys basketball, girls basketball, indoor track, wrestling, allied bowling, and cheerleading. Trying out for a new sport can be intimidating, so let’s hear some advice to make this tryout your best one yet.
The boys basketball team’s head coach is our very own P.E./Health teacher, Coach Harmon. Last year, OM varsity played in the county championship, so the boys basketball team is looking to build on that momentum. Boys basketball tryouts will be held November 14th, 16th, and 17th. All athletes who wish to try out should bring both running and basketball shoes for all tryout days. It is suggested that athletes who want to try out should play as much basketball in their free time as possible. Coach Harmon is looking for athletes who can run a sub-6-minute mile, can make layups with either hand in traffic, and sprint the floor in transition. Defense and rebounding are the staple of the team’s program, and athletes should be able to do both at a high level. The best advice Coach Harmon can give to all athletes is to “Learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable.” Athletes are going to have to stay disciplined and be ready to train harder than they ever have, so anybody interested must be prepared. See Coach Harmon if you have any other basketball-related questions.
The new girls basketball head coach is Ryan Burchett, a former AAU basketball coach. Tryouts will be in November, and athletes should bring basketball shoes, running shoes, and athletic clothing. Veteran athlete sophomore Chloe Adams says that athletes should come with a strong mentality and be ready to work hard; also, make sure all registration forms are complete on the HCPSS Connect parent portal. This is good advice for all sports, since the completed registration is a requirement for participation in all athletics.
Due to Coach Brewington’s promotion, we are happy to announce the new indoor track and field coach, Trevin McHargh. This OM alum, state champion, and record holder will be coaching sprinters this winter. Coach Loyola and Coach Matthews will be returning to coach the track team this season as well. The track season will start November 15th at 3:00 pm on the track. Athletes should bring water, running shoes, and comfortable clothes. Former Head Coach Brewington, now our Athletic & Activities Manager, is looking for work ethic in everybody interested, and no part-timers. The best piece of advice he has for all athletes is: “Don’t quit; it’s hard, especially for track, but all sports. If you’re trying something new, give it some time.”
The wrestling team’s head coach is Coach Howell, and tryouts will be November 15th. Veteran wrestler junior Mikey Clark suggests athletes prepare by running in their downtime because of how physically demanding the sport is. Staying in shape and at a comfortable weight is key. Athletes should bring wrestling shoes or just wear socks if they don’t have any, and knee pads if needed. Also, bring running shoes for conditioning. Athletes should be prepared for the physical and mental struggles of one of the most demanding sports out there. If you have any further questions, be sure to see Coach Howell in person.
The allied bowling team’s head coach is Coach Speake. Allied bowling, like other allied sports, is geared towards students with special needs. Coach Speake is always looking for peers to come and support during games and practices. Anyone interested in helping should speak to him in person for more details. It’s a great way to be involved, stay active, and help support a fellow Scorpion’s athletic journey.
The varsity cheer team’s head coaches are Coach Moore and Coach Veltre, both English teachers at OM. Winter season tryouts will start on November 14th; further tryout information can be found on the cheer website (www.omcheer.weebly.com). All athletes should make sure their forms are completed and that they are registered for athletics. Athletes should wear athletic clothing and footwear, and should bring water. Athletes can prepare for cheer tryouts by checking the cheer website, as the tryout cheer and dance may be posted there ahead of time. They can also enroll in tumbling classes to strengthen their skills and stay active. Coach Veltre and Coach Moore are looking for athletes who are coachable, inclusive, and willing to work hard. The best advice Coach Veltre would give to athletes is: “You do not need to be perfect all the time, but if this sport is something you love, then you have to put in the effort to work hard and grow.”
Among all of these options, there is so much to look forward to this winter at OM. Athletics gives all members of our community a chance to join in the winter season to show the rest of the county what the Scorps can do!
