As spring sports get into full swing, it is time to prepare for our Hoban champions. From the track to the field, Knights everywhere are eager to jump into the springtime activities. Before we look at our spring competitors, let us take a quick glimpse at our winter victors.
Freshman Brydon Feister made school history by winning the OHSAA Division II State Championship in the 190-pound weight class, Hoban’s first individual wrestling title since 1981. His older brother, Braydon Feister, was named state runner-up in the 215-pound weight class.
Both the boys and girls basketball teams won a District Championship but both lost in the Regional Final. Between the pins, sophomore star Roni Caputo qualified for the state tournament and finished in 74th place with a score of 461. Three records were broken by the swim team this winter. Junior Rylee Jackson set two school records, swimming a time of 1:02.55 in the 100-yard backstroke and a 2:14.41 in the 200-yard individual medley (IM). Additionally, junior Jack Sekerak broke the school record in the 200-yard IM with a time of 2:01.87. Lastly, the cheerleading team concluded their season as the Division III OHSAA State Runner-Up.
The varsity Hoban Baseball Team is off to a blazing 7-3 start. Led by senior standouts Justice Buckner (Florida Southern University commit), Andrew Karhoff (Ashland University commit), and Peyton Weigand (Mercyhurst University commit), the team has high expectations heading into the heart of the season.
Over at Barry gymnasium, the boys volleyball team is making superb strides. Although many varsity starters have graduated, newcomers like Eh Ya Say Paw and Bee Yami have stepped up to fill those roles. With seniors Bradley Klockner and Jackson Strobel serving as captains, Hoban has high hopes for this unstoppable team.
Meanwhile, boys tennis is gearing up for what promises to be a strong season, thanks to the development of many skilled players. Freshman Matthew Hite shares, “the season has already taught me what it means to be on a team and how supportive people can be whether we win or lose.”
Track and Field is heating up on Dowed Field. Senior Skylar Schmidt, one of the top hurdlers in Northeast Ohio, is chasing a 25-year-old school record in the 300-meter hurdles. “I’ve been blessed with so many incredible track coaches who have poured time and energy into helping me grow,” Schmidt said. “Breaking this record isn’t just for me, it’s for my hurdle coach, Coach Bob. He’s been my biggest inspiration and truly the best coach I’ve ever had.”
Schmidt is not the only Knight chasing history. Senior long jumper Daniel Bisesi is aiming to break a mark held by none other than Hoban legend and Olympic medalist Butch Reynolds. “Ever since the end of last season when I jumped almost 22 feet, a lot of people put the idea into my head about being able to break an Olympian’s record,” Bisesi said. “Since then, that has been my main drive, leaving a stellar mark on Hoban.”
Girls lacrosse brings some early accomplishments as sophomore Morgan Dobbins wins athlete of the week for the Akron Beacon Journal. Dobbins received 79.34% of the votes cast having 9 goals, two assists, two draw wins, and five draw controls. Along with senior captains Alex Korwin, Claire Londa, Sky Richmond, the girls are bound to have a promising season.
Boys lacrosse is off to a strong start and showing serious promise this season, starting off with a record of 8-1. Senior captain Lewis Brennan shared, “The boys are buzzing this year. People love to hate on Blax, but we’re ring chasing and we’re coming for it.”
The newest addition to the Hoban Spring Sports is girls flag football. Led by Senior quarterback Ava Norfolk and Senior center Cassidy Wren, this team is ready to take over the field. Head Coach Nick Wren and Assistant Coach Maddie Diestel ‘14, have high hopes for this new group of Girls. “We are very excited to play a part in the early stages of the girls high school flag. I know it’s grown tremendously in the last 2 years,” Diestel explains. “I look forward to seeing continued growth from here. This group is talented, coachable, versatile, & determined; I cannot wait to see how this program develops!! BLAZE. THE. TRAIL.”
So, Knights, as the sun comes out and spring takes hold, be sure to get out and support your classmates. Whether it is on the field, the court, or the track, let’s show up and show out for Hoban this season. Go Knights!