With the winter athletic season beginning this week, the Southwestern Conference is excited to launch its Southwestern Conference Winter Preview. The preview will be a tradition for faithful Southwestern Conference followers and will signal the beginning of the much anticipated 2019-20 winter athletic seasons and the first step on the pathway to this year’s Southwestern Conference Champions.
Follow along this week as we preview each of the Winter sports as they begin their 2019-20 campaigns:
Monday Nov 18 – Bowling & Gymnastics
Tuesday Nov 19 – Swimming/Diving & Hockey
Wednesday Nov 20 – Wrestling
Thursday Nov 21 – Boys Basketball
Friday Nov 22 – Girls Basketball
Amherst
Does not field a gymnastics team for 2019-20 winter season.
Avon
Submission not received in time for posting.
Avon Lake
Head Coach: Kelly Spear
Years at school: 1
Last Year’s Conference Finish: 10th in SWC
Number of Returning Starters: 2
Athletes to Watch: Brooke Manyano (Jr), Madison West (Sr)
2019 Season Outlook: 2019 will be the inaugural year for the Shoregals gymnastics team. They have seven strong gymnasts that coach Spear believes will excel in the high school sport. All of her gymnasts are excellent scholars and have been working hard to represent their high school!
Berea-Midpark
Head Coach: Valerie Tuckosh
Years at school: 7
Last Year’s Conference Finish: 4th in SWC
Number of Returning Starters: 5
Athletes to Watch: Marissa Jones (Fr), Emma Roig (Fr), Brooklyn Varga (Fr)
2019 Season Outlook: The Titans roster consists of one senior, four sophomores and six freshmen. After watching her team for the first two weeks of practice, Coach Tuckosh is looking forward to a strong season by the Orange and Blue.
Lakewood
Head Coach: Tom Glunt
Years at school: 4
Last Year’s Conference Finish: 6th in SWC
Number of Returning Starters: 12
Athletes to Watch: Halle Breudigam (Sr), Ryanne Eisnaugle (Fr), Nikena Norris (Sr), Camille Seiler (So), Julia Szentkuralyi (Sr), Lydianna Trudel (Fr).
2019 Season Outlook: With several returning gymnasts, the Rangers look to work hard and maximize their athletic and academic abilities this season.
Midview
Does not field a gymnastics team for 2019-20 winter season.
North Olmsted
Head Coach: Teresa Principi
Years at school: 3
Last Year’s Conference Finish: 3rd in SWC
Number of Returning Starters: 5
Athletes to Watch: Kimmy Kasarcik (So), Alexis Kolonik (So), Juli Merdita (So), Lily Nolan (So), Shannon Winchester (Sr).
2019 Season Outlook: The Eagles return a solid core back from a 3rd place finish at the SWC championships last season.
North Ridgeville
Head Coach: Allison Fenik
Years at school: 2
Last Year’s Conference Finish: 9th in SWC
Number of Returning Starters: 1
Athletes to Watch: Hannah Braz (Jr)
2019 Season Outlook: The Rangers have one gymnast this year in junior Hannah Braz. Heading into her third high school season Braz’s confidence and leadership skills are that of an upperclassman. Utilizing her confidence, she will be one to watch, especially on floor exercise and balance beam.
Olmsted Falls
Head Coach: Allison Fenik
Years at school: 5
Last Year’s Conference Finish: 1st in SWC
Number of Returning Starters: 4
Athletes to Watch: Mara Deselich (Sr), Taylor Schuette (Sr), Collen Thiel (Sr)
2019 Season Outlook: The rise of the Bulldogs last year as the SWC Champions, as well as a qualifying team to the Northeast District meet is a direct reflection of their increased roster size these past two seasons. Having fourteen gymnasts that support one another throughout the season mixed with continued strong, positive leadership qualities from its seniors is the perfect combination for success. With strength of its returning state qualifier, Mara Deselich, and its two returning district qualifiers, Colleen Thiel, Taylor Schuette, the Bulldogs will definitely be a team to watch this season.
Westlake
Submission not received in time for posting.
