Heading
Down The
Stretch
Winter sports teams prep
For state playoff runs
By Luke Washe
Chieftain Staff
Hockey
The hockey team is making big headlines
this season. After beating CC twice, we are
currently ranked fi rst in the North Division
with a record of 15-5-1. The team’s roster of
17 skaters, three goalies, and 14 Seniors is
a unit built upon speed, skill, and strength.
By using these qualities, the team is ready to
compete and looking forward to making a
run in the State tournament. “We are coming
off some big wins over rivals like CC and
Trenton,” says Senior Captain D.J. Dixon.
“We look to carry that momentum into a
tough upcoming schedule and playoffs.”
Swimming
Usually one of the best athletic programs
Rice has to offer, the swimming team is hav-
ing a slow year. After a few major losses to
teams like CC, Groves and U of D, the boys
are hoping to bounce back. They generated
momentum by coming in fi rst at the Shack
Invite and a 108-75 win over Cabrini.
“We’ve got some great talent, but we’re a
small team” says one of the top swimmers,
Sophomore Connor Kulka. “If we keep
working hard, anything can happen.” Other
than Kulka, the team is led by Sophomore
Ryker Rush, Junior Elijah Venos and Senior
Spencer Geyman.
(Left to right) Senior Nick Marone, Senior D.J. Dixon, and Sophomore Michael Herb
Basketball
Basketball also is composed of a bunch
of players who are eager for a State title.
Currently 4-3 in the Catholic League (10-5
overall), including major wins over CC and
De La Salle, the entire Rice community has
high hopes for our boys as they wind down
the season. “Our goal is always to be the best
team in the state,” says second-year manager
Jack Judge. “If the boys keep working hard
and staying focused, we’re sure to bring it
home.” This year’s team is led by fourth-
year varsity player Jon Brantley, Junior Mik-
kos Stewart and Freshman Curtis Williams,
the team’s leading scorer so far.
Wrestling
Senior Charlie Nelson said before the
season that wrestling is the most under-
rated team at Rice this year. Well, he stands
corrected now, because the squad is hav-
ing a great year. Individual leaders so far
Current Band of Brothers Scoreboard
135.5
133
87
B ROTHE R R IC E H I G H S C H O O L C H I E F TA I N
83
75.5
P AGE 8
72
have been Seniors Ohannes Sarkisian and
Nelson, and Sophomore Matthew Kolesky.
“The wrestling team is making tremendous
progress and really coming together as one,”
says fi rst-year head coach Scott Kolesky.
“The plan is to work and strive together
every day to be a 5, earn our 2 percent, have
each other’s backs, and do what we do. “If
we do those things better than our competi-
tion, I really like our chances during the
State tournament run.” Pride. Commitment.
Warrior Wrestling.
Skiing
With a lack of quality skiing conditions, the
Rice ski team had a slow beginning. How-
ever, by coming in second in the Catholic
League, the boys proved themselves to be
top competitors. They qualifi ed for Region-
als and came in 8th place, to conclude the
season. “There were a lot of new members
on the team this year,” says Sophomore and
No. 1 skier Nick Moisides, “We focused
mainly on growing the team and develop-
ing the skills of those boys this year. We just
can’t wait till next year.” Next year’s team
is sure to be better, with leaders like current
Sophomores Moisides, Michael New and
Liam Bien taking over for departing Seniors
Brian Meso and Marko Farion.
F E B R U A R Y 2020