Boys Sports Progressing Nicely
by Nishi Muddasani
Senior Staff Writer
The Bombers are well into the spring sports season, and the future is looking very bright for the tennis, water polo, golf, baseball, and track teams. They have grabbed several wins for Burroughs and are looking forward to many more.
The tennis team, coming off a second place finish in state last year, has stepped up their game this year. Defeating Whitfield (4-3) and Lutheran North (an astounding 6-1), the Bombers have proved that they are ready for anything. Although they were defeated by Westminster Christian Academy and MICDS, the Bombers put in a solid effort. Composed of guys from every high school grade, this team hopes to win it all at state this year.
In water polo, the Bombers have suffered a few losses, but even in these losses the players have shown a great development in their skills. Although the water polo team has been defeated by SLUH, MICDS, and Ladue, many of the players consistently show exceptional skills, such as Lior Melnick in the goal. Even after losing many seniors from last years' team, the new leaders brought the team to victory against Fort Zumwalt West (8-5). During this remarkable display of talent, senior John Reck had five goals, with Michael Naclerio, Keaton Wetzel, and Chris Lee each scoring one goal.
Our golfers have been practicing hard and their recent performances have definitely demonstrated their level of skill. The team finished second in a meet, losing to Lutheran South, and defeating Lutheran North. Jake Siwak was the Burroughs medalist after he shot a nine hole 39. Although the Bombers lost to Clayton, they performed well at the Webster Cup, with senior Nick Barry leading after he shot an 89. The golf team has welcomed a large group of freshmen in whom Coach Port sees a great golfing future.
The John Burroughs baseball team has had a roller-coaster of a season. Although the team suffered losses to MICDS, Priory, and Lutheran South, the team defeated Lutheran North (7-6) and last Monday, vindicated themselves by defeating Lutheran South. Seven of the varsity players are batting over .300, with junior Andrew Farr (.467), junior John Dicken (.438), and senior Jordan Stone (.421) leading the team in batting averages. Although the boys have been defeated recently, they look forward to the coming games and are keeping their eyes on the prize: state championship.
Finally, the track team is enjoying a great season so far. Earlier this month, Burroughs hosted the annual Skippy Keefer relays, and the boys finished fifth in their division. During the meet, junior Myles Moody won first place in the triple jump and the team of sophomore Max Witt, senior Jacob Witt, Moody, and freshman Grant Wallace finished second in the 4X100 meter relay. At the ABC Varsity Meet junior Kevin Abrams won third place in pole vault, junior Nick Evens won second place in 3200 meter run, and Moody again won first place in the triple jump.
The Bombers have already achieved many successes during this season and are expecting to win many more of the coming games.