Saxon Scope reporters Haley Curtis and Gaby Wantula talked with the captains of some of Langley’s spring sports teams about their pregame rituals, memories, duties, and their hopes for the rest of their season.
Ashley Penetta, Kaitryn Evans, and Emily Templin
Does the softball team have any pregame rituals?
Team dinners are definitely a ritual; like the Last Supper, softball style. With our coaches unified as one higher power, and the 13 followers (we added one disciple) surrounding one grand table composed of 13 desks, it’s not something to be messed with. We hang out in Coach Roche’s room before dinner, where hangman gets intense and naps are always welcome.
What are some of your best memories?
At one practice it was freezing cold and raining, we were the only team even practicing. Everyone was too miserable to speak, so Ashley obnoxiously yelled anything encouraging she could think of. Eventually everyone started joining in and it turned the worst practice into one of the best. And we can’t forget the hyped and crazy fun rides home on the bus.
What are some of the duties of being a softball captain?
We feel that a captain’s role is to encourage and inspire. It’s not about being the most valuable player every game, but about being the most valuable teammate. The team needs a person who sets a good example and is respected by her peers through hard work and attitude.
What are you hopes for the team this season?
We hope to win everything, and show the Liberty District just what Langley is all about!
Tyler Seckar, Ashley Doll, Thomas Marzel, and Liam Fitzmorris
Does the crew team have any pregame rituals?
The night before each regatta (rowing race), we usually go out to dinner as a team. Then before launching we scream the Saxons Cheer and fist-bump the other rowers in our boat. We also wear our crew jackets at school the day before a regatta to drum up publicity.
What are some of your best memories?
After beating the other Virginia teams at the Stotesbury regatta last year, we all jumped into the Schuylkill River. Also, after last year’s States, we received our medals and took the two coxswains from our victorious boats, and hurled them off the dock into the river! A tradition in our sport.
What are some of the duties of being a crew captain?
As a crew captain, we plan team bonding activities, promote the team and our progress throughout the school, help organize spring break activities, and act as a mediator between the coaches and team. We try to be there for the team as much as possible, and support the efforts that everyone puts into the sport daily. We even design fun T-shirts!
What are you hopes for the team this season?
This season we’re hoping every boat places well in States, and to perform well on a national level. Not to mention defeating TJ!
Courtney Cuppernull, Kady Kriner, Ricki Libby, Nisrene Tabbara, and Shelby Trinca
Does the soccer team have any pregame rituals?
The night before home games, we meet for team dinners which are always a blast. Before our games we listen to music and circle around the Saxon head to get pumped up.
What are some of your best memories?
Last year we beat McLean, which was a big win for us. As well as some big wins, jamming out to boy bands such as the Backstreet Boys and team sleepovers are also some of our fondest memories.
What are some of the duties of being a soccer captain?
As captains, we are responsible for keeping the team focused and motivated. We organize team runs and events. It is our job to make sure that the team can count on us on and off the field.
What are you hopes for the team this season?
This season, we hope to work together as a team and win states!
Luke Salzer, Brad Dotson, and Robbie Bryne
Does the lacrosse team have any pregame rituals?
Some of the more religious guys on the lacrosse team say a group prayer or put a bible verse in their sock/glove. Generally, everyone does their own thing in terms of eye-black, pregame meals, etc.
What are some of your best memories?
When playing Oakton, we came back from being down five. Rookie haircuts and state mohawks are also always fun, as well as spending time with teammates outside of school.
What are some of the duties of being a soccer captain?
We act as a link between the coaches and the team. We’re supposed to keep everyone focused, and make changes on behalf of the team.
What are you hopes for the team this season?
We hope to beat Madison and win states!!
Blair Purdy, Jessica Miles, Liana Kramer, Anna Cox, Analea Von Seggern, Logan Besougloff, Josh Hulett, and Kevin Herman
Does the track team have any pregame rituals?
The girls relays like to kiss the baton before we race. Logan “unicorns” his spikes for good luck for good luck, meaning he leaves on lace sticking out of his shoe.
What are some of your best memories?
Some of our best memories revolve around what we like to call the track family. Being with the same group of kids for all of our high school years has caused the team to become a tight knit group. Through all the ups and downs we are always there for each other.
What are some of the duties of being a track captain?
As captains, it is our job to keep the team focused and motivated, as well as helping out the underclassmen.
What are you hopes for the team this season?
As a team, we like to set our standards high. We are shooting for the boys and girls teams to win at districts. As well as team goals, everyone has individual goals, such as getting a 16 foot pole vault.
Thomas Salamone, Justin Galiani, Sepehr Harandi, Josh Lupas
Does the soccer team have any pregame rituals?
Before games, we all have our own rituals to get us pumped up, including taking power naps.
What are some of your best memories?
Some of our best memories include beating McLean on their home turf and winning the district finals. Another one of our fondest memories is traveling to Virginia Beach for the first round of states.
What are some of the duties of being a soccer captain?
Our main job is to keep the team motivated. We also need to be good role models for younger players, so we need to stay positive, no matter what the outcome of our games.
What are you hopes for the team this season?
Our goal for this season is to win districts and hopefully states!
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Photos courtesy of langleysports.org