by Alex Sleeper
After a long, cold season of ups and downs, wins and losses, the winter sports teams have wrapped up their seasons. For some seniors, it is their last time playing that sport, and the emotions are strong. Although some athletes may be playing at the college level, for most, this marks the end of their high school athletic career.
Thinking back on their season, most seniors believed that their team’s biggest strength was hard work and commitment, not only during games but at practice, too. Kaylee Cummings, senior captain and varsity point-guard of the basketball team, felt that the backbone of her team was their dedication and always giving 110%. “This was one of the hardest working teams I’ve been on, and everyone really gave it their all.”
Senior varsity ice hockey center Mike Tomasetti felt the same way. “Everybody kept a positive attitude and worked hard each practice to get better.” The hockey team’s constant effort to get better is what made the season so memorable for Mike.
Senior Sasha “Stonewall” Barry, the varsity girls goaltender and captain, said that one of the other important strengths is a team’s ability to come together as one unit. “We all got along really well, and all wanted to work towards the same goal.”
However, Senior Captain Ben King, the center for the varsity boys basketball team, says that his team lacked the aspect of playing together, which really brought them down.
Being the last time they would play this sport for Hudson High, the emotions were heavy. For some, like Tomasetti, it is the only sport they ever played, and to watch it disappear is not an easy task. Hockey is the only sport Tomasetti has been paying since he was ten. “It has been a long road filled with memories that I am really going to miss. I possibly won’t have an opportunity like this again.”
King said that knowing that this was going to be his last season playing for Hudson was tough. “I wish the season went a lot better. All in all, I’ve had a great three years on varsity, and I’m grateful I got to play for Hudson.”
For Cummings, although she may move on to a college team, she is heartbroken that this is her last year playing for the red and white. “I can’t even describe how sad I am. It’s my favorite sport and I’ve had an amazing four years with amazing teammates.”
Although Barry is not ready to for her high school career to end, she is happy with the results. “Having such a long run with them makes it really sad to have it all be over, but I am proud of everything we accomplished together.”
Despite their sadness over the season ending, they have many good memories of the season. For King, his best memory was a personal move to take the lead against the Hawks’ arch rivals,the Panthers, with a buzzer beater for three. King will always remember the good times he had with his outstanding teammates and especially his co-captain, senior Ryan Seymour.
Barry will never forget the 2-0 victory against Leominster. “Everyone was pumped up that we just won, and being interviewed by Worcester Telegram and Gazette for the first time all season was pretty cool.” To mentally prepare herself for each period of play, Barry would talk to co-captain Kelly Wendt of Algonquin Regional High School and her coaches. “I’ll miss my coaches’ talks with me, keeping me ready to do what I do best.”
For Cummings, it was easy. She will cherish all the fun, silly times she shared with her teammates throughout the years.
Tomasetti will always remember the second game against the number one team in Central Massachusetts, Shrewsbury, and the unrelenting fight his team put up, which kept the score close. “That is the best hockey we played all year.”
Although being a part of a team is a lot of fun and hard work, being a captain is no easy task. According to Cummings, being a captain is a very rewarding honor but definitely a big responsibility. From keeping the team focused and ready to play to setting the example of always giving 100%, Cummings has no problem with the task at hand. “I love being a captain though; it is a great feeling knowing you’re respected by your teammates.”
Captains lead by example and do the little things, says King. “Being a captain has been tough, but I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy task.” King highlights the struggle of trying to balance leadership with friendship. “It’s hard when you feel something needs to change, but it’s your friend that you want to correct.”
Barry agrees that being a captain is hard yet rewarding, but she also says it gives her a sense of responsibility. “I think that it has made me realize what real responsibility is. “You get much respect from other players and makes you feel like you’re doing something right. It’s the next level of love for the game in my eyes.”
