With their high school careers coming to a close, the seniors are stepping into the beginning of the end. The final fall sports season has kicked off for these seniors and it has been a much different experience than before. The seniors worked a lot harder for this final season and are very nervous about it ending.

Colin O’Donnell, of the boy’s soccer team, worked extremely hard with his teammates and also on his own. He worked out everyday and the team held captains’ practices three times a week. These practices included running, scrimmages, and sprints afterwards.

O’Donnell took a much different approach to this year than usual. “There was a lot more pressure because I knew kids would be looking to me for direction like I used to look to last year’s captains,” said O’Donnell.

Along with O’Donnell, Carolyn Talmadge is also going into her final season with girls volleyball. “I stayed active in competitive basketball leagues to stay in shape. I also worked on getting stronger and faster and attended volleyball clinics in Holyoke every Saturday,” said Talmadge.

Silas Blake of the cross country team is also taking on a lot of added pressure this year. “Being a captain is another responsibility, but that only made me want to represent what I thought of cross country,” said Blake.

On the other side, the girls’ cross country team also has some seniors coming into their final year, Laura Sugermeyer among them. “I usually take the summer off. I’m trying to make this my best season,” said Sugermeyer. “I increased my mileage and really worked hard. I also went to running camp in New Hampshire for my third straight year.”

The football players were working hard as expected looking to return to the Super Bowl this season. “I’ve been lifting ever since the end of last season and going to captains’ practices as well,” said starting offensive lineman Ben Lockhart.

Lockhart had nothing but positive comments about his team when describing how he felt about leaving. “It’s sad knowing this is our last year all together with such a great group of kids,” said Lockhart.

Paige Kelly, of the girls’ field hockey team, has been working hard in anticipation for this season. “I was really excited coming off of last year’s Western Mass. win. I’ve been looking forward to this season ever since last ended,” said Kelly. She worked very hard in hopes to make this season the best that it could be. “I played in some tournaments and went to two camps during the summer. I also tried to run a lot,” said Kelly.

All of the seniors have high hopes for their final fall season and are looking to leave their mark on the high school’s sports history. Many high quality teams are taking the field and the court this fall. Much of it has to do with the effort and hard work many of the student athletes put into their passion for sport and their pride in their school.