he sky is dark at 5:30 p.m., but the lights are shining in the gym. The wind may be cold, and the snow might have buried more than a few cars, but Hoover’s athletes are still willing to dedicate themselves to their respective sports. From the swimmers at the YMCA  to the ball players on Hoover’s courts, everyone is gearing up for a new season.

Professionally, the NBA may be on hold, but Hoover’s basketball teams are ready to play for your entertainment. The boys tip-off Dec. 3, and the girls will look to continue their tradition of winning when their own season starts.

Additionally, the swimming teams were both undefeated last year as they grabbed yet another Federal League title. Their coach, Matthew Johnsen, will continue push his swimmers as he looks to win it all over again.

So, without further ado, here is a run-down of Hoover’s winter sports. Take a look at who you’ll be cheering for this season.

Boys Basketball

Head Coach: Randy Montgomery.

Assistant Coaches: Troy Clark, Terry Cook and Jim York.

Overview of Last Season: 13-8. A young squad overall produced 13 wins with a strong schedule. Nyles Evans became the all time leading scorer in Hoover High School history.

Start of Regular Season: December 3rd (home) vs. Lincoln West.

End of Regular Season: February 24th against Cardinal Mooney.

Returning Letter Winners: Seniors: Michael Ducey, Taylor Moore. Juniors: Dom Iero, Max Erb, Harrison Blackledge.

Top Newcomers: Nick Fausnight, Evan Shick, Tyler Veldhuizen, Tyler Maciag.

Key Competition: Federal League, Crown Jewel Classic in Orlando Florida over Christmas. Akron St. V (2011) State Champions. Massilon, College of Wooster Classic, Mercy Medical Classic (home) vs. St. Thomas.

Season Outlook: We have a strong nucleus returning with significant playing time. We will need to develop mentally and build from that experience to see at what  level we are to compete.

Boys Swimming

Head Coach: Matthew Johnsen.

Overview of Last Season:  6-0 First in the Federal League.

Returning Letter Winners: Seniors: Mitch Alters, Thomas Tedrow, Jeff Berner, Blake Burgess, Robert Martinez, Jon Friedl. Juniors:  Matt Groves, Frew Bercaw, Brian Giannetti, Adam Watson, Robert Tolson. Sophomores: Zach Kennedy, Stephen Watson, Alex Lammlein, Tristan Sedlak.

Top Newcomers: Curtis Roden, Zach Harris, Nate Spaid, Michael Giannetti, Armando Ventosa, Michael Cochenour, Alex Green, Gabe Montoya.

Season Outlook: This boys team has the potential to be the best team Hoover has had since 1988.

Wrestling

Head Coach: John Grasinger.

Assistant Coaches: Nick Gamble and Dave Grasinger.

Overview of Last Season: 17-3 Fourth place in the Federal League, Ryan Teis placed fifth place at State.

Returning Letter Winners: Seniors: Sam Wakser, J. Connor Grasinger, Spencer Keeler. Juniors: Jordan Wakser, Andy Fausnight, Joe Howard, Tyler Stoltz, Miguel Maron-Vilarreal. Sophomores: Nathan Burns, Tyson Freeman, Jake Evanich, Dillon Sanderson, Tyler Maloy, Cam Haverfield.

Top Newcomers: Mike Ratae, Clay Haverfield.

Season Outlook: Solid team with a strong season  outlook.

Bowling

Co-Head Coaches: Jon Boyajian and Dan Campanaro.

Returning Letter Winners: Girls: Linley Hipp, Olivia Bradley and Kaleigh Barth. Boys: Craig Johnson, Curtis Strong and Anthony Inzetta.

Top Newcomers: Girls: Anastasia Walker, Mackenzie Vukovich and Lauren Barth. Boys: David Botschner and Alex Gresham.

Season Outlook: The boys have the talent and experience to contend for the Federal League title; the girls are working hard and will improve and be competitive as the season progresses.

Hockey

Head Coach: Geoff Bishop.

Overview of Last Season: We were very successful in the toughest Blue division in the Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League.  We were selected to the Baron Cup and lost to the eventual champion. We concluded our season with a tournament win in Wooster.

Returning Letter Winners: All current seniors, juniors, and sophomores.

Top Newcomers: We win as a team, we lose as individuals. All of our newcomers work together.

Season Outlook: Our goal as a team is to secure an invitation at the end of the year to the Baron Cup.  This is based on your overall record and only four of sixteen teams are selected.  The Baron Cup is the showcase tournament for Northeast Ohio high school hockey.

Girls Swimming

Head Coach: Matthew Johnsen.

Overview of Last Season: 6-0 First in the Federal League.

Returning Letter Winners: Seniors: Emily Evans, Lauren Lammlein, Sara Nist, Lauren Richards, Elise Schliffka, Jeana Rae Schaper, Victoria Brayer, Janelle Jackson, Mackenzie Kennedy, Mikaela Lopez. Juniors: Becca Acuna, Olivia Beam. Sophomores: Kimberlee Aston, Sarah Evans, Marissa Fernandez, Maggie Mullens, Lauren Nist, Alyssa Snyder.

Top Newcomers: Gabby Minor, Kelly Shaw, Molly Patterson, Morganne Eller, Kristen Kettering, Alexandra O’Connor, Emily Hayden.

Season Outlook: The girls are looking to win their third Federal League title in a row, and they are led by great seniors.

Girls Basketball

Head Coach: Tim Vick.

Assistant Coaches: Renee Mayle, Annie Montgomery, Mike Myers, Rob Rhoads.

Overview of Last Season: I was very pleased with last season. We had/have wonderful girls, really good players and great leadership. That usually leads to a great season, and last year was no exception.

Returning Letter Winners: Seniors: Erika Warren, Sarah Wechter, Maddy Helterbran, Courtney Moss, Michelle Erikson. Junior: Kelsey Peare. Sophomores: Kaylee Stroemple, Julie Worley, Kelsey Lensman, Abby Warburton.

Top Newcomers: Taylor Chufar, Kaitlyn Runner.

Season Outlook: We have the potential to be very good. We will go as far as our leaders take us.