WOODBURY — Many Nonnewaug students have decided to try out a new sport in high school. They do this even though there is the possibility of playing against experienced athletes with a better skill set.
Scott Viveros, a junior at Nonnewaug, joined the swim team his freshman year without any prior experience in the sport.
“It’s hard to compete because they have the advantage of swimming for many years before me,” Viveros said.
Viveros has continued with swimming these past three years. His mindset when it comes to the sport has changed for the better.
“In the beginning I took it as a joke, but now I like it and I want to become better, so I’m taking it more seriously,” Viveros said.
Some students who try out a new sport end up not coming back the next year because of various challenges, such as the time commitment and sometimes a lack of dedication.
Janet Crocker, coach of the field hockey team, says that new students joining field hockey each season can be hit or miss.
“The number of new players trying field hockey each year is usually in the range of one to three students,” says Crocker. “I would say the likelihood of the player returning next season is 50%.”
However, a lot of the students who try a new sport end up loving it because of the team bonding and stick with that sport.
Kaden Coons, a freshman on the boys soccer team, plans on playing soccer all four years. Through soccer, Coons has built new relationships within his own grade and upperclassmen.
“They are very nice, and they teach me new things,” says Coons. “Like Jeff (Bernardi), he teaches me how not to foul people.”
Young athletes improving their skills and eventually catching up to teammates who are experienced in their sport is possible.
“I think 100% that they can catch up to those other athletes within a single season or two,” Crocker said.
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