WOODBURY — For many seniors, their last year at Nonnewaug is the last time they’ll play the sports they love. How will they cope with keeping their passion alive after graduation?
It was senior Katie Farrell’s last year playing both soccer and tennis, and she admits that leaving is the worst part.
“You get so used to being in the habit of staying after school to play the sport that you love,” said Farrell, who’s set to attend Boston College. “It’s definitely going to be a big adjustment.”
Another senior, Karisa Cizauskas, tries to look back on the good times she’s had as an athlete.
“Looking back on the years I’ve played sports, I’ve made so many lifelong friends and memories,” said Cizauskas, who will go to Western Carolina.
It was senior Raymond Lomax’s first year on the track team, but he agrees with Cizauskas on how many memories he’s made.
“I enjoyed my first year on track,” said Lomax, bound for North Carolina Central. “A big bond was built with the guys, and it’s gonna hurt to leave.”
Even when not playing in college, students still want to have their sport be a part of their plans. Most schools offer intramural sports and club teams that allow students to keep playing without the commitment or high-level skills necessary to play interscholastic sports at the Division I, II, or III level.
“Through college I’m planning on playing tennis for fun and maybe even the club team,” Cizauskas. “I think the club team would be a great way to make friends and be able to travel.”
Yale-bound Gavin Sandor, an All-State soccer player as a senior, has already done some homework on his sports plans.
“I’m planning on playing club soccer and I know about a bunch of pickup leagues in New Haven, so I might join one of those,” Sandor said.
Lomax also plans to keep his passion for sports alive during college.
“I might consider club or intramural, finding a good group of guys to run or workout with,” Lomax said.
Not only do many soon-to-be graduates agree that they’d like to stay involved with sports after leaving Nonnewaug, but they also look back fondly upon their careers as a Chief.
“Overall, my time at Nonnewaug would be so different if I didn’t play sports,” Cizauskas said, “and I am so grateful I did.”
