Reflection on the Season: 2017 Neenah Fall Sports Review

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Collage of 2017 Neenah fall sports

Paige Novachek, Student of Journalism

Autumn brings change and fall sports to NHS; with winter approaching it is time to bundle up and reflect on the 2017 Neenah fall sports season.

Volleying off the wrap up is the Neenah girls’ tennis team. Senior Kiki Risgaard received the first spot on the podium when she competed in the Division 1 state finals for singles. For the tennis team in total the team earned second place at state.

Wis. Division 1 Singles winner NHS Kiki Risgaard said: “I really enjoyed senior night because my teammates and I were able to celebrate all of our past accomplishments. All of the seniors on the team are also extremely close, so it was a great night to have fun with them.” As for regular season regulation standings Neenah girls’ tennis had 8 wins, 0 losses.

Pacing out the athletic teams is the Neenah boys’ cross country team. Runner Matt Meinke junior received 4th place finish at cross country state meet.

Cross country captain NHS senior Braden Palmer commented on his favored part of the season, “Watching 93 percent of the team PR at the conference meet.”

Right on the boys’ cross country team is the Neenah girls’ cross country team. Junior Krista Baumgartner  advanced to state meet for NHS.

Senior captain Audrey Makope said: “My favorite highlight about my team’s sports season is seeing how the team, and myself, grow, not only as runners, but as individuals. I love how supportive everyone is even of their competitors. I love that we can they can all be in pain, but I can throw encouraging words to another runner, and not only do my teammates get encouraged, but it helps me run a better race.” Running is like an important life lesson because with hard work and determination individuals can make themselves their best.

Diving into the fourth spot of the wrap up is the fast and furious Neenah girls’ swim team! The Neenah girls’ swim team received 6th at the state meet in Madison, Wis.

Senior captain Samantha Spanbauer, who is 4-year swim participant,  said, “Getting Sixth at the state meet was my favorite part because it really showed how hard all of us worked, and how going to morning practices paid off.” Diver Av Osero defends her 1st place title at the state meet for the second year in a row.

Activities Director Joshua Murnane said, “What surprised me was the girls’ swim team. We did not have a pool at my last school. We have some incredible swimmers and divers and I don’t think anyone can prepare you for the sheer volume in that pool area.”

Tackling the fifth spot in the fall wrap up is the Neenah football team. The team ended regular season regulation with the position of 6 wins, 2 losses.

Ian Krook senior captain said: “My favorite highlight is winning conference because we worked so hard to create a successful season, and I believe that conference gives us great recognition for our hard work! Also, overall I just love having the ability to be with my second family and playing the game.” This season was the first year since 1991 that the Neenah football team secured a conference title. Click here for highlights of the football teams season.

Teeing off next is the wrap up is the Neenah girls’ golf team. Golfer Emily Manteufel advanced this season from regionals to sectionals.

Senior Emily Manteufel, “Being able to go to regionals with varsity girls and then the opportunity to attend sectionals was my favorite part.” The Neenah girls’ team ended its regular regulation with the standings of 4 wins, 5 losses.

Next in the wrap up is the Neenah boys’ soccer team. The soccer team advanced to the regional game against Sussex Hamilton.

Senior captain Stephen Priest said: “My favorite memory this year was beating Appleton North. We haven’t beaten them the past two years.” The team ended its regular regulation season with 7 wins, 2 losses.

Rotating into the next position in the wrap up is the Neenah girls’ volleyball team. This season the team advanced to the WIAA sectional game against West Bend West

Kayla Kraus junior captain said, “My favorite memory from this past season was beating Appleton North in 3 since they beat us in conference last season.” The team ended its regular regulation with 8 wins, 1 loss

Double hitting on volleyball with the Neenah boys’ team is the next transition of the wrap up. The team ended with play against Appleton North in the regional game

Ryan Frost senior captain adds that his favorite memories include: “Having fun with my teammates while playing a fantastic game with them. Between the bus rides to the games, along with practices, we made the most of the season.”

Currently, Activity Director Murnane is focusing his excitement on the winter sports season.  He joked that he not worried about the weather. “Outside of getting a snow delay or a snow out, I don’t have to worry about if we are going to be poured on that night or a muddy field.”

In his new position, Murnane is glad not to have that added stress of the weather, which is a feature of fall sports.

In contrast, “If we are snowed out, we aren’t going to play it’s just that simple,” Murnane said.   

Click here for more conference standings.