Overview
The Rocket fall sports team had made a big threat to themselves this season. Five teams won FVA conference titles this year, and many other teams made great post-season appearances.
Boys Cross Country
The boys cross country team has excelled this season. Having all of their varsity runners place top six in the conference races, then placing second in sectionals to securing their place at the state meet.
One of the runners, Bly Wheeler, says the team earned their success. “Many of the boys on the team ran hundreds of miles in the off season, with 5 people on the team running over 1000 miles from the start of December to the beginning of the season” Wheeler states.
As for Bly, his most memorable achievement was the West De Pere meet. “It may not have been my fastest time but I was able to finish the varsity race in third place and help the team win the meet.” Wheeler says.
The Boys cross country finished 14th at State championships. Coming in with a total of 351 points.
Girls Cross Country
Girls cross country also started off strong this season. The Varsity girls have had an exceptional record just this year, and JV girls had numerous sweeps. Both JV and varsity won the conference meet, as well as the varsity girls winning Sectionals.
Overall, all of the athletes improved this season. “Almost all the athletes have grown this season. Both in terms of improving as runners, and improving as teammates” States head coach Micheal Heidke. Heidke is looking forward to winning Conference and Sectionals. He also looks forward to improving their runner up finish for state last year
One key runner in girls cross country is Mazie Olkowski. Last cross country season, she broke the school record. This year, she broke the school record two times. “It feels amazing to know that all my hard work is starting to pay off this way,” Olkowski says.
Olkowski is confident that Neenah is a big competitor for the state title. “This weekend we got four girls under 19 minutes so I feel like we’re a real threat for that state title” Olkowski says.
Fortunately for them, they did exactly that. On November 2nd, the Neenah girls cross country team won the state championship held in Wisconsin Rapids. They had a total of 57 points, with a 66 point difference from second place finisher, Wauwatosa East.
Dance team
A new sport arrives at Neenah High school this year. The Neenah dance teams perform choreographed routines at various competitions and events. “Their primary focus is on mastering dance styles such as pom, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary, which they showcase during halftime shows at football and basketball games, pep rallies, and other school functions.” Explains head coach, Hannah Brown. Brown, along with Jocelyn Tapia, Leeah Justman, and Allison Eastman all make up the coaching staff for the team. Their combined dance experience makes a versatile dance team.
The main dancers making up the dance team are Halea Anderson (Freshman), Paisley Elter (Freshman), Klaire Gregorius (Freshman), Layla Czechanski (Freshman), Grace Dementer (Freshman), and Sirena Oakley (Junior).
Their next performance will be at halftime at the homecoming game on October 4th and the home game on October 18th.
Football
Neenah Football has had a great season so far. They ended a 19 year winning streak from Kimberley, and they shared conference champions with Kimberley and Kaukauna. Neenah has a record of 8-2, according to MaxPreps.
One of the most nerve-wrecking games so far in the postseason was the Level-Two Playoff game. With a rematch against Kimberly, there was high anticipation in the air.
In the first quarter, Kimberley was leading 0-7. But a touchdown by senior Evan Vanevehoven in the 2nd quarter quickly gave the rockets a burst of hope. Another touchdown by Vanevenhoven, and a kick by senior Jack Klundt made the score 13-7 at the end of the first half.
In the 3rd quarter, senior Grant Dean made a 91 yard touchdown. Followed by another kick by Klundt finishing the 3rd quarter with a score of 20-7.
But the Rockets weren’t in the safe zone yet. As Kimberley was rushing for a touchdown in the 4th quarter, Dean made a game changing interception. Halting Kimberly’s advances, Dean’s interception allowed a touchdown from sophomore Ashton VanBeek, and a kick from Klundt.
With a score of 27-7, Kimberley then scored a touchdown to make the score 27-14. Neenah quickly countered this with a touchdown by Dean and a kick by Klundt.
In the end, Neenah won with a score of 34-14. Neenah’s next game will be against Muskego at Neenah High School.
Girls Golf
The girls golf team had finished their season with a record of 5-4 in their conference. Placing sixth overall in the FVA.
Although the golf team couldn’t advance to sectionals, they sent on one individual: senior Annika Searles.
Searles just missed being able to qualify for state. Placing 11th overall.
Boys Soccer
The boys soccer season has gone well for them. Their record is 12 wins, 5 losses, and 3 ties according to WisSports. They also shared conference champions with Kimberley.
In the postseason, Neenah won against Oconnomowoc in regional semifinals, 4-0. Neenah also triumphed Hamilton Sussex for the Regional champs title, with a score of 2-1.
In sectional semifinals against Brookfield East, the number one ranked team in Wisconsin and 16th ranked Nationally (MaxPreps), the Rockets were holding their own for most of the game. Unfortunately, Neenah lost with a score of 0-2. Both goals from Brookfield East were in the last 5 minutes.
Girls Swim and Dive
Neenah Girls Swim and Dive has been doing well this season. They are ranked 3rd in the conference with a record of 4-2, according to FVA.
“I would say that we are one of the most disciplined teams because of our established routines and rules,” Sophomore Sophia Diaz says, “I feel like the rules help the team focus on the sport more and keep our heads in the game.”
Not only is the swim and dive team very disciplined, they are also very close with each other. “I feel like we are a very connected team,” Says Diaz. She goes on to say how the team is like a family, and how they always look out for each other.
With good work ethic and good spirits, the team has brought good successions to Neenah High School.
Girls Tennis
This year, Neenah Girls Tennis has been undefeated in their conference games, going 9-0. They have also won their conference and sectionals.
“Our team has performed really well so far this season.” Says junior Josie Kohlbeck.
When asked about her memorable game, Kohlbeck says that it was when her and sophomore Evelyn Buss won a game against Whitefish Bay. “We ended up having to do a match tiebreak and won it 10-7. Once the match was over, we found out that we beat Whitefish Bay with a team score of 4-3.” Kohlbeck responded.
Neenah Tennis also sent 2 single players and 2 double teams to individual state.
Sophomore Celia Gentile and senior Izzy Murray represented Neenah for singles.
Junior Ava Motto with sophomore Rebekah Thomas and senior Meredith Werner with freshman Sydney Michalkiewicz represented Neenah for doubles.
For team state, Neenah won against Notre Dame Academy in round 1 but lost to Arrowhead in the semi-finals.
Boys Volleyball
This season, boys volleyball has come out strong. They have a very good offensive team, with everyone from last year back. Head coach Jake Coenen says that the team also improved. “Where we have improved this season has been in our Serve Receive and Serving aspect of the game.” He says.
This season, the boys volleyball team has relied on Miles Weaver (Senior), Julian Kuehn (Senior), and Ben Donaldson (Senior). “Miles Weaver is a 1st-team All-Conference performer who just does everything for our team” Says Coenen, “He recently surpassed 500 kills in his career, becoming the school’s all-time kills leader.”
Coenen also adds that Julian Keuhn is a quiet leader, but he does all the right things. “Julian Kuehn has made great strides leading into his senior year. He has steadily gotten better and it allows us to have two very dynamic outside hitters on our team” Coenen says.
Lastly, Conen comments on player Ben Donaldson and says that his infectious energy and passion affects everyone greatly on the team. Conen says that Ben’s growth from Sophomore year is tremendous, and that he continues to grow throughout the season.“ I am certainly going to miss all three of these guys!” Coenen says.
In an interview with Ben Donaldson, he believes that everyone brings their own strengths to the team. “For example, Miles Weaver is an offensive powerhouse that can put a ball away, Ben Kue is all over the court, digging balls left and right, Nick, Spencer, and Zach for their humor, Romy, Julian, and Eli’s determination, Sam Printz and his blocks, and of course Trevor Ricketts and Cam Diekfuss who are only sophomore’s playing up to varsity level.”
When asked about something that boys volleyball should be proud of, Donaldson answered, “Neenah volleyball should be proud of the program we’ve built.” He is confident that Neenah Volleyball can finish 1st in the conference.
Girls Volleyball
Neenah Girls Varsity volleyball has a good start to their season. They have a record of 24-11, according to Wissports.
“These girls are a special group who compete every single day and every time they step on the court they believe they are going to win the match and as a coach you couldn’t ask for anything more.” Says head coach Nathan Leitermann.
When asked about key players on the team, Leitermann said that Ella Lindgren, Ella Nigl, and Lily Romjue have been big players in the season. “I could honestly name so many more as we have had lots of contributors this year but these are three that have really stood out for us this year when it comes to making big plays!” Leitermann exclaims.
In the postseason, Neenah won against Sheboygan North for regional semi-finals but lost to Oshkosh West in regionals finals.