The future is bright for Apex winter sports teams

Cameron Goz
Sports Editor

      While winter does not officially start until the twenty-first, the sports played in this season have begun, and the future is bright for Apex’s several teams. Starting off on the basketball court, men’s basketball has been one of the most successful teams in the SWAC over recent years, and the success should not be stopping anytime soon. The JV squad is featuring new players, and the chemistry developed over the season will only enhance their skills. Chemistry is said to be the key for this team as well as Varsity. While Varsity is lacking the size that teams of years past have exhibited, high expectations remain. Among the teams most improved is senior Trevor Downey. The last player on the bench last year has risen to play valuable minutes for the Cougars. The execution of the smaller, finer things is said to be one of Downey’s niches. That execution can be attributed to Coach Neal and his input during practice that has the Cougars primed for another playoff push. 

       From the courts to the springboards, another sport the Cougars shine in is gymnastics. Coach Howard leads his girls with the authority and passion it takes to run a successful program. His athletes know he expects one-hundred percent out of them, and his standards are usually met. This year’s team has had the opportunity to grow over the short life of the gymnastics program, and their confidence continues to grow the longer they remain. 
       Success travels with the cougars into the pool too, as this year’s team has a perfect season on their mind. Hannah Day feels confidently about her team’s chances this year, saying, “I think this year’s team is definitely in contention to go undefeated in the regular season and perform well at regionals and states against tough teams like Charlotte Catholic and Green Hope.” All swimmers are devoted to their sport and schoolwork to stay ahead of the curve. As one of the few sports where training is year-round, the swimmers are all in for their team day in and day out. You can ask anyone of them and you’ll know swimming is a lifestyle.
       Wrestling also is in full swing as winter break approaches. Although a younger squad this year, the team is coming together nicely. Coach Little has taken the reigns as head coach and is getting his athletes into the best form possible every day. Little wants more from his team, attempting to turn every individual into an asset to society once high school is a thing of the past. While no specific matches stand out above the rest, Little has his eye on a date with Green Hope, saying, “I would really like to beat Green Hope, however, since I was an assistant there for the past 2 years.”
      While not winter specific, cheerleading has been one of the most successful sports Apex has to boast. The squad is coming off a SWAC championship, and the varsity team finished third in the state. The team now looks forward to sustain their run of dominance in the SWAC.
       ​Apex’s fall sports are over, and a new season has arrived. For the Cougars’ sake, it is looking to be one with even more success athletically. With some of the school’s top programs being played in the winter, it should be a happy few months for Apex High sports fans.