The West Pine Middle School athletic program has already had four teams finish their seasons undefeated this year.
Coed Tennis
Coach David Synan and his 16 players finished their fall season 8-0. This is the team’s third consecutive season finishing undefeated. They struggled with rainouts during September, which led the team to play doubleheaders.
“We had to stay patient,” said Synan. “Our practices were very intense as the kids battled for rankings and playing time.”
They battled in a close match against Southern Middle in the last match of the season. They came out on top 5-4, finishing undefeated and winning a conference title.
“Our top three players, all 8th graders, Liam Wilson, Jackson Van Hulle, and Bryce Corrado, constantly battled to be our #1 player,” said Synan. “Twice a week, they would face challenge matches from teammates that were trying to move up in the rankings. Even with extreme individual competitiveness in an individual sport, these three guys never let a challenge match win or loss affect our team chemistry. Handshakes and hugs were always exchanged after challenge matches. I was amazed that their maturity and team-first mindset came through.”
Volleyball
Coach Jessica Cade and her team finished 10-0 this season. According to Cade, the Wildcats’ unwavering perseverance was the key to their successful season.
“Even when we were behind, they refused to give up, powering through to make incredible comebacks, ultimately leading to the wins and an undefeated season,” said Cade.
Going undefeated is always an outstanding achievement, but Cade said it was only part of the big picture. It wasn’t just the wins that were special, but young athletes pushing their limits to grow stronger every day.
“Their dedication to every practice and every game was nothing short of inspiring,” said Cade. “Their hard work paid off in their perfect record, and they supported each other and built something special together.”
Girls Basketball
Coach Joey Chapman and the Lady Wildcats finished 10-0 on the season.
“The challenge they took on from the beginning of the year to earn the right to put this year as a year on the championship banner in our gym and wanting to cut down the nets is what led to their success,” said Chapman.
The final three games of the season were challenging for the Wildcats.
“We had to play a talented New Century team, SanLee, and Southern Middle a second time, and they came prepared for us and the kind of basketball we played,” said Chapman. “They were able to make in-game adjustments and changes on the fly to win those games.”
The team looked toward the leadership of the returning players for guidance throughout the season. Their success also came from the way that all of them worked together.
“We averaged somewhere between 9 and 12 different girls scoring points in every game and every girl making contributions to the success of the team,” said Chapman.
Golf
The Wildcats golf team completed its third consecutive undefeated season. Unfortunately, the two-time state champions could not defend their state title this season because of winter weather.
The team won each match by 11 or more strokes. Coach Chapman said it was an all-around team effort from all grade levels this season.
“This undefeated golf season we had this year was a testament to how all our players bought into the team concept and valuing team performance over individual stats,” said Chapman.
“We have a fantastic athletic program at West Pine Middle with dedicated coaches, athletes, and families,” said Rochelle Dunlop, athletic director and assistant principal. “It has been my honor and privilege to serve as an Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, and to have four undefeated teams this year already in golf, tennis, volleyball, and girls’ basketball. I am looking forward to what the Wildcats will do in our baseball and girls’ soccer season.”
Feature photo: West Pine Middle School’s undefeated teams. Photos contributed.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Curtis Self. Curtis has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2019.
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