Winter is here and we are all feeling it. So are the athletes and coaches at Briarcliff Manor School District, who are working hard to make the most of the winter season, and perhaps break a few records.
Girls Varsity Basketball Co-Head Coach (with Chris Di Cintio), Michael McDonnell, is optimistic about the season.
“I am very encouraged by the commitment of the girls in the off-season, in both AAU spring and summer ball and our fall league, where we knocked off some bigger schools,” he said.
McDonnell looks forward to seeing the athletes grow both individually and as a team.
“Our two senior captains, Lila Dumas and Gemma Fante, are selfless leaders to the all the players,” he said. “We have almost all sophomores and freshmen, so that bodes well for the future, but the team is ready to compete now, and we are ready to take the next step.”
Varsity Track and Field Co-Head coach, (with Zach Rose) James Tlsty, also looks forward to seeing athletes improve this season.
“We look forward to witnessing the progression of every athlete on our team,” he said. “Whether vying for a spot on a podium or chasing down a personal record, we view all evidence of improvement as deserving celebration. Our team motto of “Hard Work Equals Results” represents a philosophy that we encourage all our athletes to embrace; It is not about the times or marks you start with in your respective events; rather, it is about your ability to learn from every experience and improve each time you try again. We are excited to see many of our athletes smash their personal records in The Armory this season!”
Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach Conor McGuiness echoed this enthusiasm.
“I’m excited about the group we have this year and the direction we are heading towards,” he said. “The boys have shown a good attitude and work ethic, so I am looking forward to seeing what that will bring us.”
Varsity Boys and Girls Bowling team Head Coach John Brooks has been coaching for 28 years and brings his own bowling ball to competitions.
“I like to play a little during the competition,” he said. “I’m very much looking forward to increasing our averages in both and boys and girls teams this year. We have seven girls on the team this year, so it’s a full team and this means we have good competition.”
This season, the Varsity Cheer Team, which comprises 15 athletes, includes nine freshmen.
“It’s a lot of going back to basics,” said Assistant Coach Jade Palancia. “This winter, Head Coach Meagan Barsuch and I decided to do more Traditional Cheer, which is more stunts, dancing and cheer, as opposed to Game Day Cheer, which is just cheer. And the athletes love it, because they get to pick out the songs in the routine.
“Some of the new freshman have a background in dance or gymnastics, so it was an easy fit and everyone meshed nicely. The older students have been great mentors and role models to the younger students.”
“I would like to take a moment to wish our student-athletes and coaches good luck this upcoming season,” said Athletics Director Chris Drosopoulos. “I look forward to cheering on the Bears. I can’t wait to watch each of you build a legacy for your teams and community. Thank you for your hard work and commitment – have a great Winter Season!”
Other teams playing in the winter season are Boys and Girls Junior Varsity and Modified Basketball, as well as Freshman Basketball, Varsity Skiing, Varsity Boys Ice Hockey, Boys and Girls Varsity Squash, Boys Varsity Swimming and Diving, Varsity and Modified Wrestling and Modified Track & Field.
