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Teams hopeful for new season
Caitlin Teague  The end of summer for many is a dreaded time where the days seem shorter and the list of things to do, such as finishing that summer reading book, gets longer as the new school year approaches. However, for others, it is an anticipated time for the start of a new fall sport season as well. Although the official preseason began on August 18, the Alvirne athletes have been preparing all summer long getting into shape.
Boys X-Country
The boys cross country team, in particular, says Coach Daigle, came into the season in great shape. With only two seniors, “it’s a developing team this year,” explains Daigle. Sophomore Caleb Donnelly will lead the team as the top runner with junior Brandon Doyle; junior Jimmy Peterson; sophomore Chris Lowe; senior Tim McMullen; and senior Tim Linehan, also running strong for the team. They begin their season with their first meet on September 6; the only home meet of the season will be on September 16.
Girls X-Country
The girls cross country team, like the boys, have been training all summer for the upcoming season. “I think this year we’re led by a group of seniors. We have a lot of experience this year,” states Coach Cahill. Their goal for this year is to make it to the state meet as a team.
Girls Volleyball
With new and returning players, the girls volleyball team looks for another winning season this year. Coach Gringas says, “We have a really strong mix of youth and experience. We’ll definitely be very competitive. We have great skills. It’s just a matter of putting it together in game situations,” she added. Their first home game is September 8.
Golf
The Alvirne golf team is also looking forward to a successful season as well. “We’ve got a lot of players who’ve got a lot of talent,” says Coach Costello. “They’re really committed to a successful season which is clear by how much they’ve been practicing in the off-season.” The team tees-off against Pinkerton on September 3.
Boys Soccer
With a new head varsity coach this year, the boys soccer team is looking for change in the upcoming season. With their first game just recently on September 2 against Nashua North and more matches to come, “the boys look forward to a successful campaign in 2008 after two subpar years,” says varsity Coach Palmer. After a great preseason, things are looking up. He adds, “The hard work and dedication in the off-season really showed through in the preseason as the team is greatly improved from the start of last year,” which gives anticipation for a promising season.
Girls Soccer
After being named the Cinderella Team of the Year last season, the girls soccer team has high expectations for this season. “We experienced some success last year, but are not looking to settle. Our goals this year are to improve our record and quality to earn a first round match [of the playoffs] on our home field. We expect to be playing our last game on November 6 at Exeter in the Class L championship,” says Coach Rousseau, head varsity coach. “Last year, we were the Cinderella team; this year we’re looking to go dancing again only this time we won’t be wearing glass slippers.” The girls first home game is on September 4 against Manchester Central High School at 5:30.
Cheerleading
As for cheerleading, the girls think that they “have more talent than last year. [We’re] definitely better than we’ve been in a decade,”says senior Maria Mayer. Rounding out the squad is a group of freshmen. On this group, Mayer adds, “the crop of talent from the middle school is excellent.” Coach Norma states, “We’re going to be really impressive this year.” Despite this, senior Caroline Brotzki says, “We just hope we have a lot of spirit for our school this year. Whether we’re successful or not, we’ll always be Broncos.”
Football
“You’ve never seen Alvirne footballlike this,” says senior Andrew Conrad. After a tough season for the Broncos last year, their spirits are high for the upcoming season with hope towards their goal of playing in November and in the playoffs. “Our team doesn’t rely on one player this year. We have a lot of depth,” states senior Codi Clark. “We have a great senior class this year,” added Coach Nimblett. They have shown great leadership on and off the field. We all have worked really hard in the off-season.” The boys kick off their season on Friday, September 5.
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