By JUSTIN KANE
As the calendar year comes to an end, we can look back and see 2010 was a year full of amazing sporting events. We got to witness the United States win the medal count at the Winter Olympics and see the world come together in South Africa for the World Cup. In 2010, we crowned a new champion in football, basketball and baseball. In the latter part of 2010, new seasons began. Florida and Texas fell off of the college football map, the Miami Heat cannot win despite having “the big three,” and the Buccaneers are on pace to have a winning season.
Here on the Reservation, fall sports are over and the winter sports are starting to blossom. Our football team failed to make the playoffs for the first time in 10 years, the volleyball team made it to their first ever state championship and Cinzia Calabretta finished second in the state diving championship.
For better or worse, 2010 was a year to remember, though these three events stood out the most:
#1 Girls Volleyball vs. Lake Mary
For the first time since 2003, the girls volleyball team won districts and made it to regional play. After blowing by Oviedo in the first game they faced their toughest challenge, the Lake Mary Rams. The girls took the first set 27-25 and looked on pace to win the second but fell short 23-25 and then fell in the third. In the fourth game the Rams did not come close as the girls won 25-15 forcing a decisive fifth set. After being down 10-2, coach Mike Ladewski called a timeout that sparked the girls, as they went on a 14-4 run to win the game and go on to the regional finals.
#2 Football vs. Freedom
Entering the game with a dreadful 2-4 record, the football team needed a district win to avoid being eliminated from playoff contention. During the annual Braves Brawl pep rally, head coach Phil Ziglar did something he has never done before – he promised a victory in the homecoming game. The Freedom Patriots came into the game 7-0 and ranked 11th in the Orlando Sentinel Super 16. Sophomore Aaron Turman lead the charge with 246 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and the defense held Patriots quarterback Derik Abbott to only 153 yards and forced three interceptions. The 24-10 win eventually led the team to a three-way tie in the district to force a district tiebreaker.
#3 Volleyball State championship weekend vs. Mimi and Tampa
After winning their first regional finals, the volleyball team earned a trip to Lakeland to play for the state championship. First up was the Dr. Michael M. Krop Lightning. The girls were right at home as they took the first two sets 25-14 and 25-15. They seemed to have had the third set wrapped up as they led 24-20 but fell short 24-26. In the fourth set, the girls weren’t going to let another game slip away as they won 25-19 earning a spot in the state championship. Despite the support of the students who made the trip, the dream did not come true for the girls as they fell short in the state championship 0-3.
Even though the year is coming to an end, the sports year continues. Here are the top three events to look forward to in 2011.
#3 Water polo vs. Winter Park
When the boys and girls water polo teams face off against Winter Park next year, it’ll be about more than just a district match. Head coach Rosalie Creighton’s husband, Barry, is the head coach of the Wildcats so every year it is a heated rivalry. The boys and girls are aiming to avenge losses from last year where the girls finished fourth in the Orlando Sentinel Super 6 and the boys finished 12th.
#2 Boys basketball vs. Winter Park
On Jan. 25, the boys travel to Winter Park High School to face the defending state champion Wildcats. With the number one rated high school basketball player in the nation, Austin Rivers, the boys look to keep the Wildcats out of the playoffs. The boys have not beaten the Wildcats in over five years, but with a new coach and seven seniors, this could be the year they tame them.
#1 Flag football season
Yes, I know this is not just one event, but if you saw these girls last year you know that picking just one event to look forward to is impossible. After going 8-0 last season the girls look to defend their district title and make it back to the regional finals. With sophomore Bailey Florin back at quarterback the girls are poised to repeat their success from last year.
All in all, the 2010 sports year has been one of great acclaim and high expectations, and 2011 looks to be just as exciting.