The class of 2022 doesn't stand out as much as you would think

Aurora’s sports program has always been a defining characteristic of Aurora High School; with true dedication to teamwork and talented stand out students, we value our sports very highly.

This year's freshman class, those of 2022, seemed to be no different from those of the past as they joined sports and got in the game. Still, there was something different about these students. They stood out, they were achievers, they were making great new records in only their freshman year.

But, does this grade really stand out? Are they really different from past years of freshman?

Track does show an impressive difference with this freshman class compared to those of years past. Two years ago (class of 2020), zero freshman varsity lettered. Last year (class of 2021), there were three. This year the freshman doubled that number with six students earning a letter in varsity track.

On top of that, many more freshman students attended the district meet than last year. Freshmen students Ryan Kotora, Jacob Matousek, Andy Ploskunak, Matt Singleton, Caitlin Hensley, and Stephanie Lubin all scored at this important meet. Additionally, Freshman Lauren Tincher became a district champ in long jump.

This informations proves the freshman class to be a talented set of track and field kids standing out from years previous, but Laura Bell reports otherwise when comparing just the long-distance runners of the freshman class.

Several new records were set this year by Freshmen Matthew Singleton, Andy Ploskunak, and Morgan Schmitt, but these are just a few stand out students. Overall, Bell explained that even though the freshman class does have several standout runners, she feels there have been other grades which have stood out more as a full class.

Bell includes the current senior class, soon alumni, in this comparison as she continued to show how the girls’ team proved to be have more record setters from their beginning.

The swim team, on the other hand, includes both of these views. Freshman Olivia Pisano has set two new records this year with one in the 100 fly event at 59.97; And another in the 100 back event at 59.16.

Amanda Marlow, the swim team head coach, reports, “This freshman groups has a few who show they are willing to work for success. Olivia Pisano, Maeve Russell, Connor Zamary, Jacob Good, and Jon Hybil. But the whole freshman class also shows a lot of drive and I’m excited to see all the things that they will do in four years!”

She continues to compare this class of freshman to that of her 2017-2018 year (these students were seniors last year). So although Marlow states that the freshman class one of achievement, she still doesn’t see them above all other grades.

From all this information, it can be viewed that the freshman class may very well be just like any other freshman class. Yes, they have standout students who should be recognized, but that doesn't make them the best class of athletes that we’ve seen so far. Despite all this, Aurora should still keep an eye open on these up and coming sopohmores and what they may do with the rest of their high school careers.