By Emme Townsend
Another new school year means another season of fall sports with new opponents, new players, and new goals.
Girls Soccer
Last season, Delta girls’ soccer had Addie Chester. She is Indiana’s standing record holder for 59 goals in a season and holds the career record for goals scored in Indiana high school soccer (201 goals). Now that Chester has gone to the University of Louisville for soccer, the team has big shoes to fill.
Sarah Bohanon is a sophomore who is in her second season with the varsity girls soccer team. Bohanon thinks that being unable to rely on Chester has brought the team together.
“Now it’s like we are working together more as a team, which has helped us improve a lot,” Bohanon said.
Head coach Brytany Pope believes the 2023 seniors will be role models for the incoming freshmen.
“Our seniors have taken on the leadership roles by encouraging the team, providing opportunities for team bonding, and creating a fun and positive environment for all,” Pope said. “Captains Polly East and Amelia Chester get practices started, set the tone for practice, and make sure their team is stretched and properly cared for. They take great pride in their team and want the best outcome this season.”
Football
A big change is coming to Delta Eagle football. The team is going from playing in the Class 4A postseason tournament to Class 3A. Head Coach Chris Overholt is determined to be victorious against this new schedule of teams.
“We’re one of the bigger 3A teams and we’re ready,” Overholt said. “We have an experienced team and no excuses.”
The 2022-2023 Delta football team has a bigger roster due to a large incoming class of freshmen. This increase of underclassmen has made the seniors take on a strong leadership role.
“The seniors were convinced that we would be a close team and work hard for the entire season,” Overholt said. “They wanted to do the little things right. They’ve held us to that standard and it looks like it’s going to be a good year.”
The Eagles are already 2-0 in the season. Quarterback Kaiden Bond is starting for the second year on varsity.
“Our offense is better and stronger than last year,” Bond said. “I think that the team will be better and go farther in sectionals this season.”
Girls Golf
Girls’ golf is approaching their sectional match on Sept, 17, after coming second in county. Belle Brown placed second overall, Gracie Williams finished fifth, and Hollis Klinger placed ninth.
Brown has played on varsity since her freshman year. She consistently continues to lead the team in scoring. Brown has found herself in a leadership position this year and has noticed the initiative these girls are taking for a successful season.
“A lot of girls on the team worked hard in the off-season which has benefitted the team this season,” Brown said.
On the road to sectionals, the girls have a winning mindset.
Sophomore Avery Stinson is playing her second year of varsity girls golf and has noticed the determination that the players have brought so far.
“We definitely have new girls who bring their good mindsets,” Stinson said. “I think the team knows we all have to step up after losing 2022 senior Savannah Hickey.”
Boys and Girls Cross Country
Junior Nicki Southerland, placed ninth at last year’s state championship for cross country. She continually has big goals for herself and the team.
“Individually I’d like to get under 17 minutes in the 5k.” Southerland said. “I’d like to see our team win the county and the girls team to make it to the semi-state.”
Senior Clay Batio has been on the cross country team all four years of high school, though this year he is now in a senior leadership role.
“I’m not a vocal leader, so I like to lead by example,” Batio said. “If people watch to see what I’m doing, then just follow what I’m doing and you should be all right.”
Coach Mackenzie Dye Conley is hoping for a year of improvement by the team.
“I want us to improve our placing at the different meets that we’ve been to so far,” Dye Conley said. “Hopefully each group of individuals that are returning athletes improve their times and get better places at each meet.”
