The boys’ and girls’ cross country teams are continuing a tradition of excellence this season, with the boys sporting a 5-0 record and the girls a 4-0 record. For coach Joe Schroeder’s Vineyard team, this year’s impressive run is just the latest in a recent string of dominance.
Last Thursday, both the boys’ and girls’ teams overwhelmed Bishop Connolly in Fall River, each winning the top five slots. Megan Dreyer took first for the girls and Robbie Osmers led the boys.
Unlike the world of professional sports, the concept of a dynasty is not often associated with high school athletics. Because students filter through the system every four years, the success of any high school team changes from year to year as players graduate and underclassmen move up take their place.
When taken out of context, listening to Gustavo Simoes talk about football can be quite confusing.
"I played football all the time as a kid in Brazil," the high school senior and Vineyarders center said after practice Monday. "And I had seen football on TV, too, but I never played it until I came here."
Put in context, the confusion is easily sorted out.
Like teams staking out turf on the ballfield, nearly 30 students, coaches, parents and school administrators this week debated the merits and weaknesses of a proposed zero-tolerance policy for high school athletes caught using drugs, alcohol or tobacco.
Victory on the Ice
Aiden Conley with a shot on goal early.
Aiden Conley with a shot on goal early.
Liam Conley with the puck behind the net.
Liam Conley with the puck behind the net.
Hunter Johnson breaking through defenders.
Hunter Johnson breaking through defenders.
Hunter Johnson with a strong shot.
Hunter Johnson with a strong shot.
The bench watches on eagerly.
The bench watches on eagerly.
The home crowd celebrates another goal.
The home crowd celebrates another goal.
Aiden Conley eyeing the goal.
Aiden Conley eyeing the goal.
Flipping in an easy one.
Flipping in an easy one.
Time to celebrate.
Time to celebrate.
Congratulating a teammate.
Congratulating a teammate.
High-fives down the line.
High-fives down the line.
Ben Kokoszka making a move.
Ben Kokoszka making a move.
Liam Conley battling it out.
Liam Conley battling it out.
Hunter Johnson nearing the goal.
Hunter Johnson nearing the goal.
Sweet victory.
Sweet victory.
Boys varsity hockey team breezes through the first round of the playoffs against the Greenfield Green Wave.
Spring High School Sports In Full Swing
A Vineyard athlete clears a hurdle.
A Vineyard athlete clears a hurdle.
MVRHS Lacrosse players play defense.
MVRHS Lacrosse players play defense.
Carrying the baton forward.
Carrying the baton forward.
Going for the goal.
Going for the goal.
Vineyard track athlete leading the pack.
Vineyard track athlete leading the pack.
Team unity for MVRHS boys lacrosse team.
Team unity for MVRHS boys lacrosse team.
Chasing the ball.
Chasing the ball.
Vineyard athlete giving it his all against a Dennis-Yarmouth athlete.
Vineyard athlete giving it his all against a Dennis-Yarmouth athlete.
A shot on goal for the Vineyard.
A shot on goal for the Vineyard.
On your marks...set...go!
On your marks...set...go!
Ready for a pass.
Ready for a pass.
Vineyard athlete throwing the discus.
Vineyard athlete throwing the discus.
Off to a quick start.
Off to a quick start.
From the track to the tennis courts, the lacrosse fields to the baseball and softball diamonds, to the ocean waters, spring sports is firing on all cylinders.