Coach Criscuolo is hoping to make it all the way in Indoor Track this year, with several strong prospective athletes on his roster. Seniors Ellie Lokken, Cat Saucier, Sam Lenes and Chris Smith are expected to dominate in their events this year. Coaches predict that the team will be strong in sprints, long jump, high jump and relays. Some of the team’s biggest competitors are East Lyme, NFA and Hill House. The team has no official captains yet, as they vote to elect their own leaders at the start of the season. Indoor Track participates in 11 regular meets, then individual team members can advance for a possible four extra competitions at the end of the season.

To get involved with Indoor Track, talk to team members and coaches to figure out if it’s a good fit for you, then sign up on FamilyID. Indoor Track practices Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 4:30, and meets are some Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Anyone is welcome to join the team if they’re willing to commit to the sport.

The Lancer Fencing team is returning from an exceptional 2017-2018 season and is striving for another successful record this winter. Last year, the women’s épée team made it to states to end the season. Some of the biggest competitors for the Lancers are East Lyme and Griswold. The captains for this season are Brandon McKinney (senior), Brandon Cable (senior), Jessalyn Krinecki (senior), and Alex Cole (junior). Other key returnees are Devin Whittaker (senior), Kassidy Gallagher (senior), and Katherine Cote (junior).

The team is expecting many incoming players for this season, who are expected to guide the team to increase winning more tournaments. Some new players include Zoie Bonefas (sophomore), Jasmin Ramos (freshman), Thayden Broughten (freshman), Cory Sammataro (freshman),  Jacob Don (freshman), and Alize Gaston (freshman). The Lancer Fencing team is coached by Cathy Mason, and all are ecstatic for their first tournament against East Lyme on Saturday, December 1 at East Lyme High School.

If you’re feeling sad that Waterford’s fall sports are over, don’t be, because winter sports are in, and Wrestling is one of them. You can come and see the Lancers at their first big event on December 15, the Lancer Invitational. This tournament is held at Waterford High School. If you want to see the team earlier, go to the meet on the Wednesday before the invitational at Saint Bernards. Some returning players to watch for at these events are Logan Smith, Eric Zane, Tyler Radack, Jake Gannotti, and AJ Sachatello. Many of the coaches wrestled for Waterford in the past, like Adam Karasevicz, Zeth Nolda, and Kevin Silvestri. The coach who has been committed to the program the longest, however, is Coach Gamble. If you want to join wrestling, simply talk to any of the coaches, and make sure to come to their events!

Get ready Waterford High School! The girls basketball season is coming up, along with many other winter sports. As she prepares for her senior season, Julie Bonilla explains, “I’m really excited to play this year! It’s my last year playing at Waterford so I’m looking forward to seeing our team finish strong.” Bonilla hopes to see many supporters with some school spirit at their first game, which is home versus Bacon Academy on December 11. Senior Olivia Pacheco adds, “We have a great, young, talented, team that plays hard and strives for greatness.” The team is buzzing with excitement for another great season of girls basketball, coached by Brian Fleming.

This upcoming boy’s swimming season is promising for the Waterford Lancers. The Lancers have a newly appointed head coach this year. Coach Patrick Callan is taking the place of the previous Boy’s coach, Mr. Arnold. Callan stated: “We have a long history of some really good swimmers at Waterford, and we want to rekindle that excitement and continue to grow the Sport.” Coach Callan started assisting with the girl’s team in the Fall of 2009 and took over as an assistant coach and an assistant dive coach in 2010 for both the Girl’s and the Boy’s team. Coach Callan was also the head coach in 2013 while Coach Arnold took and break for a season.

Waterford has 12 new swimmers coming out for the team this year, and 8 of which had swam with Coach Arnold on the Middle School Swim Team. Waterford key returnees are Trey Brennan (Butterfly & Free), Dan Estrin (Fly, IM, Free), Sebastian Zegarra (200 free, 500 free), Jason Blain (Diving, Fly), Kody Dow (Diving, Breaststroke), Theodore Bourez (Free, Breaststroke) Bryce Dorunda (Free, Breaststroke), and Hunter McKinsey (Diving, Free). Jason Blain and Kody Dow both made it to class M state championships last year, making them important assets to the team. Kody scored 19th, and Jason placed 21st. “Bryce, Trey, Dan, and others all had great performances at ECC’s, and I am looking forward to their performances this year!” Coach Callan stated.

Waterford High School’s cheerleading team is preparing for its winter season with newcomers, big competitors, and new teammates. Big competitors like Wolcott, Oxford, and St. Joe’s, “have been proved hard to beat,” says Kirsten Maskell, WHS Cheerleading coach. Although point-tryouts have already been held, anyone interested in joining in the future, contect Kirsten at [email protected].

There is a strong core of seniors returning. “Our seniors, Ashley Burdsall, Brooklyn Vose, Kayla Brackett and Julia Carfi, will be sure to shine,” says Maskell. Some newcomers to the team include two freshman: Katie Cannon, and Maddie Costa. Sophomore newcomers include Jenna Caldrello, and Sofia Brunaccioni. The Waterford High School cheer team are expected to have great success for their upcoming season.

The ice hockey co-ed team, made up of students from 7 different schools, is ready to start their season with the first match on Wednesday the 12th of December. Of the 27 players, 17 are returning and 10 are new. Three from Waterford are returning for this season, them being Sean Buckley and Kyle Jacobson as juniors, as well as senior Ryan Huta. Last year the team made Division 3 states, already a record, and has just moved up to Division 2, and Coach Craig expects that the team will make the playoffs.

The team holds a strong line up of returning veterans, with seniors Ryan Huta and Trent Hughson, and juniors Kyle Jacobson, Evan Tower, and Will Cannella up front, and sophomores Devyn Jordan, Kyle Marino and junior. Jake Verbridge on defense with Rylin Fowler in Goal.

Student-athletes at Waterford High prefer for what could be another successful boys’ basketball season. Although last year’s team earned a record that is hard to top, 25-2, both the returning players and coaches are optimistic that the upcoming months will be filled with victory for the Lancers. Returning prominent players include JJ Brennan, Liam Spellman, Ryan O’Connell, Payton Sutman, and Dylan