By: Molly Fern ’23 \

Spring is in the air and spring sports at Bethel High School are off to a great start.  

     Boys lacrosse has new coaches; head coach Mr. Chris Collision and assistant coaches Mr. Austin Hall, Mr. George Rohonczy and Mr. Addison Conway. 

     The team is led by senior captains Nolan Flynn ‘22 and Patrick Alvord ‘22.

      “With our new coaches, I expect us to match and exceed where we placed last year. I hope we can make it back to states with the determination and skills needed to win. I know we can do it and I’m excited to see another great year of lacrosse,” said Flynn ‘22. 

     Patrick Alvord shares Flynn’s vision

     “I’m super pumped to see how the season unfolds. The team has made enormous improvements with skills and game IQ. We’re ready to steamroll our opponents and win a chip!” Alvord added. 

     The team had a huge 18-2 win over Danbury. 

     The baseball team is currently 1-1 having defeated Weston for its first win 4-2.  

     Mr. Ray Turek is the head coach of the varsity baseball team. Baseball has a varsity, JV and freshman team. The team is looking well this season. 

      “We have strong team chemistry on all of the teams and I have much confidence in our team. We are hoping for a great season, explained starting varsity catcher Cooper Fesh ‘23. 

     The Lady Wildcats softball team started off the season strong and is 2-0 with wins over both Abbott Tech and Weston. The team is coached by Mr. Nate Wilda, as of now, captains have not been named. 

     “I believe we have a lot of potential for this year’s season and that we need to keep up the hard work and give it our all,” said varsity shortstop, Ashley Ehret ‘24. 

     The girls lacrosse team this year is led by captain Brooke Lacey ‘22, Ruby Ackerman ‘22 and Giuilana Dimeglio ‘22.  Ms. Olivia Franzese is head coach. 

     Brooke Lacey scored her 100th high school goal in the game against Stratford/Bunnell and is going on to play D1 lacrosse in college. 

     “The Bethel girls lacrosse team has high hopes and expectations for this season. Our goal this year is to make both post-season tournaments (states and SWCs). With our talent, I know we will definitely be able to achieve that. We have strong underclassmen and experienced upperclassmen. Everyone has an important role and is buying in. I am excited to see the growth we make this season,” Lacey ‘22 said. 

      They had huge wins over both Danbury and Immaculate to kick off their season and are currently 2-1. 

     The Lady Wildcats tennis team kicked off their season with a huge 6-1 win over Danbury.  

     This year’s team is led by captains Maria DeMata ‘22, Jordyn Rivera ‘22 and Molly Fern ‘23 and looks to be a very strong team. 

     “ It has been really great to be able for all of us to be back together and playing this year. I really hope this season is fun for everyone and that we all play our best!” explained DeMata ‘22. 

      Coach Erin Tegmier said the girls tennis team is looking strong this year. 

    “ The different variety of skill strengths within our singles and doubles lineup allows for us to have the competitive depth to the team. On top of the skills we also have an amazing sense of team unity to help support us through the season. My captains, Maria DaMata, Jordyn Rivera and Molly Fern help lead the way in dedication and hard work to make sure we all give the best of ourselves on and off the court. I am looking forward to a successful season,” Tegmier added. 

     The boys tennis team is coached by Mr. Nate Rinas and led by captains Lucas Binder ‘22 and Daniel Macchia ‘22.

      “The 2022 boys tennis team is returning four starters from last year.The Wildcats are looking forward to a competitive season,” Rinas said. 

     The girls and boys outdoor track teams look to kick off their season in mid-April.   

      “The Bethel boys track team is looking truly spectacular this year. We are all working hard at practice and with that, I truly think we can bring home an SWC Championship. With this being me and my fellow seniors last year on the Bethel track team. We want to make sure to leave our mark and especially beat out our rivals Weston and New Milford,” explained Noah Burns-Demelo ‘22. 

     Lorenzo Almonte ‘22 joined the track and field team for his senior year. He explained thathe ran cross country with Coach Grimes who told him he would make a good thrower. He is excited for his debut this year. 

     “We have a very impressive team this year, the state title is looking good to us. This past winter season we had five girls make All-State, which is one of the first times that has been done. With our strong team we have very high hopes for a successful season,: added Rosie Volpintesta ‘23. 

     Perri England ‘22, Abby Coreard ‘22, Ava Graham ‘22 and Kayleigh Cooke ‘22 are the captains of the girls team. 

     Be sure to get outside this spring and support all of our teams.  You can follow their individual Instagram pages for fun updates as well as the btl bricksquad instagram.  Also be sure to follow BethelSports Twitter for updates as well. Good luck to all of our BHS Athletes!