Winter sports wrap up, spring season underway

As the winter season of 2018-2019 came to an end, St. Martin’s Episcopal School’s athletics reflected on the wins and losses that came this year and all of the dedication and hard work each athlete contributed to help the teams excel.

“On our team, every player is included, like a family,” said Freshman Kylar Coleman, regarding her teammates on the girls’ basketball team. “No matter what five are on the court, it doesn’t matter because we all work together to do our best. I think that’s how all athletics should be treated.”

On Jan. 16, the tiny but mighty indoor track team traveled to Louisiana State University for the LHSAA Indoor Track State Championships. With only three St. Martin’s competitors, Senior Benjamin Bone, Senior Samuel Kellum, and Sophomore Isabella Bartholomew, the team fared well in the long eight-hour meet.

“Our indoor track team was limited in numbers this year but continued to perform very strongly,” Bone said.

The team was initially larger but suffered losses due to the injuries of Seniors Rico Coleman and Anabella Imbornone. Nevertheless, the team prevailed and competed well at the state meet. Bone placed first, becoming the 2019 state champion in the 1600-meter, with a new personal record of four minutes and 32 seconds. Kellum also placed first, becoming the state champion in the 3200-meter with a time of 10 minutes and 11 seconds.

Bartholomew placed 10th in state for both the 1600-meter and the 3200-meter, an impressive feat, especially for a sophomore.

“This season was very competitive with a lot of runners running very fast times,” Bone said. “I am very happy with how we ended our last high school indoor track season. We pushed ourselves every day in practice and all the hard work we put in was definitely worth it. I know many of our runners are looking forward to continuing to lower their times during the outdoor season and maybe even setting a few school records.”

The boys’ basketball team did not have the same sense of confidence but still looked on the season with a positive attitude.

“I think basketball was kind of challenging this year,” said Senior Griff Thomas. “We lost four very good seniors coming into this year, and we all knew that we had to step up our game. It was a good experience, and I think our team chemistry grew throughout the year.”

The boys plan to take the things they learned from this season and use them next year to make an even better season, particularly since they’ll have a large number of senior boys playing next year.

The girls’ basketball team, however, experienced a much different kind of season.

“The season has gone pretty well so far, and I’m pretty satisfied with how we played,” Coleman said. “There were a couple games that were winnable and were extremely close games that we unfortunately were defeated in, but overall, I’m happy with how it’s been. I’m kind of sad it’s coming to an end though.”

As Senior Gabby Killett prepares to leave the team, she reflects on the progression of the girls’ team and notes that she’s prepared her younger teammates, such as Coleman, to continue their hard work.

“This year, we’re No. 10 in our division, and it’s exciting to be able to play in the playoffs,” Killett said. “I’m really thankful to be able to be a part of my team, and it’s exciting that we’ve made such great progress, especially since the program has changed so much from my initial participation.”

As the winter sports season closes, the spring sports season of 2019 is already upon the community.

The baseball team has a new coach in town, and he’s already familiar with the St. Martin’s community: Head Baseball Coach and Athletic Director Frank Gendusa. The softball team, which is under the same coaching staff as last year, is hopeful for a great season.

“I’m really excited this year, especially because (Junior) Malorie (Saucier) and I will be captains,” said Junior Lindsey LaForge. “This is my first captain experience, so it will be fun. Also we have a very young team, so it will be fun seeing how we do.”