This year at East, the student section seemed to be more present than ever at football and volleyball games, cheering loud and showing spartan pride. Although both sports had exceptional seasons, there are a few fall sports that have been under-recognized in their recent success. Many students may not be aware that the 2021 fall athletes brought home some hardware after the state championships.

October was a successful month, beginning with girls golf bringing home a Class A state runner-up, earning second by one one point.

“We had a ton of confidence going into the first day of state and it showed,” girls golf coach Jonas Christensen said. “Our whole team played very well and we were able to hold out for a runner up finish by one shot.”

Shortly after, the softball team received state runner-up.

“After making it to State last year and being happy to be there, this year the expectation was to make a run in the tournament”, said softball coach Lance Kingery. “[we made] it to the Championship game where unfortunately we were defeated.”

The same day, the boys tennis team earned the title of state champions, with both doubles teams: Kaiden Bradley/ Caden Haar and Kyle Givens/Gabriel Whiston, also winning gold. As well as many individual victories. Boys tennis had an incredible season, sending all divisions (both singles and doubles) to the state finals. They concluded with a team score of 54 points, 12 more than the Class A runner-ups, Creighton Prep.

Last but not least, Girls cross country left state with their fourth consecutive win, while the boys team finished 4th.

“All year, we all knew what the endgame goal was but we did not talk about it, we simply went about the task of improving every week and understanding how to race together,” cross country coach Brian Kabourek said. “State was a great climax to the season, both for the boys and the girls.”

In review, all four of these fall sports competed with passion throughout the season and had the ending that they deserve for their achievements, bringing more success to East High Athletics.

“There are few feelings as a Coach that are better than to see your players celebrate their success with each other,” Kingery said. “to see them reach their goals was satisfying, rewarding and most importantly, you see the passion they have for East High and their team.”