With the holiday season just around the corner, Monte Vista students are ready to ease into the cold weather and long breaks; however, for those who are planning to represent Monte Vista’s basketball, soccer, and wrestling teams, the dreaded tryouts and beginning of the new season have them hitting the court, field, and mat.
For high school basketball, players from each team compete on the court for four eight-minute quarters. Within these two-hour games, there are breaks, timeouts, fouls, and overtime periods. Being fit and mastering the fundamental skills of ball handling, shooting, passing, defense, and basketball IQ are crucial components of success during basketball tryouts.
“Getting conditioning in and working on your shot [are important for tryouts]…” said Junior Gavin McMillan. “If you come in and you’re not in shape, then it’s not really going to work.”
During three days of basketball tryouts, players are expected to be in top shape, but most importantly, coaches want to see players who are coachable and able to respond well to instructions.
“We want tough-minded kids,” emphasized Men’s Varsity Basketball Coach Nick Jones. “Kids who want to be a part of the team, kids who aren’t worried about what their Instagram account says, and kids who want to be here and be a part of Monte Vista basketball.”
For high school soccer, the typical match duration is 80 minutes, with two 40-minute halves and a 10-minute halftime. In past tryouts, the Women’s Soccer team has run the Beep Test, where players run back and forth for about 20 meters, making sure they get back to the line before the anticipated beep.
Varsity Women’s Soccer Coach Christopher Lum gives his remarks on the soccer program and what type of players coaches are looking for.
“Obviously, fitness and technical skill are a part of the process, but our program has never been purely about soccer,” said Coach Lum. “What we are looking for are kids who understand the difference between high school and club soccer, and are looking to be a part of something bigger than themselves…At the end of the day, nobody remembers how many games they won or lost, but everyone remembers how a team made them feel.”
This year, MV Women’s Soccer coaches are adding new opportunities for those interested in trying out for the team. An Instagram post from @mvwomensoccer states that they are holding “Captain practices starting next Monday, September 22nd, during 7th period,” a new installment that Coach Lum expresses his excitement for and hopes will continue in future years.
Many soccer players are preparing for tryouts in other ways as well. MV Junior, Kristin Isom, who is preparing for these tryouts herself, explains her plans before tryouts.
“I’m preparing by going to fitness and club soccer practices every week, trying to stay hydrated, and eating protein before tryouts,” said Isom. “I’m looking forward to going to the new captain’s practices!”
Although there are no cuts for MV’s wrestling team, these athletes are making sure they can perform at their best during their intense six-minute matches. During the off-season, many aspiring wrestlers hit the gym, focus on cutting weight, improving their nutrition, and staying as hydrated as possible.
“Around this time, we start dieting, water loading, and getting ready for the season,” said Junior Alex Taylor, a MV wrestler. “It’s a lot of mental stuff.”
While many new athletes are feeling nervous about the upcoming season, Coach Lum provides important advice to these young athletes.
“My advice to any younger players is to try to be around some of the older kids as much as possible,” said Coach Lum. “They have more to offer in terms of perspective and advice than we do as adults.”
Whether you’re getting ready to load up on cookies and milk or carbs and protein, this year, MV athletes are ready to take on this winter season.
