The delayed fall season

Mia Ferraro
CHS Class of 22

(4/2021) Immediately following the pre-season of February 13th through March 4th, the long-awaited season of Catoctin High School fall sports has begun. The season started on March 5th and will conclude on April 17th when spring sports commence. After many unprecedented events and conditions due to the pandemic, our athletes, coaches, and community alike have remained patient and cooperative for nearly six months. Though this season is quite shorter than usual, the teams are optimistic and prepared nonetheless.

Catoctin’s varsity football team has started this season off on a high note with a victory of 41-20 at their first game, March 19th, against Governor Thomas Johnson High School. Although delayed, the team expects another successful season this year, sending off several seniors onto their next chapter of their athletic career. "Officially today, my senior season starts. It’s not the way I wanted it to go but still grateful to be having one," senior running back Carson Sickeri expressed on Twitter on the first official day of fall sports. Sickeri and his teammate, senior quarterback Ryan Orr, have both committed to furthering their academic studies and football careers at Division II Clarion University of Pennsylvania. "A huge thank you to everyone at Catoctin High School for giving me the opportunity to succeed on and off the field," Orr’s Twitter announcement of commitment to the university reads. The two are sure to make a promising addition to Clarion’s Golden Eagles football team, especially after greatly contributing to the Cougars’ state championship victory last fall season.

After an incident at a scrimmage on March 5th resulting in a serious head injury, the Frederick County community rallied behind junior varsity football lineman Colan Droneburg during his recovery. Droneburg was immediately given medical attention upon suffering the injury and was quickly airlifted to University of Maryland Shock Trauma, where he was diagnosed with substantial bleeding on the brain and a severe concussion. A GoFundMe account was created the next day and has raised over $28,000, significantly exceeding the goal of $15,000. At this time, Droneburg is up and moving, and attending physical therapy. The Droneburg family and the Frederick community is very hopeful for his recovery ahead.

Catoctin’s junior varsity football team looks forward to the season ahead after kicking it off with two victories. The team won their first game on March 13th, with a strong come from behind. The team scored 15-14 against Frederick High School, holding their opponents without a chance to score over the rest of the three quarters. They then dominated their next game on March 20th against Governor Thomas Johnson High School with a score of 20-0, supported particularly by their strong defense. The team expects to build on this momentum throughout the rest of the season, with their next game scheduled for March 31st. The team is quite experienced, as most of the players have played youth football at the Catoctin Youth Association and are familiar with the high school football system.

The team also welcomed sophomore Krystal Lane this year, making her the first female football player in CHS history. Lane was immediately accepted by the rest of the team, and is widelysupported by the Frederick County community. Unfortunately, Lane was starting the season when she was injured, causing her to have to sit out for the remainder of games. Coach McCallion hopes to see her return next season.

At the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, the Catoctin unified tennis team welcomed three members participating in the five week conditioning sessions. With three more members joining in February, the team of six was able to play doubles. Junior Destiny Weisgerber has returned for another year as team captain, partnered with sophomore Ana Morlier. "With much discernment, she gives practical tips and techniques to improve individual performance," unified tennis coach Charmane Nesbitt expressed. New to the team this year is sophomore Dallas Hassel, partnered with sophomore Ava Morlier on the court. "This dynamic duo is quick, smart, and a relentless force of power," Nesbitt stated. Also new to the team is freshman Jonny Wastler. "Partnered with sophomore Siddah Robbins, he is acquiring tennis skills and knowledge necessary to confidently compete," said Nesbitt. The team played against Brunswick High School and winning team Walkersville High School on March 15th, with partners Weisgerber and Ana Morlier leading the team with strong smash returns and hustling moves. Following this was a match on March 22nd against Brunswick and winning team Oakdale High School. Robbins’ precise serves won a game during the second set, along with Wastler’s backhand skills. The team looks forward to their final match on April 12th against Oakdale and Walkersville. "We remain Cougar strong even during this unprecedented year," Nesbitt expressed. "We will meet whatever challenges come our way with perseverance and purpose."

The Catoctin varsity volleyball team won 3-0 against Frederick High School at their home Senior Night match on March 23rd. Senior Chayney Barnhart had 16 kills, six digs, and one ace; senior Mee Rae Harding had 21 assists; junior Paige Romeril had 14 kills, 14 digs, and two aces; junior Paige Smith had 14 assists; and sophomore Sheridan Chaney had six digs and one ace. Barnhart, middle hitter, and Harding, setter, were congratulated and honored at this event as the two seniors of the team. "They are both doing very well and are really in sync. Mee Rae has given Chayney great sets," volleyball Coach Wesley Fream stated. He expects Barnhart to make 1st team All County this season. She is first on the team in amount of kills, followed by the other middle hitter, Romeril. The match on Senior Night was the team’s second victory of the season, after having won their previous match against Walkersville on March 16th with a score of 3-1. Barnhart had 19 kills and Mee Rae had 26 assists. Following this game was another victory of 3-0 against Middletown High School on March 25th, bringing the team to an overall record of 3-2 at this time with four scheduled matches left in the season.

This season, Frederick County Public Schools’ new policy regarding spectators during the pandemic was introduced, allowing two guests per student athlete at all athletic events. This policy acknowledges that some athletic competitions are held off-campus, and calls for the community to respect and abide by the guidelines in place of any venues or organizations hosting the events--including those that do not allow spectators. All spectators are to properly wear face coverings and socially distance at all athletic events to ensure a safe environment. Catoctin, along with all Frederick County Schools have also given the community the opportunity to watch events online by live-streaming competitions. You can find all past and current live athletic events on the Athletics page of the FCPS website.