Witches Winter Sports Preview

It is time for the winter seasons to begin. Here is a brief look into what the winter Witches teams have to offer:

Head Coach: Brian Addesa (fourth season)

2009-10 record: 0-18

Coach Addesa believes this will be another rebuilding season, with some possible struggles for the team.

"We are young in goal, and very inexperienced on defense. I am hoping that we can have some fun this year and motivate others to join," he said.

The team is still dealing with low numbers, even after the inclusion of a co-op with Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School, but returning players Zack Holt and Jesse Wilkins should have a big impact on the Witches' success this season.

Head Coach: John Strom (third season)

2009-10 record: 5-3

The SHS Swimming & Diving team is coming off of its first winning season in 10 years and hopes to build on that success. Leading the Witches in the pool this year are Anastasia Ziolek and Jorge Barzola (swimming) and Richard Cole and Emma Titus (diving). The team will also look to returning points leaders Erin Gard and Julie Nguyen, who both qualified for Sectional and State Championships last season, to continue earning big wins.

"I expect to continue our new-found tradition of winning through hard work and teamsmanship and am looking forward to a great year," said Strom.

Head Coach: Adam Schroeder (fourth season)

2009-10 record: 10-11

The Salem wrestlers will aim to regain their high status that the program once held throughout Massachusetts in the coming season. Under the leadership of head coach and SHS alum, Adam Schroeder, the team will keep its focus on success.

"[Our plan] is the same as every year," said Schroeder. "We are hoping to win the NEC."

Returning to the mat this season are seniors Joey Dinh (135 lbs.) and Kyle Hardy (140 lbs.) as well as junior Adeline Cueto (130 lbs.).

Head Coach: Tom Doyle (seventh season)

2009-10 record: 19-8

The Witches are the defending Division II North Champions, coming off of a season that ended at the TD Garden, and Coach Tom Doyle hopes to repeat and improve on that success.

"Our expectations are to try and build off of last season," he said, "to qualify for the tournament and compete for the NEC Championship."

Doyle will be relying on returners Antonio Reyes, and Raphy and Dario Medrano.

Head Coach: John Fortunato (20^th season)

2009-10 record: 6-14

Coming off a tough season, the Lady Witches will look to three-year starters and Northeastern Conference All-Stars, seniors Amanda Wilkins and Jasmine Bryant.

Head Coach Fortunato also sees returning shooting guard Maria Rodriguez playing an important role this year. Fortunato's plans include staying competitive and continuing to improve throughout the season. He also hopes his team can qualify for the tournament.

Head Coach: Gary Lavoie (second season)

2009-10 records: Boys – 4-3; Girls – 2-5

Under second-year head coach Gary Lavoie, the indoor-track teams will both look to improve on last year's records. The girls will rely on Kaira Coleman (one-mile), Sara Jinks (1000m), Brandi Lavoie (600m), Khrisna Corpuz (600m and hurdles), Desiree Deleon (300m), Kasey Griffen (shot put), and captains Casey Lavoie (300m), Devyn Ryan (hurdles), and Zainab Shehad (50m).

The boys' team will need strong seasons from Austin Shea (two-mile), Danny Collins (one-mile and 1000m), Christian Guzman (300m), and captains Kyle Florence (hurdles and high-jump), Kurtis Banville (600m), and Kinnon Church (two-mile).

Head Coach: Jessica Moreira (fourth season)

2009-10 record: 1-9

"I think we are going to be a lot stronger than last year," said Moreira. "We have a couple of incoming freshman that are hopefully going to boost our team score."

Those freshmen poised to make positive impacts this season include Maya Vural, Antonia Karsiris, and Ashley Boudreau. They will be joining sophomores Jordan Maynard and last year's team MVP Becca Desrocher. Senior-captain Amy Burke is also expected to be a big part of the team's success this season.

"We are looking forward to this year and have a very positive attitude going into this season," Moreira said.