The Newark Norseman varsity baseball team kicked off their season Monday March 22nd at home against Aurora Christian. The team fell short of victory, but team morale is still high. The Norsemen have been lucky with warm dry weather, and have practiced more outside than in the past couple of years. The confidence level is high among the Norsemen, and their returning seniors are especially confident. The Norsemen have high hopes for this year after their loss in the first round of the regional last year against Gardener South Wilmington. The strength of schedule this year is intense but the Norsemen are always eager for a challenge. Ace senior Russell McGrath is really excited to play Seneca. “Last year it was a rough loss. I believe the team will bounce back and capture the win this year.” Senior Joey Jeffers has to be one of the most excited guys to start playing. He is a humble teammate and strong team leader. “ My arm feels really good this year. I am excited to take the mound and get the win for my team.” The team this year will rely on fundamental play and clutch hits. The young talent is phenomenal this year with the eleven underclassmen.
by Cody Walker & Alan Hardisty
Congratulations to our Newark Norsemen for giving all of us such a great season - for the second season in a row! We are very proud of your accomplishments and the commitment you showed to your sport and your school. A special congratulations to Coach Tollefson for leading the boys to back-to-back sectional titles. Thanks to the Newark athletes and fans for all the great memories this season!
The 2010 Newark Norsemen became just the second boys’ basketball team in Newark history to win a Sectional Championship. It just happened to be the second year in a row in which they accomplished this feat.
The Norsemen ended their season at the super-sectional. They were defeated by Lanark-Eastland with a score of 70-57. Kyle Anderson led the Norsemen with 19 points. John Avery added 13 points and 8 rebounds. Brett Anderson chipped in 11 points.
Newark accomplished many great things throughout this basketball season. This accomplishments include: Serena Thanksgiving Tournament Champions, 5th place in the Plano Christmas Classic, Regular season Little 10 Conference Champions, Little 10 Conference Tournament Champions, Regional Champions, Sectional Champions, advancing to the class 1A Elite Eight, and a 26-5 overall record.
Some individual accomplishments this season include: Jeremy Anderson and John Avery advancing to Sectionals in the 3-point shootout, Kyle Anderson and John Avery being voted onto the Little 10 All-Conference Team, Kyle Anderson and John Avery being voted onto the Serena Thanksgiving All-Tournament Team, and Kyle Anderson being voted onto the Plano Christmas Classic All-Tournament Team. The team will greatly miss our seniors: Russell McGrath, Walter Warpinski, Zac Thanepohn, and Ondrej Sulc.
The season might be over, but the Norsmen should be proud of what they accomplished this season. Keep your heads up Norsemen, and good luck in the years to come!
Submitted by: John Avery