It’s an understatement to say that it’s been a fun season of fall sports so far. This season is always action packed, with a total of eight different teams competing, the most of the three sports seasons. As seasons are coming to a close, we’re taking a look back at every team’s success and their greatest moments they’ve had this year.
Boys Soccer (Varsity: 6-9-1, JV: 6-5-1, Conference: 5th)
Kicking things off with the boys’ soccer team, they finished the year on October 2nd, falling short to Kokomo in a 1-2 sectionals loss. It was an up and down season for the Tigers, outscoring opponents by 29 in wins, but being outscored by 35 in losses. One of the most memorable wins for the Tigers this year came on senior night against North Montgomery, winning 5-0.
Off the field, the boys made many memories, too. When talking about his favorite memories, sophomore Daniel Richards said: “When Cisco got in my car and stunk it up cause he smelt so bad.”
Girls Soccer (Varsity: 8-9, JV: –, Conference: 5th)
Over on the girls’ side, their season wrapped up October 6th, when they lost to 20th ranked Bishop Chatard in the first round of sectionals, 8-1.
A large controversy brewed mid-season for the team, when they were told that four of their games had to be forfeited. This was as a result of a transfer student who played for Lebanon not having her IHSAA transfer form completed, while participating in games. Athletic Director Phil Levine said this on behalf of him and the coaches: “The coaches and I take full responsibility for not catching the transfer and completing the required process with the IHSAA.” He also said: “In addition, please understand this is by no means the fault of the student athlete or her family.” Without the forfeits, the girls would’ve finished the season 12-5 and third in conference.
Despite the setbacks, the lady Tigers still had a rebound year from their last. Winning two more games (six more without forfeits) than the previous year. Sophomore Madi Platt said: “The goal we had was to not get mercy ruled, and we reached it.” The mercy rule for soccer is when the leading team is winning by nine, the game ends early.
Boys Tennis (Varsity: 19-4, JV: –, Conference: 1st)
The boys’ tennis team recently wrapped up their season. The Tigers finished a top the conference while winning 80% of their matches. To cap off their postseason, the boys advanced all the way past the first two rounds in the sectional tournament, but fell short to Crawfordsville in the final.
Reflecting on the season, senior David Garcia said: “We did really good, we almost won sectionals, but couldn’t push it out in the end, but we did amazing.”
Double partners Reece Guyman and Jack Ferrell won their match at sectionals, advancing out as individuals. They’ll be competing against a TBD opponent in regionals on October 14th.
Volleyball (Varsity: 8-18, JV: –, Conference: 4th)
The volleyball team started the season off slow, with five straight losses. Since then, they’ve rebounded, finishing with eight wins and fourth in conference play. One of the biggest goals this season for the girls was to beat Western Boone, but unfortunately fell short to the conference champions by just one set in their closest game of the year.
The team had fun off the court, too. Junior Alli Albea said the girls enjoyed going to Sydney’s house before every game.
The Lady Tigers are preparing for their first round of sectional play, which starts on October 14th vs. Monrovia.
Boys Cross Country (Varsity: 1st, 1st, 15th, 1st, 11th, 2nd, 16th, 18th, 2nd, JV: –, Conference: 2nd)
The boys’ cross country team had adversity to overcome this year: twelve seniors gone from last year’s team and no incoming freshmen runners. Despite the losses, the Tigers kept their heads held high and hit the ground running to start the year, winning a few meets early on.
Since then, it’s been all preparation for conference. The runners competed in the conference championship meet on September 30th at Danville, resulting in a second place finish for the Tigers. Three boys all ran season bests and were honored with first team all-conference: Marshall Royal (Jr), Aydan Wetter (Sr), and Dylan Krehely (Sr).
Senior Aydan Wetter commented on how the boys have bonded outside of running during the season: “Being out with the team having a good time, really getting to know the team on a level outside of cross country.”
The Tigers will run in sectionals on October 14th at Noblesville.
Girls Cross Country (Varsity: 1st, 1st, 12th, 3rd, 6th, 1st, 19th, 16th, 1st, JV: –, Conference: 1st)
The Lady Tiger runners had their fair share of four victories throughout the season. One of them, coming a few weekends ago at conference. The girls won the meet by almost half the points of the second place team, Western Boone. The victory made back-to-back conference championships for the girls.
Four Lebanon runners achieved first team all-conference: Penny Lamerson (So), Nadia Jones (Sr), Sophie Kyker (Fr), and Sarah Keith (Sr). Despite the performances at conference, the Lady Tigers have shown no signs of stopping, as they prepare for sectionals at Noblesville later this season.
Even with the first place finishes on the course, the girls found even more fun off of it. Sophomore runner Penny Lamerson said one of her favorite memories from the season came when her and some of the girl runners had a lake trip after the Eagle Classic meet in Brown County.
The Lady Tigers will also be competing in sectionals at Noblesville on October 14th.
Boys Football (Varsity: 4-4, JV: –, Freshmen: –, Conference: 3rd)
The Tiger football team’s been fighting back this season. After an 0-3 start, they’ve won four of their last five and outscored opponents 181-84 during the period.
The boys have enjoyed playing this year ever since it started. Senior Stevie McClury said some of his favorite memories were made all the way back during the Wabash Summer Camp.
The team looks to finish strong in their final game of the season at Western Boone on October 13th. The rival Stars are currently 5th in conference, but are no easy task as the boys look to get revenge on them from last year’s loss. The Tigers currently sit third in conference play, but with a win on Friday to end off the season, they could finish second.
Their sectional draw was recently revealed to be Crispus Attucks High School, who they’ll take on at the start of the postseason.
Girls Golf (Varsity: –, JV: –, Conference: 1st)
The Girls golf team’s season came to a close on September 19th, in the sectional tournament at Pebble Brook Golf Club. The girls won conference this year, adding another title to the four-year streak of conference championships for the Lady Tigers. Four golfers achieved first team all-conference, those being: Audrey Patterson (Sr), Masin Cassis (Sr), Lucie Cassis (So), and Kate Williams (Sr).
Senior night, held at Ulen Country Club, was a big night for the Tigers with five seniors honored. Senior Emma Hornbecker finished her last home match on top, winning medalist with a 39.
Senior Audrey Patterson said one of the team’s biggest goals heading into the year was to win conference, which they achieved on September 9th at Crawfordsville Country Club. Patterson had an impressive year, advancing to regionals as an individual.
The fall sports season was certainly exciting, but as seasons come to a close it’s good to look back at all the accomplishments and memories. Many athletes are already looking forward and preparing for upcoming winter and spring sports, or whatever else lies ahead, but they certainly won’t forget all they’ve achieved this fall sports season.