By Colin Welniak ‘24
“You better enjoy it because it’s all gone in the blink of an eye” said every person who has gone through senior year of high school. I would usually just say “yeah, yeah” to that, but these past few weeks have really put those words into fruition.
My summer going into senior year I was getting ready for the soccer season. Every day I would wake up at 7 a.m. and go to practice for two hours. And, oh, did I hate it. For me I was just kind of there to be there. Every day, I just couldn’t stop thinking about going home after practice. Some days I would just not show up.
Going into the season I wasn’t expecting to play much, and I was going to be okay with that, but something happened that changed my senior year for the better. Our starting goalkeeper broke his hand, and I was called to take his spot a day before our first game.
At first, I wasn’t too thrilled to have all this pressure on me. I go into the first game, nervous and anxious, hoping for the worst. Instead, we won and I had one of my best games ever. The months following, I played the best I’ve ever played and led the team to a CCL championship. We sadly lost in the game to go down state
Despite the loss, this past soccer season has made me some of my best memories and friendships from high school.
Playing in the Turkey Bowl was some of the most fun I have had all senior year. At first I was skeptical about joining, but luckily my friend Matt Vucko persuaded me to play.
That was one of my best decisions all year. I had a blast playing football and hanging out with my friends. I’m glad to have a friend like Matt who always pushes me to do new things.
Something I will miss is supporting the Crusader sports teams. Since my freshman year I have been to as many games as I could. I would be at basketball games, football games, and volleyball games. I always loved the idea of having a student section and cheering on my school.
This senior year is probably the most fun I have had being a Crusader Crazy. From going to Maine South to cheer on the football team to watching the basketball team takedown Mt. Carmel, I am proud to say I am a Crusader Crazy.
My advice to the underclassmen would be to try new things. You’re only in high school once. Find things that interest you, join clubs, and make new friends. Do things like the Turkey Bowl and intramural basketball, because, in the end, you’ll be looking back wishing you did.
I can confidently say senior year has been the best year ever. I have made many new friendships, tried new things, and learned to go outside my comfort zone. I wouldn’t want to change this year for anything in the world.
