By Jimmy Navarrete ‘23
It is crazy to think that after these last couple of weeks, I will not be returning to Brother Rice for another year of school. It is definitely a bittersweet feeling; I can’t wait to be on summer break and to be done with school, but part of me is really going to miss this place and the memories I have created.
I like to look back on my senior year splitting it up into three sections, the fall, winter, and spring time periods. I spent most of my time in the fall staying busy during the start of the new school year. Fall was filled with football games, new classes, and basketball conditioning and workouts. I was busy every day after school juggling all these things. Even though conditioning wasn’t the most fun thing in the world, I would totally want to have one more practice with the guys.
The football season was a great time, cheering on the Crusaders in the Crusader Crazies student section. It was awesome watching all my friends have a great season. Soon after football season ended, it was time for hoops.
This season was something special. We knew we had the potential to do something Rice basketball hasn’t done in a while. We finished the season with a 35-5 record, won a regional championship, and had a lot of quality wins along the way. My favorite game of the season was the Marist game. Taking them down at their place was a great feeling.
The season didn’t end the way we wanted, but I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. This was by far the best memories I have made on the hardwood. It was a terrible feeling after that Kenwood game, but I was so proud of how our team rallied together and fought through injuries. This winter season was just so fun and special.
Once basketball was over, I didn’t have much going on besides doing the usual senior festivities. Spring was a busy time for me getting ready to graduate, going to prom, and really taking advantage of my last couple months at Rice.
So, here I am writing my very last piece for Ms. Pacetti and The Standard; man this went by too fast. I remember being a freshman without a care in the world. Now I have so much to look forward to and to appreciate. During this time I have realized how good this community has been to me. I have created so many relationships that are going to last a lifetime. I was taught and preached to on how to become a leader and to strive to be exceptional in everything I do.
I can go on and on about my time here at Rice. It’s truly been a great experience. If any underclassman is reading this, I have some advice. Take advantage of your time here and focus on taking care of business, whether it’s in the classroom or on an athletic field or court. The habits you build here are going to help you out in the long run for the rest of your life. That’s all I got. Jimmy Navarrete ‘23, signing out.
