The Roosevelt Riders have had a great spring season when it comes to sports. With lots of new players helping grow the programs and many athletes making big accomplishments. The spring season has officially ended and we are happy to share some of our memorable moments and highlights from the 2024 spring season.
After losing 9 seniors, the Roosevelt baseball program has had a rebuilding season. The upperclassmen stepped up and used their leadership skills in welcoming new players and adjusting to the new season. A couple of players we would like to highlight are Senior James Laverdure for his excellent leadership, Junior Dean Fillinger as a top-notch pitcher, and Apollo Petrarca for his hitting abilities. The team showed remarkable progress this year as they continue to rebuild. Their hard work and determination is commendable.
Softball had a rebuilding season this year as well after losing 7 seniors and facing weather delays, they persevered and finished their season strong. Without a JV team this year, the varsity team took on 13 underclassmen and a new coach. With no seniors graduating this season, the team is poised to return even stronger next year. Their cohesive unit and growing experience are promising for the future. Home runs were hit by Livi Jones, Zulaykha Armstrachan and Leslie Homan. Ruby Frish is an honorable mention as a freshman and the team’s starting right hand pitcher. They have demonstrated amazing perseverance this season and the community is proud.
The track team had an outstanding season. The girls team secured 5th place in the state meet. Individual runners achieved impressive standings, with placements of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in their events. Gaining many freshmen with the new year the program has faced a lot of growth. Upperclassmen and captains have played a big part in helping newcomers find their place in the program. At the 2024 Oregon Relays, The girls team took 6th overall and the whole team took 8th overall out of 66 competitive teams from around the country. Sophomore Aster Jones secured the top time in Oregon in the 100 and 200 meter dash. Nevaeh Landrum, Alana Munoz, Aster Jones and Ellie Heslam took home a win in the 800 meter sprint medley relay, breaking a 34-year old state record previously set by Oregon City. Ellie Heslam placed 3rd in the 400 meter sprint and Isaya Migani took 2nd in the freshman 100 meter sprint. Many runners set PRs and we are proud to have them representing Roosevelt.
Our golfers had a solid year and are eagerly looking forward to the next season with high expectations. Boys golf highlights varsity golf player, Alex Riedl. Alex is a Junior at Roosevelt and has been playing golf with us since his freshman year. He works hard, understands his swing and is the smartest in terms of the choices he makes out on the course. Golf is a tough sport that takes a lot of mental stability to understand the dynamics of the game, and Alex understands it. Alex’s coach, Anthony Roberts has no doubt that Alex will achieve his goal to play college golf and is beyond impressed with how he has handheld this season. Girls golf has a small but mighty team this year with 5 people, 3 of which being seniors. Senior Estella Wynne especially stood out this year. Estella dedicated her time to improving over the season and did her best in the varsity tournament. The girls team coach, Kathryn Sanchez, Is hoping to have a larger turnout of young ladies that want to learn to play or improve on the sport next year that will dedicate their afternoons in the later winter and spring to the team. “Golf is a lifelong sport that opens up a multitude of venues for those that learn the techniques needed to actively participate. It also opens up scholarships available to those considering the college pathway.”
The tennis teams finished the season off on a high note, showcasing excellent performance at the District level. This year’s boy’s tennis team had a significant increase in new players, An especially dedicated player is senior, Alex Carmona. He played 1 singles all 4 years of his high school career and has been a quarter finalist at districts 3 years in a row. Alex is currently having an undefeated season going 0-7. It was a building year for the girls tennis team as well with a majority of the team being first time participants of the sport. “Gloria Zawadi has been the prime example of the all star player every coach wants on their team – shows up for her teammates, works hard at improving her skills, is kind to her opponents, and all around is a joy to have. We saw significant growth in her tennis this year and look forward to what next year will bring for her.” – Nina Nguyen, Head Coach.
Roosevelts Athletic Director, Willie Williams says “I have been incredibly impressed with the performance and dedication of our student-athletes. I am immensely proud, not only for their competitive spirit on the field but also for their exemplary conduct off the field. Their dedication and hard work truly reflect the values of Roosevelt.” Here’s to this year full of accomplishments for Roosevelts Athletes. We look forward to seeing what next year has in store.
