This winter season has been full of growth, excitement, and positive momentum across our programs. Let’s take a look at how Roosevelt’s winter sports teams are doing this season.
After their historic runs for state the past two years, Roosevelt’s Boys Basketball team is going into a season full of support from the community and excitement for what’s to come. The athletes are competing hard, showing strong teamwork, and continuing to put in the work each week. There is a real sense of belief and purpose within the program, and it has been great to see the players support one another and push toward their goals. It is safe to say North Portland’s community is excited for what’s to come.
Girls Basketball also has a new coach leading the program this year, Terrence Readus, and they have been doing an amazing job building relationships, establishing expectations, and creating a positive environment for the players. The girls continue to work hard, develop as a team, and represent Roosevelt with pride on and off the court. Senior Night will be on February 24th at the game against Lincoln High School, where you can come help recognize the three graduating seniors. Coach Readus says, “It’s difficult to single out just a few players because every player on our team has had an impact on our program and on me as a coach. We truly have a special group. It starts with our seniors, Carolina Alonso, Nevaeh Landrum, and Cheree Brandt; who have set the tone with their leadership and fortitude. Samie Stolpe has really come on strong as the season has gone on and has been impactful for us, and our talented sophomore group, led by Beatrice Dearborn, is full of potential. The best is still ahead for that group.”
Our Wrestling program reached a major milestone by hosting their first tournament at Roosevelt since the school remodel on January 17th. It was a fantastic event that brought great energy into the building and gave our student athletes the chance to compete at home in front of their community. The team has been working extremely hard, and this was a proud moment for the entire program. Connor Hutchenson is a senior with a 94-32 career, approaching 100 career wins and ranked 2nd in 6A in the state with 2 tournament wins this season. Mateo Maziragos is a senior this year, with a 99-33 career, approaching 100 career wins and ranked 3rd in 6A in the state with 2 tournament wins this season. Nizeal Orduna-Torres is a junior this year who has won 3 tournaments this year, is currently ranked 2nd in 6A/5A and is approaching 80 career wins, with a 75-24 career. Emony Greely and a Junior with a 82-21 career and currently approaching 90 career wins. She is ranked 1st in 6A/5A, and has won four tournaments including being a Dallas Tournament of Champs Champion.
We welcomed a new coach to our Swim Program this season, Ashley Joe, and the transition has brought a renewed energy and sense of connection for our swimmers. Ashley Joe says the team’s group of student-athletes are tighter than ever before. They are very supportive and inclusive, and the team continues to show strong commitment and growth.” Ashley would like to highlight Junior Captain, Cadence Leonard for his hard work this season. Cadence is a daring and dedicated athlete. He is one of the swimmers who doesn’t need me to push him to try new events; he is intrinsically motivated, pushes himself, and willingly tests his boundaries. This season, Cadence has swam 11 out of the 14 of the different races, ranging from sprint to long distance and any 4 strokes or all of them at once. He is truly an all-arounder and has surprisingly found his stride in our longest event, the 500yd free. Last meet, he dropped 40 seconds off his 500yd free PR, unheard of at his level. It’s truly remarkable growth and I am super impressed by his performance in the pool. Out of the pool, his compassion, responsibility, thoughtfulness, positivity, and hardworking nature make him an excellent teammate and captain.” Willie Williams, Roosevelt’s [former] Athletic Director says, “it has been great to see our student athletes improving in skill, confidence, and team culture.”
Cheer has a solid set of cheerleaders new to the team this season. This year they have the biggest group of seniors that they have ever had and the coaches are sad to see them all go. They’re working on new battle cheers and competition routines, led by Varsity Coach, Rakiyah Perry, who says she is proud of the cheer team for “Just continuing to show up and show out! Performing at games and competing in competitions and of course, battling!” The Cheer Team’s senior night will be during the last men’s basketball home game of the season. Come show up and show out to support this year’s seniors!
A statement from Roosevelt’s [former] Athletic Director, Willie Williams: “Overall, I am incredibly proud of our student athletes, coaches, and community. Roosevelt continues to be a place where students grow not just in sport, but as young leaders and teammates and it has been a privilege to be part of that journey. I also want to share that I am transitioning from the Athletic Director role. While this is a bittersweet change, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve the Roosevelt community both as a teacher and as an administrator. Roosevelt will always hold a special place in my heart, and it has truly been a privilege to support our students, families, and staff over the years.”
Thank you Coach Willie for your dedication to our student athletes and sports programs.
