Winter Sports preview

Boys Basketball

Coach: Jeff Newby
Last season's record: 20-4

The boys' basketball team, despite losing all five starters to graduation, is expected to equal or surpass last year's impressive season record. Success for the team this year rests on the academic eligibility of Blair's potential athletes. A number of contributors last year were lost due to ineligibility. "We have a lot of talent," Newby said. "It just depends on how [the boys] come together."

Girls Basketball

Coach: William Lindsey
Last season's record: 9-13

The girls have a squad that is quite similar to last year's. Returning seniors Lara Dean and Jen Sindall, along with juniors Emily Ramsay and Caroline Kuttner, will compose four of the starting five. Senior Colby Chapman and juniors McKenzie Robinson and Alison Swales will contend for the fifth spot. A challenging schedule looms ahead for the Blazers, but Lindsey, who surpassed the 300 career win mark as a coach last year, has faith in his team.

Wrestling

Coach: Jake Scott
Last season's record: 11-2

Blair has established its reputation as a powerhouse in wrestling, placing fourth in Regionals last year. Junior Austin Madert is expected to generate points in the 103-pound weight class, as is junior Scott Nguyen in the 113-pound weight class. Junior Hansel Cedeno, who surprised the county last year with his strength in the 171-pound weight class, will also be an essential weapon in Blair's arsenal. Scott expects success from senior Jacob Johnston and junior heavyweight Herbert Morsha-Taylor.

Swimming

Coach: David Swaney
Last season's record: Boys 5-1, Girls 1-5

Because of last year's success in the second division, Blair's swimmers have been bumped up to division one. The boys' team finished atop Division II and second in the county. The Blazers also placed eighth in the Metro Area Championships. Seniors Ian MacKinnon and David Madej are expected to step up this season and play a major role in maintaining Blair's success.

The girls will have to fight to stay afloat in the highly competitive first division after finishing sixth of seven teams in Division II last year. Junior Abby Graber and senior Leah Cowdrey will need to motivate their team to improve last year's dismal record.

Indoor Track

Coach: Elaine Murray
Last season's record: 0-4

Blair's indoor track team has endured more than its share of losses over the past few seasons, but Murray believes that there is no problem with the current rebuilding process. The girls have returning junior Jasmine Peterson, and Murray expects a strong freshman class to generate some points. Senior sprinter Cedrick Mack will be essential to the success of the boys this season.