With the weather warming up and students counting down the days until summer, the spring sports season at Orono High School is coming to an end. Eight different teams all started their season with optimism and some of them look like they will contend for a section title. The others will do their best to finish the season strong and hopefully gain confidence into next year.
Boys Baseball
The Spartans are in an unusual position. Usually contending for the Wright County Conference championship, the boys record stands at 0-13. The record doesn’t tell the whole story. The boys have lost four games by one run. They can’t get over that hump that will make their record more respectable. “We’ve lost a lot of close games that if we got one more hit or got one more out we could have won. We’re still having a great time,” senior catcher Logan Kinsel said. The team competes in a section that feature some of the biggest schools in the state in terms of enrollment. Some good news though, is that the Spartans will go down a class for the next season.
Boys Lacrosse
The boys lacrosse team started off the season hot to open the year. They beat the likes of St. Louis Park, Delano, Hutchinson and Buffalo. However, they went through a tough stretch losing to Chanhassen, Robbinsdale Armstrong, Blake and White Bear Lake. According to Mnlaxhub, junior Blake Leischow is the team leader in points with 28 as of May 11. The Spartans end the season against Rochester Mayo on May 22. Orono’s last game at home is against the Breck Mustangs.
Girls Lacrosse
The girls lacrosse team sits at an impressive 4-2 to start the season with six games remaining on their schedule. Orono has gotten off to a hot start thanks to senior Katherine Fraser leading the team in goals. The girls conclude the 2015 season with three games at home. The girls open section play on Saturday May 30 at 12 so fans are needed!
Girls Softball
The girls softball team is off to a rough start for their standards. After making it to state the past two years, the girls find themselves with a record of 8-7. Orono ends the season against Holy Family on May 14. This will be a great test before sections.
Boys and Girls Track
The boys and girls teams are off to a great start to open the season. At the recent True Team meet, Orono finished in second place. The Spartans have also had some runners set a new record. The conference meet is on May 12.
Girls Golf
The girls golf team is having a great season so far. They have been led by the senior captain play of all-conference members Haley Sawatzke and Renae Larson. “Our season has gone pretty well, we have gotten top three finishes in most of the conference matches so we’re doing great,” junior Alex Rusciano said. The girls have to compete with powerhouse Trojans of New Prague. Orono is finishing their season in hopes of making it to state. They start their section run for the week of May 25th.
Boys Golf
The boys golf team is doing an excellent job to start the season. Led by Trip Renard, the team is competing for a conference championship. Orono opens section play soon and will be a force. Wayzata is the team everyone is looking to beat during sections.
Boys Tennis
The boys tennis team won the Wright County Conference title for a second consecutive year. They are led by senior Nick Weins and junior Tucker Gilbertson. Sections will start soon for a chance for the team to go to state. Orono ended up losing to Shakopee in sections but still had a fantastic season!
