Rockets celebrate successful winter sports season

Parents, coaches, and student athletes gathered on Tuesday, March 12 to celebrate the 148 athletes and 17 seniors who competed in the exciting and successful winter sports season. 

During the Winter Sports Awards program, Athletic Director Drew Schmidt recognized the accomplishments of teams and individuals, applauded the spirit of the Launch Pad and Rocket fans, and thanked the seniors for four-year commitments to their school and their sport. 

“The advancement of our programs this season really embraced the true meaning and the path we are currently on here at McNick, finding our brilliance while being Bonded Together for the growth of our community.”  

Mr. Schmidt also honored the nominees for the Bonded Together Award. This award recognizes student athletes who fit the following criteria: 

• are exemplary teammates who care for academic success, progress, and integrity 

• elicit pride at school events 

• go above and beyond what is anticipated in their sport 

• respect their peers and community members in a genuine manner 

• provide service to the school and to the community 

• support the sisterhood and brotherhood that make McNicholas so special 

The nominees were senior Joey Thomas for basketball, junior Jordan Wheatley for basketball, senior Remington Holder for bowling, junior Katie Noble for bowling, junior Julia Cheek for cheerleading, sophomore Abby Perry for dance, senior Audrey Hurlburt for swimming, and freshman Ryan Koch for wrestling.  

Congratulations to Audrey Hurlburt and Joey Thomas who won the award.  

Mr. Schmidt also highlighted each team with a 2023-24 Winter Sports Recap:  

Cheer 

Our cheerleaders continued to find fresh and exciting ways to energize the Launch Pad with new signs and cheers this season. They also supported the Dance Team in collaborative halftime performances as they made their return for the first time in over four years. Their commitment and dedication elevated the atmosphere at basketball games and supported our Rocket spirit of being Bonded Together!   

Wrestling 

Just two seasons ago, the team was made up of one wrestler and this year they were up to nine. As the team continued to grow, so did their success. Eight wrestlers placed at the GCL Championship, four placed at Sectionals, and sophomores Max Monahan and Solomon Snyder finished their seasons at the District Championships for the second season in a row!   

Boys Bowling 

The varsity team followed last year’s successful season matching a double-digit win total of 12! After falling one win shy of the GCL Coed League title, the Rockets had a successful postseason where they placed 5th at the Sectional Championship and in the top-18 at the District Championship for all Southwest Ohio’s region. Junior Hayden Shelly came up a couple of rolls shy from bowling a 300 while senior Brady Blum led the boys to win the GCL tournament and advance to Districts.   

Girls Bowling 

The varsity team had the most successful season in over ten years, and arguably the best season in program history. The Rockets won ten matches this season, on their way to claiming the GCL Coed League Championship for the first time ever! They advanced to the District Championship for the second time in school history and had their best finish yet in the state tournament! Seniors Avery Elliott, Emily Burger, and Lucy Timko led the girls to their first league title and second district championship appearance in program history.   

Boys Basketball 

Boys Basketball had a 9-4 start to their season and defeated top-5 Covington Catholic. Their resilience after facing injuries and sickness in late January pushed them through the rest of their season. Rockets defeated the Taft Senators at the District Championship game, redeeming themselves from last year. The team won three tournament games and finished their season in Dayton falling to Alter in a close game. The JV team finished 9-13 and freshmen finished 10-11.  

Girls Basketball 

The girls basketball team had the best record in ten seasons, winning 15 games and advancing to the District Championship for the first time in five seasons. They also had a freshman team for the first time in over seven seasons. JV went 9-1 in GCL play, finished 15-6, and won the JV league title. We can’t wait to see what this growing team does next year!   

Swimming & Diving 

The Rockets had the most successful season, collectively, in over four years. Several records were broken, both individually and as relay teams this season. Swimming and diving had a substantial growth in numbers- they went from eight swimmers last year to 20 this season. Four swimmers advanced to the District Championships as relay teams and individuals. Sophomore Emma Rosenbaum advanced to the state championships for the second year in a row, finishing 6th in the 100 Fly and 8th in the 500 Free.   

Dance 

The dance team returned to McNick for the first time in over four years! The five dancers that committed to relaunching this program performed at every halftime of the boys basketball games. The team also collaborated with the cheerleaders in some fun and exciting routines.