by Jill Slezek ’14

As the new year begins, a new season also starts for Williston’s athletes. New additions to our staff, changes in the academic schedule, and other factors make for a new list of what we and Mr. Conroy expect to be the highlights of Williston’s 2012 Fall Sports.

1. Ms. Pickrell, the varsity field hockey coach for 30 years, stepped down after the closing of last season. Her replacement, Logan Brown, is new to Williston this year and her great experience in field hockey at Middlebury College will be a great addition hopefully be a help to the very young team.

2. The sudden outbreak of the EEE virus caused a cancellation of all home night games, an unexpected damper on Williston school spirit. These cancellation included the annual football tailgate event. However, with a recent hard frost, Easthampton is no longer an area in danger so there have been recent night games. However, hopefully fans will continue to support just as loudly at the earlier timed games.

3. The Conca Fitness strength coaches have weekly workout times with the fall teams, which will be a great nice addition to the athletic department to the conditioning and training the athletes already do. These trainers will make sure Williston athletes are prepared to persevere through every game.

4. Junior Gia Parker has committed to Dartmouth for soccer, and will be a great addition to their team in the fall of 2014. She will be playing her third year on Williston’s varsity soccer team this fall.

5. The Varsity Football team is welcoming a new addition to their coaching staff, Coach O’Brien. He has coached 40 years at Northampton High School, and will be bringing his expertise to Williston.

6. Devon Greenwood will be racing her last year on Williston’s Girl’s Cross Country team. She was out with an injury early in the season, but is running hard again now and will help the team have a successful season this year.