The chilly air picks up as the days get shorter and the nights extend. The evening is the playhouse for the upcoming winter sports. Iowa invites wrestling, boys and girls basketball, boys swimming, and boys and girls bowling into the next season. The Pleasant Valley Spartans are more than ready to kick off their year and demonstrate all the hard-work they put in during the off-season.

Boys wrestling is one of the most popular sports in Iowa. The success of these athletes in the state, is more prominent than any other area in the nation. The Spartans have had successful seasons and close years of state champions. The squad lost key wrestlers due to graduation, but there are some fresh, new faces prepared to conquer those titles. Justin Harrington, junior, shares his hopes for this upcoming season, “I hope to score a takedown or an escape every match. I would also like to place at MAC and districts.”

The wait for the basketball season is now over and the girls and boys are determined for a successful year. Last season, the boys finished off another great year with a third place finish, and the girls just missed the state playoffs. On both teams, they lost many seniors, but the younger athletes are prepared to step up.

The early mornings and late evenings are now left for the male Spartan swimmers. The strenuous hours of training is kicking into full gear for this upcoming season. The talent and depth of the team makes the Spartans eager for their meets to get started. “I am excited to represent my school in the sport I love doing for the last time,” states Dylan Hartford, senior.

The Spartan bowlers are looking to improve their records this year and recruit more student athletes. The light and energetic atmosphere the Spartans bring to the bowling alley makes the season speed by. This team is out there to have fun and enjoy competitive matches against other schools; while still having a great time.

Good luck to these sports as they conquer the winter season the Spartan way!