Football:
After following up last year’s incredible 8-3 record with a colossal preseason win over Dwyer on Aug. 16, the Bucs stumbled to a 14-13 loss against West Boca’s Bulls on Aug. 22. Despite the tough game and disappointing score, the Bucs look to quickly rebound and turn the 24-25 season into another winning one.
This team has some new faces, including that of Senior Dylan Furshman, who will be an essential piece of the offense
“I’m excited for this team to show what we’re about. We have the most demanding schedule in team history and a good shot at winning all of those games. The key factor to our success is the amount of time and hard work the team has put in this offseason. Everyone has shown significant improvements in their game from the beginning of summer to now,” Furshman confidently explained.
Cross Country:
The boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams had different results last season; the boys lost in districts, while the girls advanced to the state championships and lost. Both teams are ready to go for another season.
Many runners may only participate in cross country as a means of conditioning for other sports, but junior Gavin Venoff runs because he loves it.
“Cross country is something that will always stick with me. I love running, and it even improves me for soccer and track seasons. Since I was a little kid, running has been my favorite thing to do, and I am so excited for another season of cross country,” Venoff said with passion.
Both teams work hard during practices on weekdays and even weekends. Their constant work will only make them better. The first cross-country meet is on Aug. 31 at Indian River Boca at 8 AM. Make sure to come out and support your Bucs!
Volleyball:
Last year’s district champions opened the 2024-25 season with a tough matchup against Calvary Christian on Tuesday, Aug. 20th. After three sets, the Bucs walked off the court humbled by an 0-3 scoreboard and inspired to quickly bounce back.
Senior and Captain Sailor Plasman reflected: “I think that this year’s team is really good. We may have a tough start to the season, but I know this team has heart and will fight through the bad games. We all have to work hard in practice and show dedication to each other if we want to succeed.”
The volleyball squad looks to stay positive and healthy for what they hope will be a long and successful season. Their next home game is on Tuesday. Aug. 27th at 6:30.
Swimming:
The boys’ and girls’ swimming teams were victorious last season, as the girls won districts, and the boys came runner-up. Junior Caroline Smith is excited for the upcoming season.
“I think that the team will do well this season. We all bond and work hard together, which is what makes a great team,” Smith said.
Coach and History Department Chairperson Mrs. Misselhorn has high hopes for the team this season: “TBS Swim and Dive is well poised for a strong season with 45 swimmers and divers. We have some new swimmers, three female divers, and a set of strong senior leaders that will propel us to a winning season.”
Golf:
The boys’ golf team is coming off an incredible season, winning the state championship. The talented team is “not taking their eyes off the goal,” junior Jake Valentine said of the state championship.
Senior Pavel Tsar has been on the team since seventh grade and committed to The University of Notre Dame for golf during the summer.
“This is definitely our year to win. Last year we played super well, but this year I feel like everyone on the team got better,” Tsar explained. “We are all friends, and we love to hang out and play golf with each other, not even during practices. We help each other and look to get better each day, and make it to states.”
Head Coach Toby Harbeck has high expectations for the team, having seen its growth over the past few seasons.
“I feel great about the team as they all had tremendous summers playing in and winning quite a few tournaments. It’s difficult to repeat as state champions because there are many outstanding teams out there. All I can do is prepare them as well as possible for the playoffs and figure out which five players are ready to play. We play a very rigorous schedule, but one that should prepare us for the road ahead.”
The boys’ next tournament is the American Heritage Invitational on Monday, Aug. 26th at 8:30 AM.
Cheer:
If the football team is the heart of fall sports at the Upper School, the cheerleading squad is its soul. The loud, proud, athletic gymnasts are the unsung heroes of football games, assemblies, and weekend competitions.
Senior captain Easely Hughes is excited to be captain of the cheer team.
“The cheer team this year is so great. I’ve been performing cheer for basically my entire life, and being the captain of the cheer team in my senior year is all I could ask for,” Hughes said.
Junior Lila Cooper adores the friendships that everybody has with each other on the team.
“Everybody is friends with one another on this team, and no matter what grade, we all treat each other equally, and we truly care about everybody,” Cooper exclaimed.
Junior quarterback on the football team, Charlie Smith, loves the support of the cheer team.
“When we are playing, we want as much support as possible. The cheer team does that well; they come to every game with us and support us. On defense, they are the only ones trying to make the most noise in the area, and I find that cool.
The football team’s next game is versus the Jesuit Panthers at Theofilos Field on Friday, Aug. 30th at 6:30. Along with the cheer team, make sure to support your Bucs!
