After a year of remote learning and social distancing, the Westlake Wildcats FINALLY got to celebrate Homecoming 2021 as it should be done! Throughout the fall sports season, athletes created bonds that will never be lost.

 

High school football, soccer, cheerleading, tennis, and volleyball roared back after the pandemic.

 

Regardless of a win or a loss, this year’s homecoming was happy everyone; it was simply enjoyable to be able to experience normalcy. 

 

Beginning with some wins, the soccer team has had a great season and a great homecoming game in particular; the bleachers were filled with students from every grade who roared across the entire field to support our soccer players. 

 

Senior Nicholas Puma commented, “This is my first year playing at homecoming; it feels good and I’m so excited. There’s going to be a lot of people, and I’m nervous about the team we are playing because they are really good. However, [in regard to the team itself], nothing has changed since COVID; everyone is still the same. The most important part about homecoming other than the game to me is that this is memorable for seniors who aren’t going to play again.” 

 

Although it’s his last year, along with other seniors, they represented themselves and our school with tremendous talent, dedication and sportsmanship. 

 

There were few athletes who shared in the sentiments of senior Nicholas Puma; volleyball player, Tara Panzer, a junior at Westlake High School, played but unfortunately did not win her homecoming game. Although the team didn’t win, she still expressed gratitude for the experience.

 

According to Panzer, “Yes, this is my first year playing at homecoming; after the COVID pandemic, I feel excited and accomplished to be able to play again for the Westlake volleyball team. I’m excited and nervous about the crowd that we are going to have at our homecoming game. The most important part about homecoming to me is the whole school coming together, other than the game.” 

 

Even though it was a close win, the volleyball team tried their best. Panzer added, “After the COVID pandemic, I think endurance is definitely something we are struggling with." Hopefully the team learned from this defeat and recognizes that even though it was a loss, they can still improve.

 

All games were filled with excitement and effort; unfortunately, Christian Occhipinti experienced a bit of difficulty at the football game, playing as offense and defense.

 

However, Occhipinti and the team tried their best to play in the rainy cold weather conditions against Nanuet. They ended up falling short of one touchdown in the 4th quarter with a minute and 50 seconds to go against Nanuet. 

 

Although they didn’t go home with a win, Coach Castellano spoke about their efforts and always reminds them to play for fun if they are losing so players don’t get too upset. He also noted, “We have worked really hard, the boys have tried their best out there on the field. It’s been a tough season." 

 

Many players got hurt at this game, and even though they didn’t make it to the playoffs, our town and school is proud of their efforts, along with the efforts of all athletes upon return to the Homecoming field.