Sports Recap: Cross Country, Volleyball, and Tennis!

by Talia Herbst, SSLI '25

This week was a busy and eventful week for all Schechter athletes.

Varsity Cross Country

For the past few weeks, Varsity Cross Country has been seen running around the local streets of Williston Park. Finally, this past Tuesday, the team had their first meet of the season at Portledge. The meet was between Luhi, Portledge, and Stony Brook.

Cross Country did a great job at their meet. (Schechterli Instagram)

Co-Captain Shir Levenson explained, “We were familiar with the Portledge path because those of us who have been on the team for several years have run on the path before, which was definitely good. The new team members got a good sense of the Portledge path as well.”

At this meet, there were lots of hills, which was challenging for the team since the athletes do not usually practice running on elevated roads. Levenson shared, “We found a new location to practice running up hills in Albertson. It is very important we are good at techniques like this, so we are prepared for the meets.”

Two new runners on the team were the first of the Schechter Lions to cross the finish line! Out of sixty-five male runners, Sophomore Brian Melzer finished in eight place. Out of forty female runners, Sophomore Mikayla Rachmanova also finished eighth place. Mr. Connelly, the Coach of Cross Country, added, “I am so proud of them as well as the rest of the team."

Connelly continued that his hopes for the team “are to move up our runners into finishing in the top five and then eventually the top three.”

Levenson enthusiastically stated, “I am really proud of the team. Everyone worked really hard and has put in a lot of effort and a lot of time and energy.”

Girls Varsity Volleyball

Today, Girls Varsity Volleyball began their pre-season practices. Many past team members returned, and new members joined the team as well.

Captain and Senior Addison Pravato shared, “I am looking forward to this upcoming season, and, although I am sad this is my final year, I am looking forward to making this the best season yet.”

Jurysta explained, “The pre-season is all about individual and group improvement. We started practice off by working on skills and shaking off the rust. Moving forward, we want to make sure everyone is on the same page with fundamentals and with care behind us.”

Pravato added, “With all the previous players, and the new players, I am confident we will go into this season stronger than ever.”

Girls Varsity Tennis

On Monday, Girls Varsity Tennis had their first home game at Eisenhower Park against Portledge. Although it rained for a bit while they were playing, that did not stop the girls from having smiles on their faces.

Ready to play! (E. Strachan)

Coach Josh Jurysta thought the match on Monday went well, and he saw lots of improvement. Jurysta explained, “The girls are playing tactically better. They are moving in the right direction.” Recently, Jurysta told the team a saying about “chopping wood,” meaning, “Sometimes it takes a lot of swings to make any measurable progress. But, no matter what, we need to keep showing up and keep chopping wood.”

Senior Yael Pedram had a new experience and played first singles for the first time. Pedram really enjoyed this challenge and shared, “Most of our games were really close, and some even went to deuce (which means we were tied). My opponent was very nice, and the game felt almost noncompetitive and more just like a friendly match.”

Jurysta concluded, “Nothing will change and improve overnight. We need to keep chopping wood, keep going at it, and keep working hard to see results. That's my outlook for the rest of the season.”

Talia Herbst is a writer for Paw Print Now and has been published on the site since December 2021. Talia is currently a senior at the Schechter School of Long Island and can be reached at the following email address: therbst25@schechterli.org.