The West Bend Current

By Hope Schensema, Current Staff

Now that spring has arrived, many athletes at the West Bend High Schools are playing the final seasons of their high school careers.

For senior athletes, the feeling can be quite bittersweet. The sadness of playing the last game coexists with joy and gratitude. As their high school careers come to a close, two WBHS spring athletes shared with the Current their feelings, goals and advice for younger athletes.

East senior Peyton Howard initially found it hard to cope with the knowledge that her track career was ending, but she has been able to find the silver lining. She leaves with an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

“I’m trying to just relish every moment and take it one day at a time,” Howard said. “I’m really grateful for everything I’ve gotten in the past four years from East Athletics.”

The last season for student athletes is filled with a multitude of final times. Last home opener, last game against your rivals, last time playing with your classmates and friends, last time playing for your school, the last time putting on the jersey. It’s also the last time to set goals and strive to accomplish them. 

Howard’s goal this season is to break the school record for time in the 200 meter dash. West senior tennis player Jacob Downs plans to make it to state, either with his team or individually. Above all, both athletes want to emphasize making lasting memories and enjoying every second of their final seasons. 

Not only are student athletes leaving behind their sport, but also a part of themselves. What has been such a huge part of their lives will soon become a memory. However, with the ending of these sports comes excitement for what the future holds.

“I am really excited to move onto my next step in life, but I will never forget the fun and the time my sport was,” Downs said. “This team became family. To lose a lot of that will be hard, but all things must change eventually, and I’m excited to see where that change brings me.” 

The lessons learned from playing sports can reach beyond a student’s athletic careers. Self-discipline, perseverance, teamwork, respect and leadership are some of the qualities athletes can gain from sports and apply to their lives beyond athletics. 

“I have learned that doing things as a team and making a positive environment and community to surround yourself with is the best way to achieve a goal and be happy,” Howard said.

For younger athletes it can be hard to understand how fast the four years go by. For seniors, they’ve been in the same shoes as the younger generation of athletes and understand the importance of taking hold of every moment they get to play their sport. 

“Have fun,” Downs said. “Don’t let yourself be consumed by the winning or the losing. You won’t remember the wins or the losses in high school. A lot of the time you will just remember the memories. The fun. The family. Just enjoy it, because you won’t be there forever.”

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(Top image: Peyton Howard competing in the sectional championship track meet on May 22, 2023 in Watertown. Photo courtesy of Howard.)