January 6, 2022
With temperatures dropping and fall sports in the past, KHS athletics’ focus shifts to a new season: winter sports. After months of hard work, teams are ready to see how they can preform against some of the most competitive schools around the St. Louis area. TKC asked the coaches and players their thoughts on their upcoming seasons as they try to bring state-titles back to KHS.
Winter sport athletes compete with hopes of bringing home state titles back to KHS.
Mark Fischer – hockey head coach
“The goal every year is simple: win the state championship. We have a really good mix of young and old talent, and everyone is buying in. The kids are buying into the culture and the message that has taken so long to build, and I am confident it is going to work out. We’re excited for the opportunity to play in front of fans and have a more normal season.”
Max Kirtian – senior
“The energy in games is amazing. We’re all hyping each other up, feeding off of the crowd’s energy and making sure we are playing the best we can. We have a talented group of hard-working, compassionate guys that have the same goal in mind. We play selflessly and for one another, and we’re looking to go to state and come home with a ring.”
Craig Dickinson – wrestling head coach
“Wrestling is a complete sport. It requires strength, balance, agility, conditioning, and it requires the athletes to be explosive and powerful. We’ve been working to get everyone into wrestling shape and on technique so we are ready for competition. We want to get as many kids [as possible] past districts and we want them to come home with state medals.”
Nick Hibbard – junior
“Wrestling is the basis of my work ethic. You have to come into the wrestling room, lead, work hard and leave it all out on the mat. It’s all about the work you put in. Sometimes you go out there and get put on your back in front of everyone. It’s about being humble—you can’t blame it on other people. It’s your fault if you don’t succeed.”
Matt Beasley – girls’ swim and dive head coach
“Coming off a big and exciting year, it is going to be fun to be back for the challenge of trying to repeat a state title. We always do a good job of filling in the gaps [of the seniors that left last season]. We are going to fill in where we need to fill in and see what happens at the end. Nothing has changed. You show up every day and do the best that you can. Over time you are going to improve, and by the end of the season big things will happen for you.”
Elizabeth Greene – senior
“We have a really good group. We definitely lost some important seniors last year, but the people who are here are ready to step up and see what can happen. We are a family and are here every day, on weekends and mornings, and spend a lot of time with each other. We’re just excited for a more normal year and a more normal team atmosphere.”
Monica Tritz – girls’ basketball head coach
“I want to see how much they have improved and grown from last year. It’s all about the physical aspect and that’s why there aren’t a lot of girls who play basketball, because they can’t take the physical and mental game. The girls are nice, but they need to be mean. I want the intensity to pick up and to see dedication and growth over the season.”
Khamori Cornelius – senior
“We’ve been working throughout the summer in practices, training and workouts. It takes dedication to the sport. You have to come into every practice working hard and do drills that are going to develop us and help us in the game. I’m excited to play with my teammates and leave it out on the court.”
Jimmy McKinney – boys’ basketball head coach
“I am a firm believer that preparation, time and consistency are everything. How we prepare is how we play. Every single day you have to work on your craft and on everything you do. The team is smart, intelligent and picks up on things very quickly. Come game time, I just want them to come out, play hard and that’s it.”
Kellen Rhimes – junior
“I am excited to see what the team is going to look like, because we are a smaller team. We are hardworking, tough, and I know we are going to get better as the season goes. It’s all about being dedicated and playing defense. We have a good coach, and it’s going to be fun to be around people who are like my family.”
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