Rockbridge County sports are in full swing. Fall sports have begun and spring sports are just around the corner. The current sports are football, cheerleading, cross country, and volleyball. Winter sports recently ended and there is already talk about the beginning of spring sports. Winter sports began a little late at RCHS due to the ongoing pandemic. This year, wrestlers had a short season, but Junior Alden Dorey is a member of the 20-21 wrestling team. 

“I enjoyed getting back on the mat and having the opportunity to wrestle with the team. Even with such a short season, we still sent four wrestlers to states, which is great.” 

Dorey was able to reach several personal goals this year.

“I placed 3rd in the district and 5th in the region,” said Dorey. “My main goal for next year is to make states.”

Another winter sport that recently ended is track. Sophomore Abigail Hickman is on the 20-21 RCHS track team. This was her first year doing track. 

“I enjoyed it so much. It was nice to be able to run with a team again,” said Hickman. 

The season was very short, and there were only two meets.

“Now that track it over, I’m looking forward to the start of cross country,” said Hickman. 

Currently, football, cheer, and volleyball are happening at the school. Cheer was up and down meaning that it was unknown if there would be sideline cheer or even competition cheer due to the uncertainties of COVID-19. However, VHSL decided it was safe to have sideline cheer for the football games. The cheerleaders have had the opportunity to cheer at one football game and will continue to for the rest of the season. Competition cheer was also cleared by VHSL but it does not begin until the end of March. 

Volleyball has begun at the school as well. The ‘Cats will have their first match March 2. This year’s varsity captains include Jaydyn Clemmer, Krissy Whitesell, and Grace Cauley. 

The RCHS Football team has started their season off on a high note. The team  beat Fort Defiance on Feb. 26 15-0. Sophomore Braeden Hartbarger is a defensive end on the varsity football team. Hartbarger had a lot to say about the beginning of the season. 

“The season is off to a good start, but we definitely need some work. We’re very young and inexperienced. Winning is always great, but winning and doing out personal jobs efficiently is what I’ve liked most about this season so far,” said Hartbarger. “Our ground game definitely needs to improve so we can be a dual threat team.” 

Hartbarger was able to be a starter this season, which was one of his main goals to accomplish. 

“I’ve had to beat out sophomores, juniors and even seniors to achieve my goal this season,” said Hartbarger.

With spring just around the corner, spring sports will soon begin. Softball will begin their pre-season workouts in the next few weeks. Golf will have its first match on March 3. Cross Country also has a meet on March 3. Other sports to look forward to include soccer, lacrosse, tennis, and baseball.