As the regular winter season comes to a close, Madison students reflect on their campaigns and look forward to the postseason. 

Starting off, boys basketball has a record of 11-3, with seven more games left in the regular season. 

“I’m loving playing basketball this year because I get to play with my brothers,” Joey Chalabi (’23) said, speaking of his teammates like his family. “I think we have a really good shot of making it all the way to the state championship if we take care of business.”

The reigning state champion reigning state champion girls basketball team has only lost to private schools: Paul VI and Georgetown Visitation. This sport is famous for the same support and family environment as the boys team. With three of the girls on the team being college commits, and two pairs of twins, the team is stacked with girls yearning for another state championship ring.

“This season has been so much fun and I love my teammates,” Katie Koshuta (’22) said. “The beginning was a little tough for me as I was recovering from a knee injury, but my teammates have been so uplifting and have motivated me in so many ways. I am excited for the closer and more intense games during the playoffs and to accomplish our team goals!” 

Girls swim and dive finished their regular season with a 6-1 record, while the boys finished 5-2. The girls, 2020 state champs and 2021 district and regional champions, have had to adapt due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“[COVID] took away our option to have team dinners and other team bonding things that make the season more fun,” Anabel Huffstutler (’23) said. “The past two years have been hard to get closer with the team and the underclassmen.” 

Although the Aquahawks did not take home the district championship, they finished second to the Oakton Cougars by only 16 points. They proceeded to finish 9th at regionals.

Boys swim and dive finished 9th at regionals after a 4th place finish at districts. Owen Dyson (’22) is among the two boys headed to states individually on Feb. 19.

“I am really excited for states mainly because I get to swim 2 relays with the other guys and 2 individual events. I also get to race against the best of the best,” Dyson said. 

Girls indoor track team finished second at districts on Jan. 26, 27, and Feb. 2 and 3. The boys followed close behind with a 3rd place finish. Kira Mikhin (’22) had an incredible district championship, breaking the school record in the triple jump.

“My season has been pretty good even with the difficulties of cold weather. I was super excited to break the school record for triple jump and qualify for states and nationals with a jump of 37-10.5. My next steps are to start focusing more on improving my technique and form,” Mikhin said. Two athletes were district champions, and those who qualified are heading to regionals on Feb 9, 10 and 12.

The Madison wrestling team finished their season with a record of 9-3, and finished third overall at the district championship on Feb. 4.

“Last school year when most everything was closed because of COVID, we still had workouts for wrestling as well as the wrestling season going on.” Mick Meyer (’23) said. “I would be really bored due to many things being closed and wrestling helped as a form of entertainment, fun, exercise, and bonding with friends.”

Across the board, winter sport athletes have shown their success in the regular and championship season. Warhawks have shown their excellence whether it be in the pool, on the court, or on the beam. As the season wraps up, Madison students should be sure to stay tuned as Warhawks continue to make their marks. Hopefully multiple sports will earn their rings.