Cardinal Gibbons has a great reputation throughout all of its sports, and its varsity teams always contain mostly juniors and seniors, and then some sophomores, and even less freshmen, if any at all.

 Every year there are a few freshmen that are picked to join these teams because they are mature enough and have the heart and skills that it takes to be on the team. Gibbons wants them to get physically better while also having them learn plays so that by the time they are in their junior and senior year, they can be phenomenal athletes and better people.

Freshman on varsity are a key part of sports and a great contributor to the athletic teams and the growth of the student in sports.

“Being a freshman on varsity really lets you get better at your sport, sure it’s a lot of work but it’s worth it,” said football player Brock Phillips.

Moving up to varsity not only helps perfect your skills but  also helps make many more connections and friendships as you meet the other athletes on varsity and JV. Being around more mature teammates makes a difference. 

“Being around varsity players makes you want to be your best at a varsity level,” Phillips said.

Without freshman on varsity at Gibbons, there would be very little connection between the older and younger players. Being able to ask questions to older athletes or get advice from them is something that every player needs.

“It was nice to know that the seniors had my back,” said Claire Kimel, who played varsity girls lacrosse as a freshman last year.