By Matthew Press, ’14, Staff Writer

Athletics are an integral part of the Newark Academy culture. For athletes, the daily grind and time commitment of sports can bring even the most diverse set of students together as a unified team. For the school as a whole, watching the athletic teams on the field instills a deep sense of school pride and engages the student body. All of the Newark Academy teams share the strengths and weaknesses of various professional teams, and just like even the worst professional teams, Newark Academy teams always have diehard fans show their support to the teams’ hard work game after game.

The men’s soccer team is like Everton Football Club, a professional soccer team in the English Premier League (EPL). Both teams are solid at every position, and play a simple and smart brand of soccer. When healthy and fit they can beat any opponent, but with key players lost to injury they have suffered this year.

The women’s soccer team, with its strong, experienced defense and lack of a consistent offense, is similar to the Tampa Bay Rays, Major League Baseball team. Just like the Rays’ deep bench of veterans, women’s soccer has a long list of seniors to count on for leadership and athletic ability.  Both teams have strong defenses. Similar to the Rays’ talented crop of fielders, the soccer team is full of aggressive defenders who take no prisoners. However, both teams lack a consistent offensive threat to support their defense.

Similar to the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, the football team has shown its grit this season by fighting hard despite a string of devastating injuries. The Trail Blazers lost their arguably best players, LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Oden, due to injuries this past season. Similarly, the football team has also suffered injuries to stars such as Tyler Park, Nick Lawler, and Jalen Smith. Although both teams are resolute, they don’t have a record that truly reflects their hard work.

With their storied history, high level of skill, and large amount of state championships, the tennis team is similar to the Boston Celtics of the NBA. Like the Celtics, the tennis team is a perennial favorite that is ranked highly in the state year after year.  Just like the Boston Celtics who lead the NBA in championships with 17, the tennis team has won its fair share of state championships. Historically, both programs have been dominant. Annually, both programs generate competitive and successful teams.

With their dedication, team cohesion, and depth, both the men’s and women’s cross-country teams are like the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL. Everyday, both teams run for miles and are subjected to grueling practices, and their dedication shows in the record.  The men’s cross-country team is currently undefeated in the conference with the women’s team following close behind with a strong record of 5 – 3.

With their loss of key players and struggles with adversity, the volleyball team is similar to the San Diego Chargers of the NFL. Both teams are at the middle pack due to a loss of key players in the past couple of years. This past year the volleyball team lost five key seniors, a devastating loss for any team. Similarly, over the past two years, the Chargers have lost their best wide receiver, Vincent Jackson, and their top two running backs, Mike Tolbert and Darren Sproles. Both teams are fighting through these daunting challenges with hard work and positive attitudes.

With their positive attitude and determination despite a scarcity in numbers, the women’s field hockey team is similar to the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA. To quote Mariel Pressler ’14, a member of the field hockey team,  “we are a strong team and even though our record doesn’t reflect it we work hard and compete in every game.” Both teams play with a lot of energy and passion in every game, keeping it extremely competitive, even if they don’t get the results they hoped for.

When you look at each team carefully and individually, it is easy to see why athletics have always dominated the hearts and minds of the student body. It’s the endless charisma, perseverance, and hard work that each team embodies that provides a source of inspiration for us all. That’s why it doesn’t matter if you’re 10-0 or 0-10; if you work hard, the Newark Academy community will embrace you.