Big shoes, bright futures

On Sunday, Newcastle High School bid farewell to the class of 2025.

The seniors have competed in their final contests as Dogies, returned their uniforms and turned their eyes to what the future holds. It happens every year, and, as to be expected, many of those seniors left some pretty big shoes to fill.

The class of ‘25 boasted among their ranks a state champion high jumper in CJ Hardy. Sam Scribner had a standout season in the pool as he earned All-American consideration as a diver in his first year on the board since middle school. 

Though senior tracksters have one more weekend of competition ahead of them at the 3A state track meet, we are sending off another class of student-athletes who have made remarkable contributions to our school, both on and off the field. 

For many of these young athletes, their journey through high school sports has been transformative, providing them with not just physical skills, but also essential life lessons in teamwork, perseverance and leadership.

Our graduating senior athletes should be celebrated for their dedication and commitment. They have balanced the rigors of academics with the demands of training and competition, often sacrificing personal time and other interests to pursue their sports. 

However, it’s not just the standout athletes who leave a lasting impact. A common thread across all Dogie sports programs is that they rely on the contributions of all their players, regardless of their position on the team. Ask any coach and they will emphasize the importance of every member of their team, whether they are a starter with a wicked three-point shot or a bench player who comes into the game at very specific times to play a specific role. 

Each year, every Dogie sport hosts “senior night” where senior team members are honored for their hard work. These nights serve as a celebration of the athletes who have put in the time, dedication and commitment and have emerged as leaders of their teams. 

The impact of high school athletics extends far beyond the playing field. The skills learned and friendships forged during these formative years often influence future careers and personal development. Many former athletes point to their experiences with sports as pivotal in shaping their work ethic and team-oriented mind-set in their professional lives.

As they toss their caps into the air, these senior athletes are not just marking the end of their high school careers, they are stepping into new opportunities, carrying with them the lessons learned from their time spent in the sporting arena. With dreams of playing at the collegiate level or simply embracing the next chapter of life, these young athletes leave behind a legacy that inspires future Dogies to pursue excellence in both sports and academics. As they embark on their new journeys, their high school memories — full of triumphs, challenges, and camaraderie — will remain with them forever.

Though the senior leaders have gone, the underclassmen are preparing to step into those roles, and there will be a batch of fresh, bright-shining faces just beginning their careers as the class of 2029 gets ready to become Dogies.