After a strong start to our fall seasons non-conference games, the Trojans are getting ready to face a big change. Starting September 16th, our Trojans will get ready to deal with better competition and more challenging games. South Brunswick, our rivals, got moved down to a lower division. With this change it forces our Trojans to play more competitive teams more often, creating a new standard for coaches and teams.

“I think it changed my mindset because I feel like we work harder for conference matches than we do for non-conference matches,” said  Abigail Davis. “I feel like we try harder to win a match, so we are more competitive and determined to win”

For Davis the change in mindset for her and her teammates made them focus a lot harder during practice and games. This shows that during her matches there is still more effort to put in. Conference matches not only determine standings, but also build new rivalries, as South has been our longtime rival since the dawn of time. 

Other players see the conference differently, approaching their opponents with the same mindset every time. For them, the conference change makes them focus more on consistency, improving their game, and working hard with each opportunity given to them, especially for senior Jude Surigao on the football team. 

”It really doesn’t change my mindset or the team’s mindset,” said Surigao. “We’re not too worried about the conference as a whole, It’s kind of just faceless opponents.”

The conference brings a different level of mentality and confidence for some athletes. Senior Bryson Hollis, on the cross country team, accepts the challenge, seeing it as a chance to face off against some of the best talent in the conference. 

“There are a bunch of teams in Wilmington with a lot of big names, ” said Senior Hollis. “I really get in that mindset of wanting to win and send the other team home.”