Editorial: Athletics are winning at Charles City and New Kent High School

I want to send a shout out to the athletic programs at Charles City and New Kent High School.

I have seen a lot of positives this far, from both teams. New Kent High School’s wrestling team won their fourth state title in a row. This is a huge accomplishment and I have happy to have covered many of their events throughout the run.

I want to recognize New Kent’s girls’ and boys’ basketball teams. The boys’ lost despite a furious comeback in the regional quarterfinals and showed they had the determination to give it their all. The team also has a bright future ahead.

The girls’ team continues to show their genius under the leadership of Coach Neko Burson. He continues to build a great program and has the team back in the regional finals and state tournament for a second year in a row.

Next, let’s give Charles City High School’s boys’ basketball team their credit. It was a tough year, but with experience comes better days. There is talent there and it has just started to come towards the surface at the end of the season.

I am really excited what both schools have in store for Spring sports. Both schools will have track, baseball, and softball, while New Kent will also have soccer and tennis. Charles City is fielding both a baseball team and softball team for the first time in a while. This is a win for the county and the Panthers, showing that student-athletes are starting to believe in the program once again.

I want to say great job to the athletes and may Spring bring you additional success. Let the games begin!