The Berkeley High School track and field team had a strong season last year, with several athletes placing highly at the North Coast Section (NCS) Tournament and some even making it to state tournaments. Despite the squad losing multiple strong seniors last year, the track team remains determined to leave an impact this season. “It’s hard to beat last year’s track team, but I feel we definitely have guys who are going to fill in those spots,” said BHS senior and runner Preston Mullen, a leader on the team. “I’m excited to improve and watch my teammates improve and race alongside everyone,” Mullen said.
The Berkeley High School track and field team had a strong season last year, with several athletes placing highly at the North Coast Section (NCS) Tournament and some even making it to state tournaments. Despite the squad losing multiple strong seniors last year, the track team remains determined to leave an impact this season. “It’s hard to beat last year’s track team, but I feel we definitely have guys who are going to fill in those spots,” said BHS senior and runner Preston Mullen, a leader on the team. “I’m excited to improve and watch my teammates improve and race alongside everyone,” Mullen said.
Last year, the BHS girls varsity swim team had a satisfactory run, claiming victory for the third year in a row at the West Alameda County Conference (WACC) tournament, a tournament made up of ten nearby high schools. Following last year’s victory, Berkeley is looking to continue their hot streak, “The biggest motivation we have as a team I think is continuing the winning streak,” said BHS sophomore and varsity swimmer Samishka Chitnis. This year there were some changes in the coaching staff, leading to new team adjustments. However, Chitnis is still looking forward to the season ahead, “There’s something about having a team that are all striving for the same goal who show up and are committed.”
With the spring sports season on the horizon, the BHS varsity boys tennis squad are hoping to claim the NCS crown and take home the league title. Coming off a very strong 6-2 season last year, the Berkeley squad already has Bishop O’Dowd and Piedmont High School circled on their schedules as schools they are eager to take down. With the squad consisting of several seniors this year, there is a strong sense of unity. “We often hang out after practice and get dinner and stuff, so I’m excited,” commented 2024 All League Singles holder and senior Yanir Charney-Weintraub, “I think it’s just a supportive environment. (Everyone) cheering each other on and just having fun together.”
As the spring baseball season approaches quickly, the Berkeley High School boys baseball program has its sights set on bringing home the league title along with making a strong push for the coveted NCS championship. This year, Berkeley is coming in with the addition of three new transfers and a new head coach leading the way. Early signs of strong chemistry and renewed energy among the team has Berkeley hungry to make some noise this season. Ezra Brilliant, a BHS sophomore and first and third baseman, reflected on the squads growing camaraderie, “I think the teammates are all there for you. Always picking each other up in the dugout … during fall, I thought the team chemistry was already really good.”
Last season, BHS crew wrapped up a strong, competitive year, earning multiple top five finishes in races. Three boats qualified for the Scholastic Nationals, along with five boats making it to finals at the Southwest Junior Championships where the boys varsity team took home an impressive second place finish. This year, the Jackets are looking to make an even bigger splash during competitions. “One thing we’re hoping to implement more this year is the senior class stepping up more,” said BHS senior and varsity rower Alex Young. “We’re trying to create (an environment) where you do the things you do because it’s what your teammates (want) you to do, as well as (what) you want. And not just like the coaches forcing you to do these things,” Young explained.