Top 5 breakout seasons
Boys varsity tennis
Varsity tennis had a great year even though the team had only one senior, five returning players, and seven new players. After a rough start to the season, the Rangers kept improving and were able to place second in a number of quads. They were also able to place second in the Conference and Regional Tournaments. While making it to the State Tournament was the team’s goal, the Rangers weren’t going to stop there; they ended up finishing eleventh out of the 21 teams at States with two, three, and four doubles making the quarterfinals. Because they’re losing just one player, the Rangers will most likely be even better next year.
“The season was very positive, and we made it to States which was our goal,” sophomore Chris Battiste said. “I was really proud of how the team came together throughout the year.”
Boys varsity soccer
The boys varsity soccer team started the season out with three straight wins, but the Rangers then frequently fell to other rival teams. Although the boys had some tough losses, they also were able to pull through with a few great wins. East Grand Rapids, being one of their biggest rivals, was definitely one of the best games this season. FHC defeated the Pioneers the first game but were sadly taken down in the second game. The boys finished off the season with a final record of 10-8-1.
“The team was a lot different than in past years,” senior Alec Norris said, “and we were all a lot closer and bonded very quickly.”
JV volleyball
At the beginning of the season, the JV volleyball team looked ahead at the season with some concern. Against all expectations, the girls finished the season with a final record of 11-1 and even claimed first place in the OK White conference. The only loss the team faced was in its first match against the Forest Hills Northern, but FHC came back and beat the Huskies the second time they played them. In every other match, the girls came out on top, leaving very few matches with a close final score.
Girls varsity golf
All season, the girls varsity golf team was able to put up consistent scores and beat out many other teams. The girls finished strong by placing third in the Regional Tournament. The team also had a great improvement from last year to this year, as the Rangers placed fifteenth in the State Tournament last year and finished in seventh this year. With the Forest Hills Northern Huskies as one of their biggest competitors, the girls were able to consistently place second behind them in various matches throughout the year.
“[The season] was really fun and a lot better than last year,” senior Kayley Reynolds said. “I’d say we were a lot closer [this year] than previous years.”
Boys varsity cross country
Throughout the season, the boys varsity cross country team stayed consistent and kept defying expectations. The Rangers started the season out well and didn’t look back. They finished second out of six teams in each of their four OK White meets—losing only to Cedar Springs. In the Conference Meet to qualify for Regionals, the Rangers lost by just two points to the Red Hawks. In Regionals, the team was able to place second out of twelve teams, beating out Rockford by two points. This was not only a huge accomplishment to beat Rockford–a team they haven’t beaten in quite some time — but it was also what allowed FHC to qualify for States for the first time in 16 years. With only two seniors on the varsity team, the boys varsity cross country team will most likely improve even more next year.