With Friday night football games gone until next year and volleyball and softball finishing their year as state runner’s-up, the winter sports are back.  

Etowah’s swim team kicked off its season in November at the Cherokee Aquatic Center after weeks of intense practice. The girls came in first and the boys came in third, totaling to second place overall. After winning the County Championship last year, there is a lot on the line for the team. In order to keep the title, Etowah’s swimmers are going above and beyond in practice and even creating their own workouts outside of the pool. 

“I think we still have things to work on, but second place is an amazing start, and I’m so proud of everyone who swam,” Ian Notarthomas, the swim team’s manager, said. 

The soccer team is also getting ready for a new season after its exciting exit last year. The boys team made it to the Elite 8 championship during last season and are looking for the same drive this year. Both the girls and boys are searching for new recruits in January through their tryouts.  

“I’m excited to see the improvement that the guys had in the off season and how the incoming freshmen can possibly make an impact for us,” Grant Williford, senior, said when asked about the tennis team this year. 

Etowah’s tennis team is serving up the start of a new season and is looking to bring the same fire to its program as in previous seasons. Last year, the tennis team made it to the state finals and placed second in the 7A division. The boys golf team, Region 5A and 6A champions in 2015 and 2016, also had their first meeting of the season.