Freshmen are often overlooked in terms of athletic ability because they are younger and (usually) smaller than upper classmen. The class of 2026 is proving this stereotype wrong. In many winter sports this year, freshmen are among the top-ranked athletes on the team.
Among the freshmen runners, Addison Fry is rising to the top. This winter track season, Fry has broken the 800 meter indoor record. She was also on the team that broke the 4×4 indoor relay record along with Eve Kusneski, Abbie Huey, and Kate Mill, and the team that broke the 4×2 meter indoor relay along with Kusneski, Huey, and Hannah Cowburn. Although colleges aren’t allowed to scout Fry until her junior year, she is sure to have some scholarship offers.
In swimming, freshmen greatly increased the numbers on the team, but Sydney Anderson still found a way to stand out in the pool. Her long career in swimming has shown her development and skills this season. “I’ve swam with the YMCA team since I was seven, and it really set me up for success in my high school career.” Anderson has had numerous first-place wins this season and as of recently, is ranked 5th in the 200 yard freestyle and 7th in the 100 yard freestyle for the 2022-2023 WPIAL swimming championship.
Boys’ basketball has a separate team for freshmen, but Levi Porter plays varsity. He has shown his worth on the team this year and colleges have noticed. Mercyhurst University was among the colleges scouting him. Porter’s success makes him “feel good” and “want to work harder.”
Jayla Peterson is the only freshman who starts varsity for girl’s basketball. She puts her all into every game and it shows on the court. “After a good game, I feel pumped and willing to work more. This feeling motivates me to keep pushing forward.” Peterson shares. She’s had a few D1 and D2 schools scouting her already, so it’s certain there will be more as she gets further into her basketball career.
Hockey player Jackson Albert has been a great asset to this year’s team. Albert has not only assisted the team in many wins, but has also been scouted by four select club teams and one junior league team this year. He’s been playing for many years, and those past years have helped him develop his skills. “Previous seasons have helped me to develop my game in many ways and learn how to be a good teammate,” Albert states.
It’s important to bring attention to the accomplishments of our younger athletes. These are just a few of the freshmen who are doing incredible things in their sport. They’re excelling now and they’ll excel when they’re older, bringing a whole new generation of athletic ability to IHS.
Gabi is a freshman and a first-year reporter for the High Arrow. She enjoys reading and swimming for the YMCA and IHS. Gabi hopes to report accurate and current information to the community.
By Anna Carnovale Seniors at Indiana Senior High School have the chance to participate in the Senior Career Seminar Program. This is an educational internship program aimed at helping students learn about potential future careers. This opportunity allows students to have an out of the classroom real world learning experience
By Zoey Motto A person’s service does not simply end when they retire, or leave the military. There are reminders everyday of their courage and bravery from the stars and stripes that fly high, to the people around them. The things they learned are still with them as they carry
By Bella Flores There are many things that make IHS an amazing place to be, but the biggest reason is our teachers. ICTC recently partnered with IHS to start up the new Rising Educators program. This is a program that is based at IHS that provides students a head start
By Gabi Isenberg Two IHS students, junior Liliana Manzi and senior Gabrielle Isenberg, traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the American Heart Association’s Hearts on the Hill event on Oct. 27 and 28. Hearts on the Hill included volunteer advocates of all ages from across the country. 47 states were
By Alexis Nyland Today, Halloween has become a holiday focused on community and children’s activities such as trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, festive parties, and dressing up in costumes. The holiday evolved over centuries, incorporating Christian traditions, the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, and later modern practices from Irish and Scottish immigrants.
By Gabi Isenberg For several years, Indiana Area Senior High School has welcomed Fulbright Scholars hosted by the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. On Sept. 10, 2025, this year’s group of educators began their weekly visits to the Senior High, which concluded on Oct. 15. The end of their visit is
