WINTER SPORTS HEAT UP AS CALENDAR TURNS TO 2017

When the days are short and the temperatures outside plummet, Christian Brothers Academy heats up with action from seven winter sports.

As the calendar turns to 2017, the Colts from the basketball, bowling, fencing, indoor track, hockey, swimming and wrestling programs turn their attention towards the second half of their schedules.

BASKETBALL:
With just four Colts returning from last season, CBA develops as a unit with each game played. The young team opened the season with a big 62-33 win over Manalapan on December 16, using 15 points from sophomore newcomer Josh Cohen. The Colts have since picked up victories over the likes of local foes Howell and Freehold Boro, but also out-of-conference opponents Kennedy Catholic (NY) and William Floyd (NY). CBA has also played in three showcases early on, the Skyline Classic at St. Anthony’s, the Hoop Group Showcase at Brookdale and the Hoops To Help Showcase at Morris County College.

See the Colts full upcoming schedule here.

BOWLING:
CBA has established itself as a favorite in Shore Conference bowling. The Colts have won 10 dual matches against just two losses. They have defeated area rivals Middletown South and Red Bank Regional twice, while taking down perennial favorite Middletown North as well. Bowling will continue their regular season until the end of January, when they begin postseason play in the Shore Conference and NJSIAA.

FENCING:
CBA is home to one of the fastest growing fencing programs in the state, which was recently chronicled by the Asbury Park Press. The Colts won their first two dual meets of the season against St. Benedict’s Prep and Don Bosco Prep. They turned in a record setting performance at the Cetrulo Tournament at Drew University, finishing a program-best fourth overall. Within the tournament, the Colts placed second in Epee, seventh in Foil and fifteenth in Sabre, all of which are bests in those weapons. They will look to defend their 2016 District 3 crown in the coming weeks.

INDOOR TRACK:
The indoor track team has continued to assert their dominance in 2017. The Colts have picked up wins at the NJCTC Relays at the Armory, Monmouth County Relay Championships, and the overall Monmouth County Championships. They will take part in the NJSIAA state relay championships this upcoming weekend, before defending their Shore Conference title the following weekend.

HOCKEY:
The defending Gordon Conference champions have retooled their roster after losing a historic group of seniors after last season. Led by a talented current senior class, CBA has remained among the top teams in the state. The Colts are currently a perfect 8-0 against the Shore Conference, while picking up a major Gordon Conference win against Don Bosco in the CBA Winter Classic at Navesink Country Club.

The Colts have three remaining home games before the Gordon Cup Playoffs begin.

SWIMMING:
In pursuit of their eighth consecutive state championship, CBA Swimming has won each meet against the Shore Conference. They recently captured their 27th straight Monmouth County Championship, which accounts for each year CBA has sponsored a swim program. They will look to match that with their 27th Shore Conference Championship on February 4th at the Ocean County YMCA.

WRESTLING:
Wrestling is another young Colts team this season. Led by a few standout seniors, the relatively inexperienced CBA team has navigated the early season well, picking up wins against Freehold Boro, Neptune, Allentown and Ridge. Senior Nick Schutzenhofer and junior Richie Koehler both won their respective weight classes at the CBA-hosted Colt Classic Tournament back in December.

STATE CHAMPIONS IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
At halftime of the home basketball game on January 10th, CBA Athletics honored the four championship programs from the fall season. Cross Country, Rugby, Sailing and Soccer each won their state championship in 2016, among multiple other accolades. See the picture from Larry Levanti Photography above. Congratulations to those players and coaches for a tremendous season!

For more on Christian Brothers Academy Athletics:
Visit LetsGoColts.com and follow the best high school sports media on Twitter and Instagram.