Two years ago, I was given the opportunity to write this column. The rules were simple. The column had to be about sports and relevant to Stuyvesant. (I figured that I had to start my bid for world-domination somewhere.)

My loyal readers—all three of you—might have noticed an evolution in the content and style of this column that has in many ways matched the development of its author.

The first phase was obnoxious sophomore. After years of barraging my dad with all of my sports rants, I finally had a public venue in which I could vent. My early columns were abrasive and pompous. Luckily, I am too lazy to search The Spectator’s archives for these old columns. I guess some things are better left in the past.

The second phase was the smart-aleck junior who would write anything to be witty. However, after a close rereading, these columns reminded me too much of bad stand-up comedy. There were some good one-liners, but only barely enough to make the experience worthwhile.

The final and current phase is humble senior. This phase is characterized by my reluctance (not to be mistaken for an inability) to offend people. I am not sure whether or not this reluctance is leading to better columns (you can be the judge), but I am confident that I will be able to look back on these columns six months from now and not be angry at myself for being inconsiderate  of others.

I attribute my growth as a columnist to my increased awareness of Stuyvesant’s  sports culture. The Sports’ section of this paper informed me of the development of the other teams in the school. The story lines that stood out to me described the birth of a new era. Stuyvesant sports were no longer something to poke fun at. The new goal of my column was to make Stuyvesant appreciate its athletics.

The stories that inspired me to become a different columnist should make all Stuyvesant students proud of their school.

Stuyvesant fielded lacrosse teams for the first time. I never took the time to cover them for this paper, but I have witnessed some commendable dedication from these fledgling teams. Even though lacrosse is a spring sport, I regularly encountered guys with lacrosse sticks practicing on the first floor through the fall and winter.

The wrestling team is also on the rise. After years of dominance in the 80s, interest in wrestling has increased once again over the past few years. In 2006, my freshman year, the wrestling team was composed of only 15 athletes and was able to earn only one win. This year’s team has well over 40 members and four wins so far this season.

The usual suspects did well also. The fencing and swimming teams of both genders went deep into the playoffs each year bringing multiple city championship banners back to Stuyvesant.

I have had the pleasure of being a part of eight borough championship track and field and cross country teams, continuing a streak that started well before I came to Stuyvesant and will probably continue until coach Mark Mendes retires.

With such fond memories I feel it’s necessary to thank some people. First, I thank all the editors I have had over the past three years for putting up with me. Second, I thank the members of Stuyvesant’s Track and Field and Cross Country community for providing me with first-class comedy over the years. Finally, I thank the faculty and student-body of Stuyvesant High School for consistently providing me with quality material to write about.

These stories changed the way I thought about my peers. The work that these teams have put into their skills in order to become successful should be celebrated by the entire school. I have tried to be an advocate for Stuyvesant’s sports community. My success lies ultimately in the minds of Stuyvesant’s students.