“Our team has aspirations to do things that haven’t been done in a very long time here,” said senior captain Mark Petre. 

  The Cherokee Trail boys basketball team is creating a new culture, and Petre is leading the way. The captain has been on Varsity since his sophomore year and is the backbone for his squad. Petre has always had another level of intensity that makes him so special on the court, never backing down from competition, and always looking to outwork everyone: “I feel that my desire to win gives me an advantage on the court in simply ‘wanting it more’. Being willing to do things that others won’t is something I’ve always taken pride in as a player,” said Petre. This is what makes him such a great player, and captain. People look up to others that are willing to do things they aren’t, willing to go the extra step, willing to do anything for the team, and that’s exactly the type of player that Petre is.

  Petre has big goals for his senior season, not only for himself, but also for the team. The Cougars are 7-6 after back to back wins against Vista Peak, and Eighth ranked Northfield. Last year, the team fell one spot shy of reaching the playoffs. However, Petre thinks this year could be a little different: “I think what really separates our team this year is our team’s culture…As a team, every player truly cares for one another and we play like that’s the case. We’ve got dudes that really care about this program and that’s allowed us to make some big improvements as a group,” said Petre. Culture is the main talking point of the team, and the captain is in charge of the movement. 

  With eight games left, and league play now in full swing, the Cougars are in prime position to overcome an obstacle this program has had for a long time. Petre is the heart and soul of this team. If the Cougars are going to make the playoffs this year and go far, it’s going to fall on the shoulders of their captain.