Lexington High School takes great pride in its hundreds of opportunities available beyond the academic requirements for students. Throughout high school, many students hope to pursue multiple interests and explore several activities that LHS has to offer. Each club, group, or athletic team has varying levels of commitment, but most understand that the average student has more than just one interest—this is why they have schedules that allow students to participate in multiple activities. However, many athletic offerings at our school require a commitment that may make this impossible.
For example, multiple winter sports require weekend commitments and host mandatory practices over both Christmas and February break. Optional practices during weekends and vacations may be beneficial to varsity and non-varsity athletes alike, but requiring attendance for practices outside of the school calendar is unrealistic, burdensome, and potentially discouraging to some student-athletes.
It’s also possible that a potentially great athlete is dissuaded from joining an athletic team entirely at LHS, even a non-varsity one, because of their rigid schedules. A student whose family has vacation plans or one who is regularly occupied on weekends could be denied the opportunity to participate in a sport they love because they are unable to attend some practices. Many students and their families at LHS have vacation trips or regular weekend commitments—non-varsity athletics shouldn’t preclude these students from participating in a sport they love.
It’s silly to argue that excellence in sports doesn’t require a heavy commitment of time and dedication to practice—after all, varsity athletes and team captains likely place their sportas the main focus of their non-academic lives. However, when it comes to lower levels, participation and exposure should be the main focuses of the athletic department. As underclassmen are still learning about sports, developing capabilities, and discovering their interests, school programs shouldn’t demand such high levels of commitment, but should instead encourage students to try out the sport options available to them.
A more robust intramural program could help alleviate this problem and make room for those who have an interest in a sport, yet don’t want to fully commit their time to it. For example, the fall frisbee team practiced regularly after school days and encouraged regular participation, but didn’t require it. This team gave frisbee lovers a chance to spend time exercising and enjoying a sport they were passionate about while not overburdening them or disrupting personal schedules.
We can all agree that practice is what leads to success. It’s the time spent and effort devoted to a sport that makes an athlete great. We can also agree without a doubt that LHS has incredible athletic teams that use their practice time to improve, and our training is what makes us what we are. In the end, however, unless LHS offers more flexible ways for students to become acquainted with the commitment of sports, potential varsity athletes and those who simply enjoy competition in their sport may be left behind.