Although MECA may be a small school, it’s never been short of spirit; but many students are left asking why there’s been an emergence of sports in recent years, with the additions of soccer, or flag football, and what it will mean for the curriculum and schoolwork?
Why there’s more sports being added
For quite some time, MECA has been without sports, a notable fact about the school for quite a while. Resulting from this, many incoming students have noted this point regarding the school, instead opting towards other more fitness based schools. However, the current principal, Dr. Ryan McDonnell has been working to change just that.
Beginning in his earlier years, he polled both students and staff on what they would see as an improvement towards the school, stating that among other things, “Sports was a topic that came up.”
As many students know, unlike most high schools, MECA is not only a smaller campus, but more academically focused, having smaller classes, and less sports teams. That being said, although the multitude of clubs available can be incredibly similar in the community building aspects of other such schools, that’s where the similarities end.
On the other hand, Senior Angelo Karsouny argues that when people first apply, “they’re a little bit hesitant because… they realize that the school has nothing [sports wise].”
Having heard this argument among many others, Dr. McDonnell took the idea into account, spending some time to allocate funding towards the sports department, going from three sports teams to the seven we have today. Although the progress is slow, each new addition is welcomed.
As Dr. McDonnell explains, “I wanted to give kids the opportunity to wear a jersey, feel school spirit, have something fun to do.”
Despite the size of campus, MECA’s school spirit is twice as large; shown by the competitiveness displayed in house competitions and now, sports games.
Putting this into perspective, senior Dominik Maldonado further voices the importance of this and how, “the kids [at lunch] probably want to participate in a sport…” whether it’s football, basketball, soccer, or any other game, he believes that, “it would be cool to kind of put their skills to use”.
Pros Cons
Sports in school have been shown to offer a variety of benefits for students, expanding far beyond physical fitness. At MECA, sports really bring a lot of great things to the school, but there are also a few setbacks.
For example, sports can motivate students to do better academically, as many schools require athletes to maintain a certain grade point average to remain eligible to participate in their sport. This creates a strong drive for students to balance their academic and athletic responsibilities.
Additionally, sports help build camaraderie among students by teaching them teamwork and collaboration, skills that are essential both on and off the field. The discipline and hard work required to succeed in sports also bring valuable life lessons, such as time management, perseverance, and the importance of consistent effort.
Lastly, participating in sports provides students with an outlet to relieve stress, offering a healthy way to channel emotions and maintain mental well-being. Participation in sports also prepares students for the challenges of the real world by introducing competition, goals, and resilience in the face of failure.
However, there are downsides to consider. Some students may prioritize sports over their academic responsibilities, leading to lower grades and missed opportunities for learning. Office assistant, Julie Shigo, states, “Sometimes students get so wrapped up in the sport that they forget about the responsibility of getting a great education, doing your homework, [and] putting school first.” Athletic success can sometimes overshadow the importance of a well-rounded education.
Sports can also come with big risks, as students may suffer from serious injuries such as concussions, broken bones, or long-term wear and tear on their bodies. These injuries cannot only disrupt their education but also have lasting effects on their health in the long run.
Ultimately, while sports can enrich the school experience and teach valuable life skills, it is essential to make a balance.
Sports offered at MECA
As of late, MECA offers many sports and activities for all kinds of students. Depending on the interest of students, anyone can join the variety of teams offered, with flag football, soccer, basketball, and softball being a few notable additions.
The dance and spirit squad is perfect for showing school pride, with esports allowing students to compete in various different video games. On the other hand, for those who enjoy public speaking, Speech & Debate is a great option.
That being said, as time progresses, there’s a strong chance that even more sports could be offered to students in the future. With so many choices, there’s always something for everyone at MECA!
