To Play or Not To Play???“Put Me in Coach” When people reminisce about their high school years, fond memories of being at the height of fitness, spending countless hours with teammates, and playing in the “Big Game” are often treasured. However, some students at St. Anthony High School are choosing not to be involved in the athletic program for social and academic reasons. As a result, many are missing out on one of the most important aspects of their high school career. Although some believe that participation in high school athletics is a roadblock towards academic success and a satisfying social life, students should play at least one sport throughout high school because they will develop critical life skills and increase their physical
…show more content…
Practices are filled with sweat dripping, heavy breathing, body trembling??? athletes who are all pushing themselves to improve. The practices are typically two hours long and are designed to increase fitness and technique. From my personal experience in cross country, basketball, track, and tennis, practices always include some type of cardiovascular training such as running, shuffles, high knees, or fast feet. All of these exercises increase a person’s ability to pump blood throughout the body and make the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide more efficient. Another segment of practice is directed towards developing special skills to enhance one’s abilities. These drills are different for each sport, but all will increase coordination, strength, and body awareness. By participating in sports, students become exposed to different ways of staying in shape. Each focuses on different techniques and abilities, so finding an activity that is best for each individual can be easily done. A study performed by the National Federation of State High School Associations found that an increase in participation in sports has a direct correlation to improved body mass and decreased obesity for female high school students. Another study by the same association concluded that students refrain from inactive pastimes if they have athletic activities after school. (Cheng) Participation in sports will improve a student’s fitness and introduce them to new and exciting ways to maintain a healthy
Practices are filled with sweat dripping, heavy breathing, body trembling??? athletes who are all pushing themselves to improve. The practices are typically two hours long and are designed to increase fitness and technique. From my personal experience in cross country, basketball, track, and tennis, practices always include some type of cardiovascular training such as running, shuffles, high knees, or fast feet. All of these exercises increase a person’s ability to pump blood throughout the body and make the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide more efficient. Another segment of practice is directed towards developing special skills to enhance one’s abilities. These drills are different for each sport, but all will increase coordination, strength, and body awareness. By participating in sports, students become exposed to different ways of staying in shape. Each focuses on different techniques and abilities, so finding an activity that is best for each individual can be easily done. A study performed by the National Federation of State High School Associations found that an increase in participation in sports has a direct correlation to improved body mass and decreased obesity for female high school students. Another study by the same association concluded that students refrain from inactive pastimes if they have athletic activities after school. (Cheng) Participation in sports will improve a student’s fitness and introduce them to new and exciting ways to maintain a healthy