TEAM SPORTS

STUDENTS LOVE TEAM SPORTS

Students are given the opportunity to play sports with their classmates in a laid back setting

BY DANIELLE VARRASSO

Recess is not just for little kids, Team Sports brings the same fun of recess to high schoolers. This is a new class that was added to elective options for Granville Students in the last three years. It has shown to be very beneficial mentally and physically. Students should be more aware of the positive aspects this class brings.

Rex Carr, who also teaches regular P.E and core training classes, started this class to get kids more involved in physical education in a fun way. During this class, students will participate in and learn new and wellknown sports.

“Team sports is a great opportunity to physically engage in activity while taking a mental break from the demands of your normal academic classes,” said health teacher Karly Worrall.

Endless research has been conducted on the advantages of recess, or just simply taking time to go outside during class. This class is a way to put those studies to the test, and the benefits have not gone unnoticed.

“After taking it, I just feel so ready to go into Global issues and I think it’s just because you’re taking all that stress out. My grades for the class after this have gone up," senior Tom Bain said.

Another goal of this class was to teach valuable traits that you would not necessarily get in a core class. The students are able to cooperate and communicate with their classmates much more.

“Students learn how to help each other out, support each other and build on each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” Carr said.

Similar to other electives, team sports teaches students more skills that will help them in their everyday life rather than following a lesson plan and preparing for tests.

Team sports brings back the excitement of being able to hang out and be active with your friends at school because that slowly gets taken away as students get older.

“If you are used to playing sports in a high stakes environment this is a great class for you to take to bring back some joy into physical activity,” Worrall said.

Mental health takes a toll on high school students juggling academics along with sports and jobs. It is often overlooked how taking an hour out of the day to learn a new sport, or do some laid back physical activity can relieve stress.

“There is something special about playing a basketball or kickball game with your classmates,” Worrall said.

One of the many benefits this class brings is that it also counts as a P.E credit. When comparing this class to a regular physical education class the differences can be seen in how collaborative it is. “We have a lot more fun and there is a lot more teamwork that goes on,” said Carr. While P.E can bring a lot of the same benefits, team sports is centered around a group aspect and working together. It can teach students a lot about how to work well with others and be a part of a team, especially for those who do not play sports. “Why not play different sports with your friends and receive P.E credit for graduation?” Worrall said. “Seems like a no brainer.”

“There is something special about playing a basketball game or a kickball game with your classmates in a friendly environment.”