A IS FOR ATHLETICS
A IS FOR ATHLETICS
Durham students find success on and off the field urham Public Schools is committed not only to academic excellence among its students, but also to supporting the potential of the whole child. As a result, its students are succeeding more and more both in and outside of the classroom, including on the athletic fields. Many DPS students are learning leadership skills, creating community, and boosting their self-esteem on the fields, tracks, and courts of schools across the district through robust athletics programming. “In the world today that can be so negative and can just tear you down so much, athletics allows them to be who they naturally and authentically are,” says David Hackney, the director of athletics for DPS. “It allows them to grow. It allows them to learn and just meet different people and build relationships.” Six of DPS’ high schools participate in athletics programming, as do 10 of its middle schools. Each school offers different athletic programs. The most popular across the district are football and basketball, though other popular choices include soccer, baseball, softball, and track and field. Many new sports have been added with rising interest from students. “One of our rising sports would be lacrosse,” Hackney says. “A few schools offer lacrosse, but it is becoming more and more popular. I wouldn’t be surprised if, at some point in time, all of our high schools are offering lacrosse.” In addition, Hackney says that both women’s volleyball and soccer have grown in popularity in recent years. Field hockey is now offered at Riverside and Jordan high schools. Other offerings include swimming, tennis, wrestling, all types of running sports, and cheer. “Durham Public Schools prides itself on diversity, but I would also venture to say that that diversity carries over in
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athletics,” Hackney says. “I don’t think you’re going to get any more diverse than athletics because you have young people from all backgrounds.” Many students who have played sports in Durham Public Schools have gone on to win scholarships, to play at the college level, to play professionally, and to achieve notoriety. Hackney himself was an athlete in Durham Public Schools, and he went on to play football at N.C. Central University. Riverside High School alum Jordon Riley now plays defensive end for the New York Giants. Hillside High School alum Rodney Rogers played basketball for Wake Forest University and then the Denver Nuggets. Another Riverside alum, Weslye Saunders, played football for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Indianapolis Colts, and the Birmingham Iron. Before they ever graduate, many DPS athletes are accomplishing great things. Lucca Battaglini, a senior at the Durham School of the Arts, is a swimmer who has broken records for 50-yard free swims and 100-yard butterfly swims. He is among the top swimmers in the nation for these competitions. Photograph courtesy of Jordan High School
