The Impact of Athletics

Sports are woven into traditions and our culture in a way that impacts relationships and promotes awareness of diversity, inclusion, and excellence.

The Influence of Football

Football is a sport with immense influence at Gloucester High School because of its opportunities through themes to bring the GHS population together. When I sit in the bleachers wearing pink for “Pink Out,” I am reminded of those less fortunate than myself who are afflicted with breast cancer. The football games serve as an outlet to advance the mission of organizations such as the American Cancer Society, for which GHS students raise money by buying shirts.

Miss Finacey is one of the leaders in the mission to raise money for cancer in the community, specifically at GHS.

“[The fundraising is] extremely influential,” Finacey said. “It became personal when I, myself, was diagnosed with cancer. I didn’t take the money, but it was amazing to see all the kids’ support.”

The students, through the vivid demonstration of support for the population afflicted with cancer, can step out of their shoes and fill the shoes of another, expressing empathy and compassion.

“It feels good to express the feelings I have towards those people,” Vincent Mannone, a freshman on the GHS football team, said.

Another theme for GHS football games is called “Fishermen”. Students dress up as fishermen, most often wearing yellow fishing jumpsuits and matching hats. This teaches the students to reflect on their heritage and where they came from. As Gloucester fades more and more away from its roots of being America’s oldest seaport, it is essential for students to be reminded of the important, rich, and deep history of Gloucester. The uniqueness of Gloucester’s history is demonstrated through the simple display of patriotism for Gloucester as a historical city.

The theme “Lights Out” is another popular theme for GHS students. “Lights Out” renders the sacred silence that is needed for success. It highlights how “dimming the lights” and focusing on the moment at hand might just promote a positive result both in the game and in life.

Football has a particularly special way of connecting students through the similarity of a common school to advertise and support impactful growth.

One of Hope Castellucci's papers, depicting an above perfect score

Athletes’ Academics

In school, student-athletes are committed and driven because of the discipline they learn through sports. Generally, athletes are more successful in the classroom because physical activity enhances “cognitive performance”, resulting in higher GPAs and graduation rates than those who do not participate in a sport. There’s also evidence that suggests sports lead to “reductions in anxiety levels” (Pinto-Escalona et al.) because it may enhance their responsiveness and participation in the classroom. Being a tri-sport athlete myself, I have experienced the panic of seeing a 64 in my SchoolBrains after a bad quiz. I understand the worry that creeps in knowing that my team is relying on me, and I am accountable for my grades — that is the very reason sports are so influential.

“During the sports season, it’s definitely much easier for me to stay focused on my academics,” Upcoming Girls’ Soccer Captain, Ava Coehlo, said. “I personally focus a lot better knowing I have something I love on the line.”

Responsibility is taught when others rely on you, not only on the field but also in the classroom.

Furthermore, school attendance is strengthened by participation in sports, which supports students’ academic abilities. Four years ago, Gloucester High School had a fifteen-minute grace period. However, the school instated a new late policy, which requires students to be in class at 7:30, no matter what. If an athlete doesn’t arrive at school on time, they will be ineligible for that day’s practice/game. Vice Principal Miss Alves has noticed that since the rule change, student athletes “rush to get to school on time.”

Being in school every day is crucial to success in the classroom. Being present with the material is just as important as memorizing it. Additionally, teacher-to-student communication is strengthened by student attendance, making attendance vital for students to receive the proper education and aid they require. Being on an IEP, I find it challenging to complete assignments and stay connected with the material when I am not in school. This is because of the resources that schools provide, such as tutors, support classes, and one-on-one teacher guidance. Without it, I disconnect and disassociate myself with the material instantly. Student-athletes, pushed by the urge to succeed in sports, commonly attend and arrive on time to school, supporting not only their growth in their respective sports field but also in the classroom.

Persistence is taught through the swing of a racket and the kick of the ball, the same persistence that drives students to stay up late hours after a game or event just to get a proper grade.

One of Hope Castellucci’s papers, depicting an above perfect score (Hope Castellucci)

Sports and The Encouragement of Accountability

Accountability for one’s actions is taught through sports because one’s actions not only affect oneself but also one’s teammates. Participating in a relay team for Track and Field is a bonding experience because each and every person puts their individual race into others’ hands. It has taught me to be accountable — My actions in my free time affect me and my teammates. Rules such as no vaping, fighting, or bullying are taken more seriously by athletes because their consequence affects everyone.

“Any substance use violation [by an athlete], they automatically lose 20 percent of their season, so that’s a huge detriment and something student-athletes don’t want to face,” VP Alves said, citing that the rules encourage student-athletes to practice proper and respectable behavior.

When an athlete commits an action that will suspend them from competition, they are required to send an apology out to the team. The apology usually consists of the atlete asking for forgiveness because they have let their whole team down. The apology puts the consequence into perspective, teaching student-athletes that their actions affect others. The students learn what it means to be accountable for their actions on and off the field, which supports their growth as their high school years disappear behind them.

Influence After Graduation

Sports encourage civic mindfulness and cooperation that will promote growth and discourage crime. The cross country team wore green and orange ribbons to signify the support for a former teammate and fellow GHS alumnus who was diagnosed with cancer. The simple gesture became something more; it was an outlet to recognize and raise awareness for something more than just a sport.

“It meant a lot, even though it was just something small,” Cross Country captain Lyall Cunningham said. “A lot of people would ask what they were for, so it was nice to be able to explain to them.”

The students recognized that they are not only athletes but role models who have the capability to become leaders.

Last year, every sports team at Gloucester High School took a turn to clean up our campus. Every athlete came together with trash bags and filled them with garbage that was found on campus. Each time a piece of trash was put into a trash bag, a piece of self-righteous pride was thrown out. Each time a piece was put in, a student became closer friends with another teammate. Each time a piece was put in, an athlete learned the importance of respect for the things graciously given to them. The teams learned how essential it is to respect conveniences that are provided for them, not only in the moment that is high school, but also in the expanse of life that follows.

Even further, sports teach devotion and dedication. At the end of each soccer game, win or lose, every hand gets placed on top of the other. Every time, everyone shouts, “Gloucester on three…one two three Gloucester!”

That simple cheer stands for the community GHS looks to foster.

The Cross Country ribbons (Hope Castellucci)

Once one’s joined a sport, they have joined a community, and the same goes for other commitments all throughout life. Whether it be a job, a hobby, or one’s family, the lesson of fidelity will strengthen bonds and create lasting life skills.

The Impact of Athletics

The Gillnetter

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