At GlenOak High School, students often discuss the sports and activities they wish the school provided. When asked, students shared their interests and hobbies leading from the more serious of OHSAA run men’s volleyball, to non-serious hobby horsing. This reveals a wide range of interests, hoping for more opportunities beyond the classroom.
The most requested sport students asked for was Men’s Volleyball with 21 votes. This sport has many pros, such as the crucial teamwork and bonding needed for a team to succeed.
Since Men’s Volleyball won in votes by a significant mark the decision was to ask students how they would feel if GOHS added Men’s Volleyball. The common response was, “That would be cool,” junior Toben Smith said. “I probably would play on it, I love volleyball.” With this answer, there was then the next step of asking current members of the women’s volleyball team here at GlenOak.
“I think a men’s team is a good idea,” varsity volleyball member MyQuella Lipkins said. “It is just a perfect way to spread love for the sport.”
To see if the same feelings were shared across the team, another member of the team was asked.
“I think it is a really good idea and it would be really fun to support another team during a different season,” junior varsity member Alexa Aycock said.
The second most voted sport or activity was, Pickleball with six votes. With the fun and social aspect that pickleball contains, it causes many students to want a team.
Next was third place, which was a three-way tie with several students wanting less popular sports such as hockey, badminton and fencing all having three votes each. This proves that even though some sports are less popular, it does not mean the sport is not wanted by some. With that in mind, both boxing and flag football have two votes each, and even rugby by one student, showing that students’ interests love competitive and physical sports.
There were also many unique requests that go beyond the typical athletic sport. Such as the four students who wanted a mock trial team in hopes of practice, debate and lawful skills. A few specialized sports like archery, field hockey and hobby horsing each requested by one student. Finally, one strong request for girls’ tackle football in hopes of equal opportunities in sports.
If there is curiosity and are wondering how to make any of these sports sanctioned, here are some steps that would help. First, talk to the athletic director and see if starting a petition is a possible action. Then, see if there is enough serious interest in the sport that is wanted.
If enough interest is found and the school approves of it, the school will most likely go through the process of, “Offering it as a club,” athletic director Noah Dockus said.
“If it maintains interest and numbers it earns the right to then become a fully recognized sanctioned sport.”
Altogether, these ideas show the students want more options when it comes to sports and activities, where everyone can find a home and feel welcomed. Where the great teamwork and bonding on Men’s Volleyball will help everyone feel welcome. All the way to Hobby Horsing where people can find some true skills and interests they have.
