New 2015 Sports Introduced
I know it just started snowing and the winter season just began
I know it just started snowing and the winter season just began, but I, as I imagine many students here, am already dreaming of warmer days and a little more sunshine. In fact, there is great cause for such anticipation as EHS will work this winter to prepare for the addition of two new spring athletic teams. While it will require many things to fall into place, including hunting down some affordable equipment to defray the high start up costs of each sport, Eagle Hill hopes to soon welcome the following:
Rowing
In response to student interest in adding some traditional prep school sports, EHS plans to include on our continually growing list of athletics one with perhaps the longest history among prep schools both in the United States and across the pond. Not only does this sport have a storied past, but countless studies have attributed the aerobic and anaerobic benefits of rowing to improvements in emotional health and management of ADHD.
In response to student interest in adding some traditional prep school sports, EHS plans to include on our continually growing list of athletics one with perhaps the longest history among prep schools both in the United States and across the pond. Not only does this sport have a storied past, but countless studies have attributed the aerobic and anaerobic benefits of rowing to improvements in emotional health and management of ADHD.
Dr. Miller and Mr. Foley will bring their decades of competitive rowing experience to those students interested in trying out the sport. They’ve both coached championship high school teams in the past and, although they’re in the early stages of building a team, they’ve already had a bunch of interest! If you have any leads on boats, equipment, or you believe your child might be interested, please contact Dr. Miller and Mr. Foley at rmiller@ehs1.org or mfoley@ehs1.org
Triathlon
Anyone who knows me understands this is passion of mine. I have been competing in sprint, Olympic and half-ironman distances for over a decade and the myriad physical, emotional, mental and spiritual benefits I know to exist are too many to mention. There has been a rise in popularity of the sport, particularly among youth (U16) and juniors (age 16+) in recent years, due primarily to the emerging scholarship opportunities at the NCAA level. In fact, just this year the NCAA approved women’s triathlon as a scholarship eligible sport for DI and DII schools. This means the opportunities for high school males and females to get recognized and recruited have never been higher.
Anyone who knows me understands this is passion of mine. I have been competing in sprint, Olympic and half-ironman distances for over a decade and the myriad physical, emotional, mental and spiritual benefits I know to exist are too many to mention. There has been a rise in popularity of the sport, particularly among youth (U16) and juniors (age 16+) in recent years, due primarily to the emerging scholarship opportunities at the NCAA level. In fact, just this year the NCAA approved women’s triathlon as a scholarship eligible sport for DI and DII schools. This means the opportunities for high school males and females to get recognized and recruited have never been higher.
More importantly, however, is that triathlon can be a lifelong activity. We will begin training this spring for a sprint triathlon at the end of May 2015. It is the shortest of distances (1/3 mi. swim, 12 mi. bike, 3.1 mi. run) and a perfect length to expose any student to the basic elements of triathlon. It will undoubtedly give them a taste of the unique sense of accomplishment that comes with finishing one.
I have seen many students run cross country here, and others spend countless hours in the pool, so I expect we will have a handful of interested athletes. However, even if a student hasn’t competed in any of those events previously it is still absolutely possible to train for and finish a race. I promise. It’s how I got started. The beauty of triathlon is that there is room for everyone, no matter what your experience or goals are. You can compare yourself against others, or, like most of us, simply measure yourself against your own gains and previous performances. It’s also a fantastically positive community to become a part of. If you have any leads on used or discounted indoor bike trainers, computrainers or believe your son or daughter might be interested, I would love to hear from you.
We announced both sports at our all-school meeting this morning, so it is possible your son or daughter may have already approached us about participating. Either way, when your stomachs are filled with turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce (we’ll leave the canned v. homemade debate for another time), and you inevitably begin to discuss needing to get in shape, workout more or feel better physically, I hope these new sports give you and your children something to ponder.
Meanwhile, have a wonderful Thanksgiving break. May you enjoy time with family and may your hearts….and bellies…be full.