Spring sports have arrived! University Academy’s winter sports came to a finish, making way for track and field, girls’ soccer and baseball. These three sports allow students and supporters to feel the sun on their skin as spring provides warmer weather.
Track and field can be indoors and outdoors, but outdoor season is during the spring. The special thing about track is that it has several events during one meet, which include running, throwing and jumping. Spectators can watch someone long jump in the sand pit while waiting for the runners to get ready in their lanes as their race awaits. Running is perhaps the most popular and well known event, as the crowd watches the athletes run races that vary from the 100 meter to 3200 meter dash.
At UA, track is coached by Coach Adam Blackstock and Coach Jeffery Burgett. These two coaches work with the high schoolers, holding practices every weekday from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. to train athletes on their speed, endurance and strength. During practice, athletes build their skills by doing work with hurdles, shot puts, the sandpit and more. It is important that these workouts are done correctly and full out as they can better athletes’ skills and allow them to reach their goals.
Cameron McFarlin, a UA junior, runs track. His events are the 100m, 200m, and 400m races.
McFarlin said, “Track has played a significant role in my life because it pushes me to be a better person and work at my fullest potential! Every time that I am on the track, I am giving it my all.”
Track is a unique sport in that it primarily tests the individual. Athletes only depend on themselves unless running a relay, which is a race that usually has four people who are handing off a baton to one another as they meet at a certain mark. Other than that, this sport is based on athletes’ individual skills and how effective their training has been for them. Track doesn’t just challenge athletes’ bodies, but it also pushes their minds.
UA senior Aaliyah Lee, who participates in the throwing aspect of track, said, “This sport attracts me with the discipline that you gain from it and the ‘you versus you’ mindset that is encouraged in track.”
Track is not always easy regardless of the number of medals won or the amount of times someone achieves a new personal best. But with the determined mindset comes a wonderful community of people within the sport, so it is important to encourage one another.
Lee said, “Be prepared to not compare yourself to others and to realize your only goal is to be better than you were at your last meet.”
Baseball is also a fan favorite sport at UA, which has a co-op team with Ewing Marion Kauffman School. This will be the second full season that UA has a home field to play on that is located on campus, allowing students to easily attend home games.
Baseball is a game that requires players to hit every base to score, with perhaps the most challenging part being to hit the ball correctly with the bat.
Fast reactions are vital in baseball. Although this is a team sport, individuals must watch out for their surroundings. Whether that means keeping a close eye on the ball, watching an opponent on base, or running to base before being tagged by the opponent, a sense of urgency is needed. This sense of urgency can also help in real life as students learn to think fast on their feet in certain situations.
UA senior Marquis Byers, a baseball player, said, “It requires quick thinking and reaction time. I love those aspects because it keeps me on my toes and helps my everyday life.”
Baseball is a beloved sport worldwide, and there is hope for the Gryphons to make this their best season yet. For more information about UA baseball, contact Mr. Sam Carr or Mr. Martez Gardner.
Last but not least, who can forget about girls’ soccer? In Missouri’s high school athletics, girls play in the spring, whilst boys play in the fall. Girls’ soccer is unique because it is the only spring sport that includes all girls, which allows the young women to show off their incredible skills and uplift one another. These ladies come together as they work on coordination, endurance and communication.
At UA, like baseball, girls’ soccer is a co-op with Kauffman. This allows for the opportunity to meet new people and feel a part of a more widespread community of supporters.
UA junior Alisa Garrett said, “The hardest part is starting, but once you do, you’ll truly enjoy it, and it gives you something to do. It allows you to be a part of something bigger.”
Girls’ soccer is often overlooked, so consider making a point to support the team this spring. For more information, contact Coach Jordan McLarthy.
Spring sports at UA are always exhilarating as they provide a chance to be outside after the long season of being inside during the winter. It is encouraged that students try to involve themselves in any of the sports this season, whether it is just for fun or they are more seriously focused on bettering themselves. Being involved in sports can give students something to do with their free time, while allowing them to become part of a team and support system. It also provides healthy physical activity.
With the hope that all student athletes achieve their goals this season, good luck! And for supporters, ask any players or staff for a schedule for any of the sports and support your Gryphon peers this season.
