The silver lining shone brightly at Park this spring as athletes in Grades 4-8 took to the fields after school to participate in track-and-field and lacrosse.
Students stayed in their grade-level cohorts and were coached by teachers from those same groups. And, for a solid eight weeks, these students worked hard to learn new skills, hone already acquired techniques, incorporate competitive tactics, and improve their fitness. Former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden once said, “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.” These young athletes made that saying come to life as they worked hard every day, knowing that they wouldn’t have a chance to prove themselves against other teams.
Park’s coaches should clearly also be praised, as they kept the training sessions interesting and fun. One hot day in May, water balloons magically appeared and each team had a blast playing games and completing challenges that ultimately just got them wet! As the spring concluded and restrictions on social distancing lightened up, kids were able to take part in a couple of days of real track meets and some terrific, full-field lacrosse games.
A number of athletes this spring, after their first experience in these sports, have chosen to build on what they have learned over the summer and into next year as well. So, although it was not a season of competition against other schools, the spring athletics program at Park was a huge success!
