High school sports are some of the most memorable times for every student athlete.However, only a small number of students get to experience playing competitive sports. Currently, powderpuff school events are the only other option for other students to explore sports in a competitive environment. 

The majority of students at PV participate in physical education class. In this class, students are introduced to a number of sports, but often they do not get to play them in an organized or competitive manner. 

Intramural sports are one of the best ways for students to stay healthy. ¨It would help kids do activities that are less stressful and demanding and help them enjoy sports like football and basketball without having to worry about the stress of performing good,¨ said strength coach Jim Morissey.

The solution: intramural sports.

Intramural sports are played at many colleges and universities, and consist of an organized league with designated teams and officials. This provides students with a way to exercise whilst either exploring a new sport or continuing one they enjoy, without the stress of a more intense schedule. Intramural leagues have different levels of skill with some competing at a very high level.

Implementing competitive intramural sports at Pleasant Valley High School would provide students with an alternative opportunity to stay in shape whilst playing a sport they like at a competitive level. Oneexample of this is football; many students enjoy watching football but do not participate because of the dangers within the sport. An intramural league for football would allow these students to participate in the sport they love but not have to commit to everyday practices or full contact. 

Another large benefit of implementing intramural sports is they give students a chance to explore up-and-coming sports. Sports like lacrosse and field hockey are not very popular in this area and the introduction of an intramural version of these sports could boost their popularity and provide students with new opportunities. 

For an increasingly popular sport like lacrosse, intramural sports could be a way to attract more players. ¨Our lacrosse team could definitely use some more players and I think a lot of people would enjoy it. It would be a good way to expose the sport to more people,¨ said senior lacrosse player, Rese Bailey.

Intramural sports have a number of benefits to a school’s community and can boost overall morale within the school as they provide students with an opportunity to compete with their peers. The sports could also expand to other schools and allow for students to experience the competitive aspect of sports without the rigorous commitments that come with most high school sports.