For a different type of athletic interest, seventh graders at the Carthage Junior High are learning the game of lacrosse.
PE teachers Bob Holman and Mary Colin were watching from the sidelines Tuesday afternoon, enjoying and cheering on their students. Sometimes the ball soared through the gymnasium, other times it was chased across the floor.
“They have to stay in the sections so it doesn’t become a brawl,” Holman said, after some students skidded to a holt at half court. “We expose them to it so they can have an idea of a different type of activity they don’t normally see in this area.”
The unique game is an American Indian tradition, played often on the east coast in high school and collegian levels. Colin said the students are learning offensive and defensive strategies, human movement, teamwork and participating in a controlled, competitive game. When the students are not in a physical activity, they’re learning skills.
No students have been hurt in this activity; in fact, Colin said the first thing they ordered were goggles for the goalies. Junior high level students are encouraged to participate in several other traditional sports, like baseball and basketball, but Colin said the unique games bring out the best in everyone.
“I think the more unique games are what the students get into because there’s such a vast difference in ability in the traditional sports,” she said. “They seem to have more fun in these different games.”
The students’ reactions to the game were enthusiastic.
“It’s easy,” said Kourtney Richardson.
“It’s fun because you’re trying to get the ball,” said Lauren Friedrich. “It’s competitive. I think that’s why everyone likes it because they can show what they got.”
Rajan Thrasher liked the competitive elements of the game, and Tasha Jones called it “awesome.”
“It’s fun because you get to throw stuff,” said Taylor Anderson.
“You have to have cat-like reflexes,” said M’Lynne Wagner.
“Lacrosse is fun, there’s teamwork and passing the ball to each other,” said Nathan Jones. “We’re learning how to be good winners and good losers.”
Before Spring Break, the students will get to play another unique activity called Omnicom, a popular game in Canada and France.
“It’s great and fun to watch,” Mary said.
