The dismissal bell rings and students make their way to the locker room. School bags are put away and sports uniforms are put on. Coaches calling out moves and plays while the smell of sweat fills the room. Middle school students push themselves, knowing they are competing at a high school level. Every drill brings determination, excitement, and getting to prove they belong on a high school team.
Playing up at a high school level as a middle school student takes determination, hard work, and sacrifice. After a long day at school these students go straight into practicing for their sports. They work hard during and outside of practice, to not only get better as a player but working harder as a person. High school winter sports that have middle school participants include, boys and girls basketball, swim and dive, wrestling, and bowling.
There are over 35 middle school students who play up at the high school level in winter sports.
The students who play up at the high school level must have work ethic and so much determination.
A good mentality means a good game.
Playing for the varsity girls basketball team, Solu Nzekwu (8) has been working hard since she was in second grade to become good at basketball.
“In order to play on varsity I have to work hard and it takes a lot of training. I think other people should improve their mentality and they will improve. My favorite part of playing on the high school team is playing with people with different skill levels.”
The key to improvement is hard work and sacrifices.
Amil Wimzie (8) has been playing basketball for 9 years. He plays on the varsity boys basketball team.
“I make sacrifices everyday to improve, playing up takes hard work, everyday effort, and great intensity. I think others should know that practice makes perfect.”
Playing up in a different environment means effort and practice.
Elliot Peter (8) has been on the varsity bowling team for the past 2 years, but has been playing on his own for 6. He has much experience bowling, which helps him to reach his goals.
“I really like playing up because I get to know so much about the highschool before being in high school. I think others should know to just keep working and practicing towards your goals. Playing up takes a lot of effort, practice, and experience bowling.”
Some of the students playing up think it is best to have fun and enjoy what you are doing while practicing.
Maggie Meyers (8) is a swimmer for the varsity swim and dive team and she has been doing this sport for 7 years. It is important to her to always have fun with what she does.
“I really enjoy playing up because I get to meet older kids and I like being good friends with the sophomores, juniors, and seniors on the team. Swimming at the high school level takes a lot of hard work and confidence.”
Sports may be a time to be serious but it’s important to enjoy the process at the same time.
“I think the best advice to give other swimmers wanting to swim at the high school level would be to work hard but also enjoy the process and it’s good to have fun while working hard.”
Varsity wrestler Alexander Smith (8) started wrestling 3 years ago and works hard while he is also having fun.
“In order to be able to compete with people who are older than me I have to work extra hard and always make sure I am doing my best.
Smith has a piece of advice for those who eventually want to play up.
My advice to others would be to have a good work ethic to be the greatest version of yourself. Overall, playing up has a lot of pros, it is a lot of fun, and I really like my teammates.”
Overall, the students who play up at the high school level have worked hard to become the athlete they are.
NOTE: Each quarter, students from the the eighth grade yearbook class will write an article for the Hilltopper Online.
