JMS Winter Sports: Commitment and Dedication

By Zack Qasemi

February 12, 2024

On November 6th, 2023, students and coaches gathered for an assembly in the JMS field house to open the Winter Sports season. 

During the assembly, Head Coach John Mankowich gave the students, teachers, and coaches attending a rundown of rules, regulations, and expectations. Students were expected to come to their respective sports practice every day unless stated otherwise prior to practice, and were also expected to respect their coaches and their fellow athletes. If a student missed three days of practice then they would need to discuss the situation with their coach. The boys swimming coach, Ms. DeRose, explained that “they have to make a commitment to the school. It’s not fair to the school for them not to show. Not to the coach or to the teammates.” In terms of athletes being on leave, the circumstances of each situation would need to be considered. 

Participating in sports is a valuable opportunity to grow in both athletics and character. According to Ms. DeRose, “Sportsmanship is necessary. You should be someone that [others want] to play with or against. Follow the school rules and look out for one another, respect your opponents, [fellow] athletes, and your coaches, and be a positive representative of the school community.”

Sports offered during Winter I included boys basketball, boys swimming, girls volleyball, and coed winter track. Now that Winter I sports are ending, these guidelines will apply to the Winter II sports: girls basketball, coed bowling, boys volleyball, and coed wrestling.

The Winter Sports season is a time for athletes to display their physical prowess while the weather is cold, and competition is even colder. As Ms. DeRose emphasized, “Students are expected to show respect and effort in their respective sports for not only the winter season, but throughout their entire career in sports.”