Sports Q+A

On December 5th, 2023, an honored member of the Crossroads dive team was interviewed by the Crossroads Chronicle, we got insight on dive practices, how fun diving is, and what it’s like being a diver! This article recognizes a sport that isn’t always talked about. 

Q: What are your practices like throughout the week?

A: Practices can be intense and difficult but very fun. It feels really good to accomplish a new dive at practice.

Q: What are your favorite and least favorite parts of diving?

A: My favorite parts of dive are conquering and trying new dives for the first time! My least favorite parts of Dive are the mental blocks you can go through while diving for the first time.

Q: What’s your favorite dive?

A: My favorite dive is a front semi-half twist because it is fun, impressive, and looks cool.

Q: How do you think dive impacts you personally?

A: Diving can be tiring and hard but can also help you overcome challenges. 

Q: Do you enjoy your dive meets?

A: Yes, I enjoy the dive meets, they are fun, but they can also be stressful when a lot of people are watching you.

Q: What's your opinion on the weekly swim practice you have to participate in? Do you think it is unnecessary? 

A: The weekly swim meets are very necessary since we still swim relays at meets and it’s helpful for divers. 

Q: Does dive ever mess up your schedule? 

A: Yes, it occasionally interferes with scheduling, but it is worth it. 

Q: Does the dive team feel like a family to you?

A: Yes, all of the divers support each other and help each other, we are all pretty tight-knit. 

Q: Will you continue to dive into high school?

A: Unfortunately I won't, I want to explore other opportunities during high school, but I will help coach.

Q: Do you have any words for anybody thinking about joining the dive team in the future?

A: Join! It’s a lot of fun and if you truly don’t like it, you can stop, but the season is short and you might like it!

Overall, divers like Evy have been enjoying the sport. Diving can make you stronger and can help you get closer to fellow divers who have similar interests as you. Although the dive season has recently ended, there are always opportunities in high school to try new things like dive!

Unified Sports is a team where people with and without intellectual disabilities play various different types of sports. Everyone is on one team and they go against other schools and play sports. Today, I am going to interview Mrs. Sugiyama and ask her about Unified Sports.

Mrs. Sugiyama has answered these questions to help better understand what Unified Sports is about.

1-  What made you decide to help with Unified Sports?

I was contacted by a Unified Liaison last summer. At the same time, two of my student’s parents inquired about the program's existence at Crossroads. I felt it was a sign to move forward.  After gathering further information, I presented to our staff that I would be starting this program and Mrs. Vogel and Mrs. Swayze jumped on board, and now we are tackling this together.

2- What do you do in Unified Sports?

We are playing basketball this year, but there are so many different sports opportunities to offer, from bowling to football.  We meet weekly to practice or come together as a peer-to-peer group planning for upcoming events, such as our recent Inclusion Week at Crossroads.  

3- What are your goals for the team?

To create an inclusive environment for Crossroad’s students.  So all students can make a connection and provide opportunities to branch out from their normal social circles. Also, to have a great time playing basketball! 

4- Who are the members?

We have 25 students in both 7th and 8th grade participating in our program.  Mrs. Sugiyama, Mrs. Vogel, Mrs. Swayze, Mrs. Johnson and her son, Mr. Johnson all have their parts too. 

5- How did you come up with Inclusion Week?

To become a Unified School you are required to host a whole-school engagement piece.  We thought that spreading the word of inclusion and offering an opportunity to learn about different abilities and the need to spread kindness would be a great way to celebrate.

6- Do you have plans to continue Inclusion themes throughout the year?

We hope that inclusion and spreading kindness continue to grow and thrive at Crossroads.  We also hope to incorporate school-wide activities throughout the school year to promote this culture. 

7- Are you planning on doing Unified next year too?

Yes, absolutely. 

8- Does the high school do Unified Sports?

Not at this time.  We hope to create a continuum of programs throughout our district, but as of now, Crossroads is the first.

9- How do you think the game this Friday will go?

I know that our school will bring positivity and energy to all of the basketball players.  We are so excited to host Northern Hills Middle School at 10:00 with a kick-off presentation of The Red Glasses Movement. You will hear from our very own Lexi Borek and Ella Atkinson on our morning announcement for this great cause “Live Boldly. Love Big. Pass it on.”