Did you know that Girls on the Run does more than just run?

"I enjoy Girls on the Run because I love seeing my friends after school. Running makes me feel happy and the coaches are nice and funny," said Brynn Rudloff.

 Girls on the Run is a nation-wide program with the goal of building confidence and then running a 5k with a buddy.  The group started last spring and this year now had 9 students participating in the program. All girls are sponsored and fees are covered. Each year, the program has a theme with lessons each week and workbooks that focus on a positive mindset and building confidence. The theme for this year is Mountain Movers. 

"I like running and I like Girls on the Run because it helps me exercise and it helps me stay healthy," said Rylan Chilson.

The foundation for practice is the group start with icebreakers and a lesson each week where they have a discussion and write in their journals. Then they have snacks, stretch, and warm up before running. For the upcoming 5k, each girl will have a buddy running with them whether it is a coach, a family member, or teacher. One of this year's Girls on the Run coaches at Snyder is Lakshmi Ilango.

"I really like sports and helping girls run. My favorite part about coaching is helping the girls gain strength and the confidence in themselves not just to run but to do other hard things too," Coach Ilango said.

Valley Youth Soccer Association had 43 teams participate in their program this year. The season started in August and teams are still practicing and playing in tournaments at home and traveling to other fields. 

“I have been playing soccer for 8 years. Right now I play left midfield, but I played many different positions to learn how to play the game as a team,” said sixth grader, Colton Roof. 

Valley Youth Soccer Association recently competed in a tournament with different teams from the area. The under 10 girls team Zoomies Animal Rehab brought home 1st place within the girls division. The boys team, Greater Valley Assembly, received 2nd place, team Pyramid received 3rd place, and team Sayre Elks placed 4th. This tournament had over 25 teams participate between both the boys and girls division. 

“My favorite thing about soccer is scoring goals and helping teammates when they need it,” said fifth grader, Sophie Podolinski. 

Each team plays about 8 games and competes in one district tournament each season.. Players on the Valley Youth Soccer Association teams come from Sayre, Athens, Waverly and more school districts. There are about 47 Sayre Students this year in the program.

Snyder Rec Volleyball for the 2024 season is coached by Coach Wayman and Coach Paige Shaw. Although this is Coach Wayman's first year coaching, she played volleyball herself in both elementary and high school at Sayre.

"I like teaching new skills and helping the players build on their individual skills and skills as a team," said Coach Wayman.

Rec Volleyball has an A and B team that have been practicing since September learning new skills and how to work together as a team. Along with winning some games, the team has been gaining skills that they can carry with them as some of the players advance to the high school next year. 

"When I get to the high school, I feel I will be more confident because I have learned and practiced all of the skills needed here at Snyder," said fifth-grader, Maci Wells.

Recently, the team participated in a tournament on Saturday October, 19 where they impressed their own coaches. 

"We were a small team compared to other schools and the girls really stepped up and played hard. They learned how to communicate better and work as a team," said Coach Wayman.

Many kids in Snyder either participate in cheerleading or football. Junie Higley, who is in Miss Skerpon’s kindergarten class, said that she loves cheering.

"My favorite part of cheerleading is doing splits," Junie said.

 Second-grader Jayce VanHousen noted that he started playing football because he likes football and his dad thought it would be good for him to play. He always enjoyed playing and, like many members of the football team and cheerleading squad, has fun while also working hard.

 “Cheer looked really fun and it’s always been my dream to be a cheerleader,” said  second-grader Arianna Baggerly.

While some enjoy the sports for fun and the competition gaining skills along the way, others look at joining as a way to be with their friends and work together as a team. Jaxon Burch's favorite part of football is being part of a team and getting time with friends.

 “I’m on a great team and I can support friends while playing,” said third-grader Jaxon Burch.

All members are invited and encouraged to watch and cheer on our junior redskins each season.