A Message To All Shark Student Athletes…
There are little eyes upon you,
And they’re watching day and night
There are little ears that quickly
Take in every word you say;
To do anything you do;
And a little boy or girl who’s dreaming
Of the day they’ll be like you.
You’re the little one’s idol:
You’re the wisest of the wise,
In their mind about you.
No suspicions ever rise;
They believe in you devoutly
Hold all you say and do
They will say and do, in your way
When they grow up like you.
There’s a wide eyed little one
Who believes you’re always right
And their eyes are always open,
And they watch you day and night;
You are setting an example
Everyday in all you do,
For the little one who’s waiting
To grow up to be like you.
THE DEFINITION OF A VARSITY ATHLETE
Varsity athletes, no matter how fast or slow they are, are willing to work their hardest. If everyone is asked to do 5-10 repetitions, most people will do 5. Varsity athletes will do 10 and might even ask to do more. Varsity athletes come to practice every day on time with all of their proper equipment. Varsity athletes manage to avoid conflicts with their practice and competition schedule by looking ahead, staying organized, and making the sport they play a priority. Varsity athletes keep their grades up and ask for academic help if they need it. Varsity athletes play because they love to compete, and they work hard because they want to explore their limits and perhaps venture into unknown territory. Varsity athletes are supportive of not only their teammates, but their competitors, officials, and fans as well. Varsity athletes take care of themselves thoughtfully, nourish themselves intelligently, hydrate themselves constantly, rest themselves adequately, attend to illness or injury pro-actively, listen to advice critically, win or lose humbly, pursue excellence relentlessly, and play hard always. Varsity athletes are held to a very high standard. Varsity athletes are leaders, role models, and are the epitome of sportsmanship. “Everyone has the desire to win, but only champions have the desire to prepare.” –Author Unknown
THE DEFINITION OF A JUNIOR VARSITY ATHLETE
The junior varsity program is intended for students who display the potential to develop into varsity level performers. “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence.” –Vince Lombardi. At the junior varsity level, athletes are expected to have committed themselves to the team and to continued self-improvement. Emphasis is placed on physical conditioning, fundamental skills, strategy, and teamwork. Attendance and effort at practice are important at the junior varsity level. Participants at this level are preparing themselves for the commitments that will be expected of them at the varsity level.
THE DEFINITION OF A MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETE
Although the middle school program is a competitive program, it is designed primarily to meet the developmental needs of its participants. At this level, the focus is on learning athletic skills, game rules, the fundamentals of team play, and sportsmanship.