The Wessex Wire

The Student News Site of West Essex Regional High School

The Wessex Wire

The Wessex Wire

Opinion: Athletes at all levels shouldn’t be overlooked

By Jules Moskowitz ’17

Illustration by Jules Moskowitz

It’s Friday night and the varsity football team is hyped, considering the game has been the talk of the school all week. The stands fill up around 6:30 and before the starting kick-off, it’s hard to even move. The game is exciting and everyone cheers for the Knights. During half time, the band performs and everyone awaits for the game to restart, munching on popcorn and candy.

The boys varsity team is victorious, winning their first game of many. After the game, they celebrate by hanging out with friends or meeting at the diner. The boys get congratulated, and admired by other sports members, parents and friends.

Now: It’s Monday after school. The JV and freshman boys are suiting up, getting ready for their own football game. In the stands, there are some parents, but it’s not nearly close to full. The boys win in a landslide. They are congratulated by their coaches and parents, but then return to the locker room and forget about their big victory.The next morning: During homeroom, the varsity team’s win is projected and the star players announced. But everyone forgets about the JV and freshman team’s win.

This scenario isn’t completely uncommon: There are roughly 550 West Essex students who play on JV and freshman sports, and these students make up the majority of West Essex athletes.

Varsity players deserve to be on varsity and get recognition for doing well. The team is filled with dedicated, hard-working and skillful athletes. Each player fully and completely deserves to be a member of the team.

But they’re certainly not alone. Members of the JV and freshman squads play the sport they play with the goal to be on varsity, and become the best they can be. Just because the JV and freshman teams aren’t playing the most competitive level of the sport, doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be noticed for what they’ve accomplished during their seasons as well.

“I was on the JV soccer team this fall,” said sophomore Bailey Schuester. “We had a winning season and so many of my teammates are going to be better prepared when it’s our time to join the varsity squad.”

It’s clear that players on the JV and freshman levels have an ultimate goal to work hard and compete. For that reason, all athletes should be recognized for excelling on their specific team.

A way to make sure that all athletes are equally recognized could be by hanging a poster of their games schedules around the school. Even here on the Wire, writers and editors can dedicate some space to each freshman and JV team’s season statistics. Something that simple could help boost players’ confidence.

All varsity players deserve their spot. They demonstrate commitment, passion and heart each and every day during their sports season. But varsity players gained their experience by practicing and putting in the work. JV and freshman players are the future of the varsity teams. It’s crucial to congratulate and admire individuals who are making a difference on their JV and freshman teams.

 

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