By Rachel McDaniel
This week’s edition of the Pike County Journal Reporter highlights fall sports at Pike County High School – including the athletes, coaches, fans, musicians in the band and members of the community.
Those who don’t play sports may question the importance of these long-held traditions of tossing around the ‘pig skin’ in football, nailing the right cheer to build the team’s momentum, catching a fly ball or taking a swing in softball, pushing for a big finish in cross country or making a kill at the net in volleyball. In fact, many who don’t play sports play something else far more difficult for many – music. Band members practice during the summer to perform their talents on the field and from the bleachers, they encourage the football team to play their best.
Still, there are many who see little value in all the time and effort spent cheering on teams and practicing sports and music. However, countless crucial characteristics are developed and strengthened by student athletes and musicians and all those who take part – whether it is just watching a game or coaching for the entire season!
Community. Sports and music programs build and strengthen community. The definition of community is ‘a unified body of individuals’ and Pike County is an amazing example of how community members can work together to create a thriving environment and help those in need recover from tragic incidents and accidents.
Dedication. Being a part of a team or the band requires dedication from all the members to be successful. This is an integral life lesson that is sometimes first learned by students on the field, court or track. It’s not fun to get up at the crack of dawn and take part in weightlifting and training for hours, but it teaches serious dedication. It also shows the students – and everyone who sees them perform – how working hard and not giving up pays off. Self discipline is one of the most important lessons to learn. Life is full of things that need to be done but aren’t the most fun – and those who are disciplined will get those things handled with plenty of time for other endeavors.
Time management. Another major lesson that student athletes and musicians learn during each season is time management. Many adults struggle with managing their time efficiently and taking part in sports can help teach students how to spend their time and get the most done without leaving out the important things – like school and family and church time.
Humility. Sometimes games don’t go the way students – or fans – want them to and that’s when it’s time for a healthy dose of humility. The definition of humility is ’the ability to accurately view your talents and flaws while being void of arrogance.’ Some of the best athletes in the world show great humility as they compete and then congratulate their opponents – whether they win or lose. If you know your value, then you don’t have to make others feel bad to feel better about yourself. Humility is an important part of community because members don’t feel that they are better than others and are willing to help when needed.
Self esteem is your opinion of yourself. Some people have good self esteem while others have bad self esteem. Sports can build positive self esteem – especially when students see their hard work paying off. Successful programs also improve the self esteem of the community and I know all the members of Pirate Nation were super proud of the football team for winning their first game of the season – on the road even! Support the team this Friday as they host the Haralson County Rebels at 7:30 p.m. at Pirate Stadium.
This column would never end if I went through all ways sports and music benefit students. But, there are many, many more, including improved academic performance, ability to work better with others, leadership, social development and physical fitness and strength. In addition to all the improvements, sports and music also help reduce stress.
Our Pirate Nation is a community of those who support local teams and encourage them throughout the seasons – and the years. Pike County’s Dr. James ‘Jim’ Turpin was a standout member of the Pirate Nation as he supported local sports for more than 40 years, attending more than 700 Pirates baseball games! He also served as a coach, teacher, principal and superintendent for a total of 38 years. Now that’s dedication.
Even if you aren’t the world’s biggest sports fan, try attending a local game – at the recreation level counts too – and grow with the community!
Also, be sure to support local businesses who helped ensure all the PCHS teams were highlighted in this week’s special Fall Sports Section on pages 1-8B.
Rachel McDaniel has written for the Pike County Journal Reporter for 15 years and been a journalist for more than 20 years. Email her at news@pikecountygeorgia.com.