Swish. Boom. Bam. Smack. The sound of a clean jump shot swishing the net. The ding of a bat hitting a baseball as it sails out of the stadium. The clean smack of the volleyball getting crushed over the net. A football getting punted through a field goal. West Middle School needs more sports teams. 

West has many sports teams already; such as cross country, volleyball, swimming, wrestling, track and field, and basketball. We already have a good variety of sports, but some people want more. Plus, some people do not play them or want to play them. For example, many students at West Middle School play soccer. Since we have many soccer athletes, a soccer team could increase student participation and motivation about school and themselves. 

I interviewed Vivian Christianson, a soccer player for the Michigan Hawks, about her opinion on having a West soccer team. 

“We could have more sports options and it would be something fun everyone could try,” Vivian stated. But it may be hard to find a spot for everyone on the team or have fair play for everyone. 

Plus, we could also have a lacrosse team, for example. We also have some lacrosse players and retired lacrosse coaches at WMS. This could increase the popularity of this sport at West, and teach new things to students. 

“I think having a middle school lacrosse team for boys and girls would help support the high school programs, it’s an excellent sport, it’s not as expensive as hockey, and there just needs to be more options. … So to introduce lacrosse at the middle school age, provides positive opportunities…” Lauren Horvath, ELA and Journalism teacher stated. 

There has also been talk about wanting a boys’ volleyball team. Many kids think that this would be a fun opportunity in school. “There used to be a boys’ volleyball team at West. We need to bring it back.” Lauren Horvath also stated. This would be a great opportunity for boys to get involved!

Overall, West needs to add more sports teams. This would increase participation, motivation, and involvement in school. We need to make a change! Go West!