On Sept. 16, the Athol-Royalston School District School Committee approved three sports to be played this fall: golf, field hockey and cross country. The decision was a bit unfortunate for Athol High School, as it appeared as though the school would be able to offer just field hockey for its fall season.
Athol Athletic Director Dan Bevis wanted to expand the offerings at his school, and talked to Principal Dave King about adding golf and cross country programs, which have not been options at Athol for over a decade.
After the school committee unanimously voted in favor of the additions, golf and cross country were officially offered once again.
“We’re just trying to give them some sense of normalcy when it comes to athletics,” Bevis said of his student-athletes.
With the abbreviated fall sports season nearing its conclusion, it’s safe to say that the addition of these sports have only benefited the student-athletes at Athol High School.
“From what I can tell, the runners are really enthusiastic,” said Aric Davis, head coach of the new cross country team.
Lily King, a senior at Athol who is also the captain of the cross country team, used to play soccer during the fall. Now that King has converted to cross country because soccer is not being offered this fall, she said she has tried to make the best of it.
“It’s super helpful because I’m usually an active kid,” King said. “It’s definitely fun and is a good learning experience.”
The golf team has been a pleasant surprise, particularly with the number of students who have taken an interest this season. The Red Raiders had a total of 18 golfers join the squad.
“With golf, our numbers are way more than expected,” Bevis said.
The golf season has been filled with the enjoyment of learning a new game, according to new head coach Josh Talbot.
“They’re loving just being out there and trying something new,” Talbot explained.
The unexpected numbers for the golf team has provided hope for the school that there will be enough interest for the sport to remain an option in the future.
“We had a perfect situation where desire met opportunity,” Talbot said.
While it’s been a successful foray into new territories this fall, desire is exactly what it’s going to take for these sports to keep their spot at Athol going forward. Golf and cross country did not survive in the past due to low numbers, but as long as the demand for the two new sports remains high, there is a possibility that history won’t be repeated.
“The plan was for them to be one-year sports,” began Bevis. “If the interest is there and we’re able to offer it, I think we can explore those options.”
Bevis pointed to the importance of having sports at a time like this, and how necessary it’s been for young kids and students. Sports help keep kids active, he said, and focused and involved with their school and community. Having golf and cross country accompany field hockey this fall was a move Athol needed to make.
“They’re benefiting from it. They’re getting some sort of activity,” Bevis said.