The genesis of the Cecil County Public Schools' middle school sports program has been more like a sprint than a marathon. Matt Roberts, CCPS' Program Coordinator for Physical Education, Health Education, and Athletics, is confident it will cross the finish line in time for the fall season. Roberts was tasked with forming the middle school program at the direction of superintendent Jeffrey A. Lawson, who assumed that post in July.
"The middle school sports program is a priority initiative of Dr. Lawson's," Roberts said. "We've been doing this quickly, but it's coming together. We've got nothing but support from the community. We've gauged a lot of excitement. People are happy the school system is creating positive opportunities for students after school." There has been a Middle School Movers program for the last four years where CCPS students participated in sports and occasionally played games against other county middle schools. That will not change. "[The middle school sports program] is a little more formal and will mirror the high schools' interscholastic program," said Roberts. "It's something the community has asked about over the years and it became a priority once Dr. Lawson became superintendent." There are six public middle schools in Cecil County – Bohemia Manor, Cherry Hill, Elkton, North East, Perryville, and Rising Sun. The middle school sports program will sponsor three sports for boys and girls in the 2018-19 school year – soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter, and track and field in the summer. There will also be a corollary track program for middle school students. The six CCPS middle schools will face each other. There are no immediate plans for the schools to face opponents from other counties or states. "Our focus now is on playing a county schedule," Roberts said. Soccer matches will be played in September and October. Basketball games take place in January and February. Track meets will be held in April and May. There will not be playoffs or championship games. There is a possibility CCPS could sponsor additional sports in the future. "We're focusing on these three seasons and then we'll see how it goes," said Roberts. "Eventually, I think it would be great to see it expand because it would affect more students." Beginning a program of this magnitude in a two-month timeframe creates its share of obstacles. Roberts is still seeking to fill some coaching positions. "That's been one of the challenges," Roberts said. "A lot of that is because we're doing it over the summer." Roberts believes it will be easier to line up coaches for the basketball and track teams. Middle school soccer season will start the first week of school. Physicals are required prior to tryouts. Interested students can visit the athletics page at ccps.org or contact their school. Information about the middle school sports program will also be available at back to school nights. "The goal is to fill every team," Roberts said last Thursday. "Early indications are that we will fill every team but we won't know for sure until school starts." Four of the middle schoolS have their own soccer fields. Bohemia Manor and Elkton middle and high schools share outdoor facilities so it's a bit more complicated there. "We might have to get creative but I think it's doable," said Roberts. Roberts says the program's mission is to create positive activities for students and help foster a positive climate and culture at the schools. Roberts, the girls soccer coach at North East High, says the middle school programs will eventually improve the high school programs. "That will be a natural result but it's not the purpose," Roberts said. "While it's not the intent, it will make students better prepared for the expectations high school coaches have and it will allow high school coaches the opportunity to see their players earlier." There is no increase in his department's budget, but Roberts says 'high school athletes will not suffer." Roberts says it will cost $40,000 to operate the soccer programs this fall. Nearly half of that – $19,000 – is for start up costs such as goals, soccer balls, and uniforms, which will not be recurring expenses. "[Operating the middle school sports program] comes from the same funds we are already using but it's not something that will take away other resources or instruction for students," said Roberts. Roberts also emphasizes he expects the program to peacefully co-exist with other local groups. "We have a great relationship with organizations like Parks and Rec, Cecil Soccer, and the YMCA," Roberts said. "The middle school sports program is designed to go along with these other groups. We're not in any way competing with them." Dr. Lawson is pleased with the way the middle school sports program is coming to fruition. "We're thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity to our middle school students," Dr. Lawson said. "Anytime that you can include students in extracurricular activities, their chances for success increase dramatically. Matt Roberts has done a great job at offering a high quality program in a fiscally responsible way." Comments are closed.
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