Scrum, pirouette, and flip: CHS students participate in alternative sports
More stories from David Delp
Senior Wyatt Peiper has been on Carlisle Thunder Rugby since 9th grade.
Carlisle High School offers traditional sports like football, soccer, wrestling, track and field, cross country, cheerleading and basketball. But there are several students at Carlisle High School who are participating in more alternative sports like rugby, ballet, and gymnastics.
Rugby is like football but it is continuous (there are no timeouts) and you can dribble, kick, lateral, and tackle too. Those CHS students playing are all on the same rugby squads.
Wyatt Peiper, a senior, is a rugby player with a lot of rugby heart. When asked if rugby should be offered at CHS, Peiper said, “Absolutely–rugby is a great bonding sport. I never played another sport with so many dedicated players on the team.”
Rugby is a very hard-hitting sport featuring many big time tackles.
“Rugby is one of the fastest and hard-hitting games I have ever played,” said Peiper.
Peiper wants to continue playing rugby when he gets to college.
While not as physically aggressive, ballet is an artistic dance to music that requires grueling hours of practice. Kelley Ann Mitchell, a senior, is in ballet at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB).
While several CHS students take ballet at CPYB, it is not something that is part of the CHS offerings. Mitchell said, “It should be included as a Recreational Sport but not a sport you can make a career out of.”
Mitchell, who moved to Carlisle to enroll at CPYB, enjoys the camaraderie of ballet.
“It’s like a family relationship,” said Mitchell.
Akin to ballet’s beauty and endurance challenges, gymnastics is a sport in which competitors complete a variety of exercises that display agility and coordination.
Cassie Hageman is a senior who does gymnastics. When asked if gymnastics should be included as a sport at CHS, Hageman said, “Yes, if enough people were interested. People would come out to watch; it’s not a common sport and it is entertaining.”
She is often practicing for gymnastics 6 days a week for 3-3.5 hours. Hageman became involved in the sport when she was 4 and began competing at age 6..
“I had so much energy and my mom thought gymnastics would help me calm down when she was at home,” said Hageman.
So for those seeking an alternative to the traditional, school-offered sports, check out something unique like rugby, ballet and gymnastics.
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This is David Delp’s first year on the Periscope staff. He will be a sports writer this year in Periscope. In his free time he enjoys watching football,...
Julia Vichnevetsky • Nov 17, 2014 at 10:08 pm
Many people don’t understand how difficult ballet is. As a CPYB student, I am glad that ballet was mentioned in this article. While ballet is not a sport, it is extremely physically demanding, and dancers have to be in incredible shape. There is a lot of strength and stamina required in order to execute steps and make them look effortless.
Julia Pantleo • Nov 7, 2014 at 10:03 am
I think it is nice that the staff included an article on sports not generally talked about. There are announcements for football or basketball, but none for any of the sports mentioned in the article, and many others. It would be nice to get the word out about when the sports are competing; a lot of people would probably turn up!
Carol Ann • Nov 7, 2014 at 8:22 am
I did ballet at CPYB for four years and while I did enjoy it while I did it, it turns out that its all too common that the girls there are not that healthy. Some end up with eating disorders and other issues like self-image because they are competing for roles. Many are told they are “fat” or “stupid like Britney Spears” (some of the exact words from the artistic director). I was a very self-conscious 10 year old because of CPYB and I would never go back or recommend the place to anyone.
Kate Muir • Nov 7, 2014 at 9:10 am
Carol Ann,
While we appreciate your comment, the article in question is about the students participating in sports, not a look at CPYB.
Periscope staff
Kayla Hallman • Nov 7, 2014 at 12:31 pm
Thank you Mrs. Muir.
Carol Ann • Nov 13, 2014 at 12:36 pm
I see your concern for student approval, however, my comment was very relevant.
This is my point:
Alternative sports should not exist because they are not as well regulated and monitored as sports affiliated with schools. Since they are not monitored as well, it leaves room for things like I previously stated to happen.