Camas High School’s (CHS) athletic program gives students many opportunities to push themselves to their limits and allows them to compete and participate in a team setting. One of the vital things CHS does for its athletic program is to have a variety of levels for each particular sport.
One level is junior varsity (JV), set as the team below varsity. The CHS JV teams compete at a higher level than most other JV teams in the state since the number of students at CHS is significant, and many students try out for the teams.
“I made some friendships that I will probably keep throughout the rest of my life with some of my teammates,” CHS junior and JV Girls Soccer captain Rhiannon Teasley said.
Not only are sports programs essential to have at schools, but it is also important to recognize the varying levels of these activities. Varsity sports are typically more covered than others, but the JV teams also work hard to earn titles for their school. The current stats for each sport are 6-0 for JV Football, 7-3-2 for JV Girls Soccer and 10-1 for JV Girls Volleyball.
“[Playing a sport at CHS] is hard no matter if you’re on JV, varsity or C team. I think it’s impressive to be on JV depending on the sport obviously, but I know for volleyball it’s super hard [to make a top team],” CHS sophomore and JV Volleyball player Lauren Bachelder said.
The JV teams are excelling in their sports and thriving in the competitive community that CHS has to offer. No matter the level, these players must be recognized for their hard work and contributions.
“Regardless of the level, [CHS sports] are great in many ways. I think getting kids involved in a community in their school [is very important], and teams are little communities. Kids get plugged in with one another, so regardless of the level you’re at, that’s the piece we’re most excited about with sports,” Associate Principal and Athletic Director Stephen Baranowski said.
Getting involved in small communities within a larger community is something that CHS strives to offer students who decide to join and try out for sports. The school provides students with several levels within sports to find their happy medium.
“It makes more incentive for people to join sports, and no matter your level, sports can benefit you and give good team bonding,” CHS senior and Varsity Girls Cross Country co-captain Marilyn Green said.
The opportunity for students to compete at the JV level not only gives students a bridge to making varsity but also gives them the ability to create lasting friendships. The bonds students form with their teammates provide them with the pathway to a community of their own at CHS.
