This fall 6th graders began competing in cross country and volleyball as part of the new rule where they can participate in competitive sports.

Originally, 6th graders could attend and participate in cross country practice, but in meets, they had to stand to the side of the trail, direct people, and cheer on fellow runners, watching in envy. And in volleyball, the 6th grade girls had to wait for an entire year to play for their school. 

Cross country coach Ted Sadtler says that about 25 years ago, all of the grade chairs met up and agreed that the jump between 5th grade and 6th grade was so immense that they should create limits in areas that made sense, like sports. “There is a good reason for it. A lot of change, a lot of new, and a lot of challenges when coming into middle school,” he says.

Although some preferred giving 6th graders more time to adjust to middle school, the current 6th grade chairs say that the students were eager to participate. 6th grade girls chair Susan McMillan says that her girls were ecstatic to play volleyball.  And though some faculty think the old rule was good, current 6th grade boys’ chair David Gale says otherwise. “When in 6th grade at Westminster, it is important to find yourself,” Gale says, “and these sports are a great way to do so.” Both grade chairs say that they hear their students talking about the opportunity to participate.

And the grade chairs were right. 6th grader Luke Nawrocki feels like cross country has helped him become part of the community. “Not only do I get to be taken seriously, but I get a chance to make new friends and run with them,” he says. 

6th grade volleyball coach Ellie Darbyshire also saw the opportunity to bring students together.  She describes it as low-stakes and is just a fun engaging way to connect new people.

Though the change brings benefits it also has created challenges. Darbyshire says, “We are now three groups, competing for gym space—and not including varsity.” 

But all in all, this change gives new students fresh opportunities to grow athletically and socially. And even when there may be some challenges, 6th graders are excited to try new things, make new friends, and grow as teenagers in middle school.