For generations, sports have brought youths together. Played in streets, yards, and field’s world wide, sports are a unifying force.

High school sports have such a long standing tradition in this country. Think of the pageantry of a homecoming game, or the glory of league and state championship games.

These games bring the community and, more importantly, the student athletes together.  In my conversations with King Philip star Charlotte Firth, she admitted that people she wouldn’t normally hang out with in her day-to-day life were some of her closest friends because of sports. Regardless of who these people are to you outside of the locker room or the court, when they are playing together they unconditionally have each other’s backs.

Outside of relationships and camaraderie, sports instill important life lessons. They teach work ethic, determination and teamwork, to name just a few lessons.

High school sports also teach time management. Balancing time with practice and homework isn’t an easy task. These are skills that translate into each and every aspect of life.

Yet another benefit to athletics, though obvious, is health. In a time where obesity statistics are higher than ever before, keeping young people active is imperative. What better way to do that than through sport?

I’d like to take this time to applaud King Philip High School’s Athletic Department for what they’ve done in recent history, as they've added sports to their athletic program. In recent years, volleyball and swimming have been added, and, prior to that, lacrosse. When it comes to athletics it is simple logic; if more opportunities are available, there will be more people apt to take part.

Both boys and girls have more options to choose from to stay active. With this, King Philip is offering students an opportunity to be more well rounded, to be fit, to be an active part in their school and in their community and to push themselves. Ultimately, King Philip has made progressive moves to give its students yet another opportunity to grow an athlete, a student and, most importantly, a young adult.