Building a Strong Foundation: Croton-Harmon’s Commitment to Student Athletics and Personal Growth

Soccer superstar Lionel Messi said, “Every year, I try to grow as a player and not get stuck in a rut. I try to improve my game in every way possible.” It’s this philosophy of continuous improvement - mentally and physically - that the CHUFSD Physical Education and Athletics departments are bringing to students of all ages every day. 

The Croton-Harmon School District is working hard to continue to bolster its athletic program and introduce more students to strength and conditioning for their overall physical and mental health. Athletic Director Christine Drago sees the importance of introducing sports and physical training to students at a young age. These programs not only improve physical fitness but also enhance mental resilience and discipline, which are crucial for success in sports and life. 

At the modified sports level, the district is committed to providing more students with the opportunity to experience the joy of playing a sport. Ms. Drago explains that our goal is to foster a sense of inclusivity and community by increasing the overall number of students participating in athletics. For instance, we've noticed a low participation rate among girls in field hockey. To address this, we're introducing the sport to younger students during two-week mini-lessons in physical education classes. 

“This inclusive approach allows all students to try the sport, ideally leading to increased interest and the revitalization of the program,” said Drago. 

Drago has also introduced open gyms and intramurals so that students who need to improve their skills have an opportunity to do so. This year, a few students didn’t make the basketball team. Drago is optimistic that the open gyms and intramurals will provide them with opportunities to grow their skills and keep their love for the game alive so they can confidently try out again next year. For example, a “Tiger Hoops” basketball clinic was held last week, with the girls' and boys’ varsity basketball teams working directly with the younger students to improve their shooting, dribbling, and defensive skills. 

It’s not surprising that the benefits of a clinic are more than just skill-building. A member of the girls' varsity basketball team shared, “It's so rewarding to work with these young athletes and help them develop a love for the sport and the joy of being part of a team.”

Ryan, who attended the clinic for 3rd and 4th graders, already has his sights set on playing at the high school level and regularly attends Varsity games. “It’s fun to hang out with the basketball players and see what it’s like to be part of a team,” said Ryan.

The district will continue hosting additional sports clinics for students in grades 3-4 and 5-6 throughout the year. Look for information about a baseball and softball clinic to be held in early March.

The Tiger’s Den weight room now has a strength and conditioning coach, hired by Ms. Drago, who runs workout sessions every Saturday from 9 - 11 AM. These workouts are open to middle and high school students and the number of students showing up has increased weekly. Athletes who attend participate in various sports and feel comfortable being there with their peers. Students express appreciation for the district's offering of these strength and conditioning sessions. They find that seeing others put in the work pushes them mentally and physically, leading to a sense of personal growth and achievement.  Students keep a log of their workouts to track progress, which often leads to setting and achieving new goals. Avery, an eighth-grade athlete participating in three sports, shares, "I like how the log helps me see progress toward my goals and encourages me to consider new goals to set." This personal growth and achievement are something we are all proud of.

Drago has set up a system to make the program even more enjoyable. If a student brings a friend to the weight room, they both receive a prize. After eight workouts, students can earn a coveted Tiger’s Den t-shirt, a badge of honor they can wear with pride. This initiative not only amps up the fun factor but also motivates students to dive deeper into the program, igniting a vibrant sense of camaraderie and enthusiasm that makes every workout feel even more rewarding.

As the Croton-Harmon School District prioritizes athletic development, it’s evident that these initiatives extend beyond sports. By creating an inclusive environment and fostering a culture of improvement and teamwork, we are shaping not only better athletes but also well-rounded individuals ready to face life's challenges. The energy and camaraderie in our programs reflect our commitment to instilling a love for sports and the critical life skills they provide. Together, we are building a bright future, one Tiger at a time.