Bear Necessities Volume 31

As the school year winds down, so too does our athletics season but the purpose of high school athletics remains as meaningful as ever. With graduation approaching, it's a natural time to reflect on why athletics matter. At a recent presentation in Riverside, the Executive Director of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) shared their simple but powerful mission: belong, connect, compete. Few programs embody that mission as clearly as track and field.

Track and field is unique in that many of our athletes participate solely in this sport. It brings together students with a wide range of talents jumpers, throwers, sprinters, distance runners, and hurdlers, each working toward individual goals while contributing to a collective team culture. It's a demanding sport, requiring athletes to refine technique and build strength in pursuit of improvements measured in mere milliseconds.

What stands out most, however, is how these athletes show up for one another. The support, encouragement, and shared commitment to growth define the team and reflect the true purpose of high school athletics. Perhaps the best example of this is the sense of connection across the team. Athletes from different grades and social circles come together with a shared purpose, creating an environment that is both inclusive and up lifting. Just last week, two of our athletes running for student body office took time to film their campaign videos alongside their teammates. The moment was filled with laughter, collaboration, and encouragement everyone included. It was a simple but powerful reminder that this team is about more than competition; it's about connection, belonging, and showing up for one another