As the OKC PAL Youth League continues to grow, schools, players and coaches are embracing the league in many ways. We are seeing the benefits of offering different sports in back-to-back seasons. One coach, for example, found a creative approach for teaching the rules of basketball. Some of his team played in our flag football league last fall, and he is teaching them to apply their football skills to the game of basketball. This helps his players gain a new understanding of how to play defense on the basketball court.
Competing in sports requires an athlete or a coach to take the initiative. Many of our coaches have emphasized the necessity of effort. While some players are still learning the fundamentals and basic rules of the game, they are being taught that effort, initiative and hustle can be applied regardless of skill level. These lessons are being applied both on and off the court. One coach explained how his team focuses on a different character trait each week. Last week, the word was “humility” and they learned how it applies to being a good teammate. One of their teachers said that she has seen a vast improvement in those students.
Last week, we were extremely pleased to be joined by a new group of students at our Webster Middle School league site. The Capitol Hill Elementary cheerleaders attended their school’s games and did an outstanding job of bringing increased energy and enthusiasm to our league. We were very impressed by their initiative and support of their classmates and they plan to continue to cheer at upcoming games. We thank the Capitol Hill cheerleading coach and cheerleaders for their school spirit!