RESULTS FOR RACE #4

High School Team Competition
1. Olympic Composite (1st Overall)
2. Bainbridge Island Composite (2nd Overall)
3. Issaquah Composite (1082 pts)

Middle School Team Competition
1. Camas/Washougal Composite (1st Overall)
2. Northshore Composite (2nd Overall)
3. Vancouver Composite (3rd Overall)

Full results here, including Coaches Race.

WINNER OF THE TREK ESSAY CONTEST IS…..

Bronson Berry of Ballard High School

“If someone were to ask me, ‘What is your best experience
from high school?’ I would say, ‘Mountain Biking Club!’”

Congratulations Bronson!

Middle School Philosophy

All middle school students are encouraged to participate in the WSL regardless of their ability and prior experience with organized sports.

The Purpose
In addition to the general mission and vision of the WSL, the Spring Program should also provide opportunities for middle school students to:
• improve self-esteem and feelings of competence through positive interactions with their peers and adults
• acquire new skills and refine those previously learned
• learn to function effectively as members of a team or group
• improve personal health and fitness levels
• to have fun and enjoy biking in the outdoors

Our Philosophy
Recognizing the unique developmental needs of the middle school student, the WSL promotes the building of student success through active participation, increased skill building, and positive sportsmanship.

Participation
• Emphasize having fun
• Emphasize participation and practice over racing and race results
• Balance competition with cooperation
• Encourage lifelong participation in biking
• Promote academics as the highest priority

Cycling Skillbuilding and Conditioning
• Develop experience-based appropriate skills
• Focus on fundamentals for a safe riding experience
• Develop skills and conditioning as a foundation for improvement and rider progression

Sportsmanship
• Develop a positive individual and team attitude
• Encourage, cooperate and collaborate with peers
• Present positive adult role models that demonstrate self control and mutual respect

Benefits of Sport Participation at the Middle School Level
Numerous authors and organizations have cited the potential benefits of participation in sport and physical activity programs (e.g., American Academy of Pediatrics, 2001; Darst & Pangrazi, 2002; Seefeldt & Vogel, 1986; Siedentop, 2001). A representative list of such benefits, developed by the World Health Organization (1998) includes the following:
• Improvement of motor skills and physical fitness;
• Enhancement of normal physical and social growth and maturation;
• Improvement of socialization, self-esteem, self-perception and psychological well-being;
• Establishment of a basis for a healthy lifestyle and lifelong commitment to physical activity.

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (2002) lists the following benefits of physical activity, specifically for middle school students:
• Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints;
• Helps control weight, build lean muscle, and reduce fat;
• Prevents or delays the development of high blood pressure and helps reduce blood pressure on some adolescents with hypertension;
• Appears to reduce depression and anxiety, improve mood, and enhance the ability to perform daily tasks throughout the lifespan;
• May contribute to a physically active lifestyle that may continue into adulthood.

Concerns About Sport Participation at the Middle School Level
Despite the impressive list of benefits of participation in sport and physical activity programs, there are some concerns that coaches and parents should be aware of:

• Student’s educational priorities
• Overuse injuries and burnout
• Psychological stress about competition
• Time management / stress if overcommitted with other activities/commitments