Program trains middle schoolers for life: Darlington Mission statement focuses on six areas of each and every Darlington student: cultural, intellectual, spiritual, social, moral, and physical. The physical objective is defined as follows:
To motivate students to commit to a lifelong pursuit of good health through physical activity.
To promote the idea that physical fitness enhances mental acuity.
To develop physical skills for lifetime activities.
To champion a spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship.
To encourage enjoyment in friendly competition.

Mission Statement Team building in the Middle School begins with accepting all people. Unlike many other schools, Darlington Middle School has open teams for basketball, cross-country, track, football, cheerleading, lacrosse, soccer, wrestling, tennis, volleyball, softball, and swimming. This means that each of these sports, with the exception of basketball and occasionally soccer, are open for students to play without tryouts.

“Team cuts are only made in the event that the number of students coming out for the teams would warrant a tryout,” Glenn Getchell, physical education department chair, said. For example, basketball teams are limited to 12 players, so allowing 30 students on the team only limits the amount of actual playing time allotted to each student.

The concept of open teams is strongly supported by the faculty. “I believe that a policy of open sports teams should be the norm for all sports that can accommodate it,” Jim Van Es, Middle School principal, said. This open team policy allows all students to participate in athletic programs in accordance with the five physical goals from the mission statement.

By giving students the opportunities to become involved in sports, they learn not only the rules and regulations of the game, but an appreciation for physical activity and its benefits. “It allows students to try different sports so that they can figure out what they’re good at and what they enjoy. Once they figure out where they excel, then they can really focus on those sports,” Kevin Ivester, Middle School faculty member, boys basketball assistant coach, and boys soccer head coach, said.

Involvement in confidence-building programs like Darlington sports programs develops not only the physical, but also the mental aspects of each student. “I believe that the philosophy behind open team sports is two-fold,” Getchell explained. “First, an open team allows for many students to explore sports as the opportunity arises. Second, any student who is a member of an athletic team learns invaluable life long lessons.”

Students learn how to communicate effectively and make decisions, plan ahead and negotiate, and benefit from constructive criticism and positive reinforcement. “Middle school should be a time of athletic exploration,” Getchell said.

Darlington sports explore lessons that can be used both on and off the playing field. “By allowing any student the chance to participate on a particular team, you are giving them experiences that they may draw on much later in life.” Getchell said.

One problem many adults have is balancing their time and making priorities. By getting students involved in a variety of activities, like sports, they learn vital time management skills that will help throughout their lifetime. “It is not uncommon for an athlete on the Middle School golf team to also run in a Middle School track meet,” Getchell said.

In another sports lesson, students practice working through their difficulties by using a trial and error system. They develop individual techniques and skills in a unified team environment that teaches them to work with others. “With a policy of this nature students are able to try sports in a non-threatening atmosphere.” Getchell said. “We are attempting to teach the students that teamwork, hard work, leadership, and following directions are necessary to compete successfully in athletic competition,” Getchell explained.

By following the example set by coaches in having open teams, students learn to not only accept others, but to really include them in activities. At an age where cliques and groups start to develop, this is a strong antidote. “Anyone that wants to play can have that chance, and this is a great thing for students,” Susan Stout, Middle School physical education instructor, said.

Most importantly, students have fun playing sports with their teams. Even though sports by nature are competitive, winning is not always the focus at Darlington. “Participation and individual and team improvement should be the goals,” Van Es explained. “At this age, students should experience a variety of sports to get the feel for competition and to learn the good things that sports have to offer,” Van Es said. After learning the lessons behind the sports, students can build their skills and compete effectively. “Success in sports at Darlington Middle School is not measured by wins and losses, it is measured by the growth of the team and individual over the course of a season,” Getchell said.