Activities Department Update

"If I were deciding between two recruits, one plays multiple sports, the other plays baseball only, I'd go with the multi-sport athlete all day even if he's a step behind in baseball. Multi-sport athletes know how to compete in different ways."- Cliff Godwin, East Carolina University Baseball Coach

As we enter the winter sports season, I want to encourage our student-athletes to consider participating in multiple sports. There is extensive research supporting the benefits of being a multi-sport athlete over specializing in a single sport during the middle school and high school years. Playing multiple sports is a luxury many students at larger schools do not have, and it is a tremendous opportunity for growth. The following points highlight why choosing to be a multi-sport athlete is so important:

Prevents Burnout, Keeps the Joy

Burnout is a major issue in sports currently. 70% of athletes quit sports by the age of 13. That means we are missing so many potential stellar athletes before they even get to the varsity level, the crucial level for an athlete. Burnout happens when mental and physical fatigue outweigh the enjoyment of the sport. Playing multiple sports helps athletes stay fresh, motivated, and excited. Even professional athletes take time away from their primary sport to recover and reset. Athletes may also discover new passions they would never find without trying different sports. Sports should be fun—joy is developed in the driveway and backyard, not through endless year-round tournaments.

Overall Athleticism Increases

Athleticism is a mixture of coordination, agility, balance, body control, spatial awareness, and sports IQ. Athleticism also includes mental and physical toughness. Former Clemson Baseball coach, Monte Lee, states, "Just because you take a 1,000 swings, doesn't make you a better athlete." Athleticism is one of the first gauges a college recruiter or coach observes in an athlete. College coaches are discovering that specialized athletes are peaking at younger ages, they are at their best quicker. This leaves no room for development and skill enhancement. Studies are also showing multi-sport athletes are more resilient mentally and physically than specialized athletes. To summarize it, multi-sport athletes become more versatile, durable, and confident.

Less Likely to get Injured, Supports a Healthy Lifestyle

Research from the American Journal of Pediatrics and the American Journal of Sports Medicine shows that multi-sport athletes are less likely to experience injuries because they strengthen various muscle groups through different movement patterns. Specializing too young causes athletes to repeat the same motions year-round, often leading to overuse injuries and early arthritic conditions. Multi-sport athletes tend to remain active and are less likely to develop Exercise Deficit Disorder (EDD). They build resilience, manage stress more effectively, and develop strong time-management skills as they balance academics, athletics, and other responsibilities throughout the year.

More Chances for Success

Participating in multiple sports exposes athletes to a wider range of learning opportunities. If a student only attended math classes, people would be concerned about the lack of academic growth in other areas. Sports work the same way. Multi-sport athletes develop broader sports IQ, strategic understanding, and problem-solving skills. They often become more confident and socially connected.

The Elites were Multi-Sport Athletes

JJ Watt, Serena Williams, Patrick Mahomes, LeBron James, and Tom Brady share something in common: each played three sports in high school before focusing on their primary sport. According to NCAA research, 88% of male athletes and 83% of female athletes played multiple sports in high school. In the 2017 NFL Draft, 30 of the 32 first-round picks were multi-sport athletes.

As the Athletic Director, I strongly encourage our student-athletes to consider participating in multiple sports. Doing so not only strengthens our athletic programs, but also prevents students from missing out on meaningful memories and opportunities for growth. Regret is a powerful emotion—so seize the moment and take advantage of all the opportunities available to you.

Sources:

NSCA, National Strength and Conditioning Association

American Journal of Sports Medicine

American Journal of Pediatrics

Andrews Institute for Children's Health

NCAA and NFHS Research

Kinetics High Performance Coaching

Senior, Jayden Mueller, was selected for the 3A Southeast All-District Team. Jayden was a defensive specialist on the team this year, finishing in the top 10 of the entire state for digs in the season. Congratulations, Jayden!

Boys and girls winter sports have started. Schedules for each season and grade level can be found on Bound.

Schedules can be found on our Bound website.

*These are HS Level Programs below:

Impulse Dance Team

State Site: ISDTA

Girls Bowling - 1A

State Site: IGHSAU Bowling

1st Competition- November 20 @ Mount Pleasant, 1:00pm

Boys Bowling- 1A

State Site: IHSAA Bowling

1st Competition- December 12 @ Centerville

Girls Basketball- 3A

State Site: IGHSAU Basketball

Midnight Madness- November 21, 4:00pm

Boys Basketball- 2A

State Site: IHSAA Basketball

Midnight Madness- November 21, 4:00pm

Scrimmage @ Mid-Prairie- November 24, 6:00pm

Girls and Boys Wrestling (Shared with Fort Madison)- 2A

State Sites: IHSAA and IGHSAU

Girls @ Urbandale- November 22, 8:00am

Girls @ West Liberty- November 24, 4:00pm

Girls Home Invitational- December 1, 5:00pm

*NEW* Basketball Reminder/ RefReps

With basketball season in full force, I wanted to remind spectators the importance of respecting game officials. With the shortage of officials, it is critical that spectators be respectful to the officials (and coaches) and their decisions to make it a positive experience for all. Basketball is intense and energetic and people can get carried away in their emotions, but whatever you yell at the official will not change the outcome of the decision. If you want your opinion to make an impact on the game, the state of Iowa is always looking for more officials! RefReps is an easy way to get certified and get on the court. Otherwise, please just enjoy the game respectfully.

*NEW* Coke Deal Finalized

Central Lee and Heartland Coke have finalized an agreement to move towards Coke products at our concession stands for events and full service vending machines. We appreciate the business Hy-Vee and Pepsi have provided over the years, but are excited for the opportunities and products Coke will provide over this five year deal. This transition will be enacted in the first week of December, so please be prepared for the adjustment.

*NEW* Increase in SEISC Admission Prices- FULL ARTICLE

The Southeast Iowa Super Conference (SEISC) has announced an adjustment to admission

prices for all conference high school activities. Beginning November 2025, adult admission will

increase from $5 to $7, while student admission (kindergarten through 12th grade) will remain

at $5. Admission for all middle school events will continue to be $5 for every spectator. This change comes in response to rising costs associated with maintaining school athletic

programs. Equipment and uniform expenses have increased significantly in recent years,

alongside substantial jumps in officials’ fees.

*NEW* Sports Boosters Baseball/Softball Initiative- Progress!

Concrete footings have been finished on both fields, and both cinderblock walls have been finished as well. Net poles on both fields are in place, with the net being installed in the spring. Fencing will be removed from the baseball field and new fencing will be installed hopefully in December. Dugouts and concrete platforms will be moved on the baseball field eventually. The search for the best scoreboards for both fields is also in progress. Thank you Sports Boosters, Jesse Day and staff, and Dr. Crozier for their efforts in this renovation! Thank you to the contractors for doing great work thus far! Pictures are below.

*NEW* SAAC Chosen

In order to provide accountability and voice for student-athletes in their sports programs, the AD has created the SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Council) to provide feedback, collaborate ideas with the AD, and be the voice for their peers. The chosen student-athletes are below:

Ward Fraise- SR Owen Swan- SR

Brett Cook- JR Caden Crozier- JR

Macie Doty- JR Austin Fogarty- JR

Evan Fogarty- JR Julia Fraise- JR

Carver Hayes- JR Carson Morrison- JR

Kaden Swan- JR Evelyn Adkins- SO

Caedon Newton- SO Brylee Cook- FR

Madison Frueh- FR Kaylee Stark- FR

Central Lee Sponsorship Opportunities

Want your business logo to be displayed on the scorers table at all of the 35+ events hosted in our Performance gym? Want your business to have a spot in the new sports events programs? Maybe you want your business to have a logo on the football field? If you or someone you know want a chance to advertise your business at Central Lee, then take a look at the Sponsorship Catalog for this year.

Below are the current coaching vacancies in our district. If you are interested, please contact Tyler Bryant and apply online at TeachIowa. Applicants must have a current Iowa Coaching License/Endorsement. Looking for positive, reliable, and determined individuals for these positions.

Varsity Assistant Football Coach

MS Boys Basketball Coach (CRITICAL)

Varsity Assistant Boys Basketball Coach (CRITICAL)

Middle School Baseball Coach

Middle School Baseball Coach

"Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just illusions."- Michael Jordan