As of now, golf is the newest sport at Inspire, and six people have joined the team. Golf is a challenging sport that requires each player to master various skills under different conditions. For instance, players must learn to use other clubs, such as a driver or a 9-iron, and know when and where to utilize each one depending on the distance and layout of the course. The courses present numerous obstacles, including water hazards, sand traps, trees, and hills. As Arjay Pollard states, “I’m trying to improve my swinging form the most because it’s the foundation of how you play the sport.” Golf is a game of skill and strategy, focusing more on recovering from inadequate shots rather than just executing good ones. It also requires great concentration and knowledge. As a new golfer, there are challenges outside the sport that resemble those in cross country, such as stereotypes, academic pressures, and a lack of experience. Arjay expresses, “There aren’t many African Americans in golf, and I don’t always feel welcome on the course. It has a significant impact on how I view the environment of golf, but over time, I believe I’ll adjust.” The golfers will travel around the valley to various courses and compete in the Sacramento Valley League. A common stereotype about golf is that it is simple; however, the true complexities of the sport become apparent once you start playing. Although golf may not require as much physical activity as other sports at Inspire, it presents its unique challenges.
The players have been making progress, largely due to the guidance of Coach Pete Austin, who is new to Inspire but has been playing golf for years; he comes from Chico State University. According to Athletic Director Mr. Hardy, “I knew a golfer named Sharon Demeyer, who wanted to pass the opportunity to someone she knew, which led her to Pete. They worked together at Chico State, and that’s how golf came to Inspire.” Having a coach with experience, particularly one who has gone through the Northern CIF process, has proven beneficial for executing sports at Inspire and other schools, and it has worked out exceptionally well for our program.
Golf can be expensive, but through the team’s efforts and support, players can participate without financial struggles. Things like signing up for the Youth On Golf Course membership at Skyway Golf Park allow kids to practice for free for a time, while Coach Pete provides free clubs. Additionally, a new van is coming to Inspire to transport the team to future matches. This support makes participating in sports at Inspire much more accessible, especially with rising costs in California.
As the Inspire golf team heads on this new journey, their dedication and passion for the sport are evident. With the backing of experienced coaches and the broader school community, these developing golfers are not merely learning to swing a club; they are also breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes. Golf at Inspire represents more than just a game; it’s an opportunity for growth and unity. Let’s cheer on our team as they tee off for a season full of promise and potential.
Running against the odds, the Inspire Cross Country team has captured the hearts of its members and the larger community, overcoming challenges and making tremendous progress in just a year and a half. Cross Country is a relatively new sport at Inspire, and it has come with its own set of challenges both in and out of school. Approximately 12 runners joined the team, most of whom are new since last year’s runners mainly graduated.
The team was organized by Mrs. Reid in August 2023 based on her previous running experience. The coaching role was then handed over to Mr. Shafer Meyer, one of the counselors at Inspire, who has even more extensive running experience and background. Mr. Hardy stated, “Luckily for us, Mr. Shafer Meyer is a former cross-country runner, and he wanted to take on the job, so we were able to have him on board.”
As a sport that has only been around for a year and a half, Cross Country presents unique challenges. Throughout the season, students faced physical and mental obstacles, both within the sport and in balancing their education and other activities. Jaden Markey noted, “There were times when I chose to train instead of doing homework. You have to find that balance.” While managing academics and athletics was difficult for many, it ultimately enhanced our time management skills and productivity, improving communication as a team.
During both seasons, runners focused on their development, especially in the second season, competing on difficult courses such as Butte College and West Valley, which feature extremely hilly terrain. This required rigorous physical training and presented additional hardships like heat, rain, injuries, and tough competition. Despite these challenges, all returning runners improved their times from the last season.
According to athletic.net, the official website for Track/Field and Cross Country, examples of improvement can be seen in the times of various runners. Levi Grove clocked a time of 22:36.30 in the 2023 XC season during the West Valley Section Finals and achieved a personal record of 21:00.36 in the 2024 XC season. Another Inspire runner, Cora Gordon, recorded a time of 35:53.36 in the 2023 XC season and then improved to 32:33.32 in the 2024 XC season. These examples demonstrate the significant progress made by our runners over time.
The most consequential races included the Chico Autumn Invitational, the West Valley Invitational, and the West Valley Section Finals, where the competition was fierce, with large schools such as Chico High, Pleasant Valley, and Oroville High School participating. These events were pivotal for Inspire’s runners, as multiple runners set a personal record (PR) in each race, indicating ongoing progression. As our runners have improved, other schools and coaches have recognized the team’s determination and effort, leading to an increased respect for the cross country team, even if they aren’t currently at the top of the sport. Jaden Markey said, “You have to set goals for yourself, and if you keep working at it, you’ll get through them all.”
The team has made significant progress in just two seasons, and the future looks bright for Inspire’s Cross Country team. With determined perseverance and a commitment to excellence, they are ready to tackle every challenge that comes their way.