This year welcomes the beginning of the Sports Debate Club, started by SHS senior Aidan Sheehan.
Having immense passion for this area and being a sports enthusiast, Sheehan is thrilled to have the ability to do something like this.
“I wanted to take on some sort of leadership position. I’m involved in clubs, but I haven’t had a big role. Ever since I was little, I’ve been a big sports fan and know a lot of sports history,” Sheehan commented when asked about his inspiration for making the club.
Every Thursday since September, club meetings have been taking place during WINN Block in Mr. Parkin’s room (222). During the spring, meetings may be held in the SHS library.
Craig Parkins, SHS math teacher and head coach of the boys’ varsity baseball team, was happy to become the club’s faculty advisor.
During a typical club meeting, students often discuss recent NFL games, the outcomes and updates, favorite players or teams, and predictions for upcoming games. Some club members also enjoy analyzing team rosters.
The opportunities for an all-things sports discussion are endless.
Sheehan emphasized that the club is welcoming and inclusive: “It’s a place where anyone can talk about sports freely and just have fun–a place where people can come together and just talk about last Sunday–about how things were, their favorite teams, and sort of bond over being able to converse about the sports’ outcomes.”
And most importantly, he mentioned how this club is an excellent way for students to get fantasy sports advice from classmates.
Sheehan has been sending out an “NFL Sports Picks” Google form each week, allowing club members to select which teams they think would win in their respective matchups before the usual NFL Thursday night football games, with predictions now switching to the NFL playoff games.
“I enjoy this competitive aspect, with the weekly NFL picks about which team you think is going to win, and just trying to be on top with that keeps me coming back,” said senior Tommy Guinan.
Sheehan created an active leaderboard where students could see who was leading in predictions. Currently, SHS senior Wyllys Ames holds the distinction of first place.
If you feel football isn’t your topic, don’t worry, because junior Corbin Ward, a club member, would also like to see “the introduction of other sports.”
As a benefit, senior Will Griffiths added, “The club has helped me become more knowledgeable and smarter on my NFL and NBA fantasy picks.”
Going forward, Sheehan plans to incorporate trivia and other interactive games.
If you have any other suggestions on what you’d like to see in the future, Sheehan is always happy to receive feedback.
Sheehan remarked, “If you enjoy talking about sports, feel free to swing by! Sports Debate club is a place for anybody to come to and talk about the sports you’re invested in.”