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Photo by photo permission by Cooper Giles

Cooper Giles, freshman gymnast

Although a lot of students play sports for their high school, some students play sports that are not offered at school.

There are many sports people can play that are out of school like squash, kickboxing, and gymnastics.

These sports all have their benefits and disadvantages that most people would not even think about.

Madiha Molani – Squash:

Madiha Molani, senior squash player, says she likes playing squash because it keeps her fit and it got her into a good college.  There are some drawbacks to playing an out of school sport.

“Squash is not very popular in the Midwest, so it is not offered as a sport in most schools around here; [however,] on the east coast, squash is very popular and it is offered at most schools there,” Molani said.

Molani said since squash is not offered at LZHS or anywhere in LZ, she has to go train at a place in Vernon Hills which is very out of the way and would be easier if it were closer.

“One of the biggest problems with playing an out of school sport is the fact that you don’t get a PE exemption,” Molani said.  “It’s hard to have to do PE every day and then go to practice for two hours after school when I could be taking a study hall so I don’t have so much homework after school.”

Ragini Rangan – Boxing, Muay Thai, and Kickboxing:

“Besides running cross country, boxing, muay thai, and kickboxing are my favorite sports to play,” Ragini Rangan, sophomore, said.

Rangan said she likes these sports because she grew up training in martial arts, and it’s what she loves to do.

“You basically train to stay alive in the ring, this includes hitting heavy bags, focus mitts, sparring, and a lot of conditioning” Rangan said.

From personal experience, Rangan thinks out of school sports push kids harder.

“The difference between [a school sport and an out of school sport] is where you’re actually training and how hard the coaches push you,” Rangan said.  “It strengthens you both mentally and physically.”

Cooper Giles – Gymnastics:

“For gymnastics, it’s more competitive and serious if you play outside the school,” Cooper Giles, freshman gymnast, said.

Even though only 16 colleges offer gymnastics scholarships, Giles wants to keep doing gymnastics in college. His options on where he wants to go are limited, according to Giles.

“[Gymnastics] takes a big toll on your body,” Giles said.  “You come home every day with everything hurting and sore.”