Jamestown High School is committed to providing a superior athletic experience for every student who is interested. At the high school level, there are 23 varsity teams, nine JV teams and two freshmen teams. Varsity teams include: baseball, boys basketball, girls basketball, boys bowling, girls bowling, boys cross country, girls cross country, football, boys golf, girls golf, boys indoor track, girls indoor track, boys soccer, girls soccer, softball, boys swimming, girls swimming, boys tennis, girls tennis, boys track, girls track volleyball, and wrestling. Junior Varsity teams include: baseball, boys basketball, girls basketball, football, boys soccer, girls soccer, softball, volleyball and wrestling. Freshmen teams are boys basketball and football.

Sports are an extension of a good educational program. Studies show that students who participate in sports tend to have higher grade-point averages, better attendance records, lower dropout rates and fewer discipline problems than non-athletes. A study published in the “Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise” (August, 2007) found that students who were active in sports like soccer, football and even skateboarding performed 10 percent better in core subjects like math, science, social studies and language arts. Because all students have an opportunity to participate in team or intramural sports, they offer equal academic benefits for all students, including students that might be traditionally underserved. Researchers also believe that athletics participation may lead to improved academic success by fostering a sense of community and connection with the school and school peers.

“Throughout my high school and collegiate playing careers, other than my parents, it was my coaches who had the most profound influence on me,” said JPS Athletic Director Ben Drake. “Many of my values can be traced to my participation in organized athletic competition.  Being an athlete teaches one so much about life.  Setting goals, working towards those goals, discipline, being a part of a team, playing a role, being a leader, dealing with setbacks, and taking care of your body are all things that athletics teaches kids that they may not get otherwise.”

In addition to the academic benefits, sports help students learn good character traits.

Christian Dolce, Liam Connor and Martin Dibble — Jamestown High School varsity cross-country

“Sports provide life lessons that students do not necessarily receive in the classroom,” said JHS Assistant Principal, Tom Langworthy, who is also JHS’ Varsity Football Head Coach. “Being a part of a team teaches student-athletes that they depend on others, and others depend on them, so it makes them accountable. It also teaches discipline, pride, hard work, overcoming obstacles, and the importance of competition, among others. It’s essential for our school system to have a wide variety of athletic options for our students. With a district as diverse as ours, there are many different interests that our students have and it’s important for our athletic program to reflect those interests because our athletes learn so much from participation in athletics.”

A study by Hanover Research (January 2016) confirms Mr. Langworthy’s comments. Researchers believe that participation in organized athletic programs – especially competitive sports teams  – is a pro-social activity that yields academic benefits to students. Athletics builds character and fosters social skills, habits, and discipline – all skills that are necessary both inside and outside the classroom.

Athletics can serve as a powerful academic motivator for athletes who would otherwise underperform in the classroom. There are many students who see school as secondary to athletics.

“I think that for some kids, sports is a motivating factor to stay, and do well, in school. You must keep your grades up to play sports at JHS,” said Jamestown High School senior, Chloe Knapp, who plays tennis and runs track. Chloe will attend Plymouth State University to study environmental biology. “I am playing tennis next year when I go to college and I think sports make you a more well-rounded person, which helps you get into the college of your choice. I have been playing tennis since I was five-years-old and all the hard work and dedication has paid off with recognition for a sport that doesn’t always get as much recognition as others. Plus, I’ve made life-long friendships through participating in my high school sports teams.”