Gymnastics — Mikayla Kirchoff
Gymnastics is a very mental sport; it teaches mental toughness and the importance of a strong work ethic. That’s why I believe gymnastics is the best sport here at Roosevelt. Senior captain Mia White agrees, saying,“Gymnastics as a sport is really cool because it’s like the hardest workout ever but you have to make it look pretty and effortless.” Many RHS gymnasts believe the team is underrated because they don’t get much school support, often finding themselves receiving little to no funding. To compensate, athletes then end up having to sell their mats to afford new leotards and equipment. RHS gymnasts are constantly figuring out ways to be resourceful, problem solve, and perservere in order to compete. Senior captain Katie Chaleunphonh says, “I always say that although gymnastics is about individual performance, it wouldn’t be the same without the team.” Gymnastics has its ups and downs but no matter what your team will be there to support you, that’s why gymnastics is the best sport at RHS.
Cross Country — Sofia Stowell
Don’t get me wrong, running can often really, really suck, especially when your lungs burn, and your whole body hates you, but running with others can make the whole experience easier, and often more enjoyable. That is why I think that cross country is the best Roosevelt sport—it’s built on a foundation of group support. “The thing is, the community is just amazing,” shares Olivia Leland, one of the 2021 cross country captains. “I think I’ve always felt really connected to the cross country team from when I joined it, because everyone’s so nice.” Teammates keep pace with each other during races and they cheer each other on at the finish. During practices, they push each other through harder workouts and take the time to catch up on easier runs. As Leland explains, “having people at your pace to run with during the races or to run with even at practices and everything … it’s huge.” It’s the community that surrounds the cross country team and the support it provides that makes it the best Roosevelt sport.
Soccer — Joe Dale
At Roosevelt High School there is no denying that soccer is the best sport. Soccer at Roosevelt represents our connection to the world’s biggest sport. The beauty of the game is that anyone can play. You don’t have to be the strongest, the fastest, or the tallest to be the best player on the pitch. At the highest level this sport requires the smartest players and athletes. In addition, the soccer programs at Roosevelt are some of the most successful at the school. Our soccer teams have legacies that every succeeding year strives to uphold and build. Both the men’s and women’s varsity teams are consistently winners of Metro and challengers for the state title. What is better than a winning program? For its unique inclusion of people from all walks of life, to both the current and historical success of our varsity programs, there is simply no other sport that can compare.
Wrestling — Matilda Bryson-Beane
Wrestling is a community-built sport. It’s 1v1 when in a match but your entire team is in the corner cheering for you. Everyone is welcome to join the team and be a part of this great community we have, no matter your gender, sexuality, height, orweight. Each person is accepted for who they are. You get to meet new people and grow as a person. You find your own strength, mentally and physically, with your team there supporting you all the way through. People think it’s a scary sport but that is why you have your team. You learn the moves and build strength over time, continuously testing your limits so you can perform better on and off the mats.
Lacrosse — James Washburn
Does Metro Champs sound familiar? If not, it is probably because you aren’t familiar with the best sport at Roosevelt High School: lacrosse. While lacrosse continually remains number one in winning seasons on both the boys’ and girls’ side, lacrosse also remains number one in inclusion! Lacrosse is the most inclusive sport at Roosevelt, openly welcoming players coming from other schools around the district, with many players coming from Lincoln and local private schools such as University Prep. In addition, the lacrosse community of lax bros (boys and girls) is stronger than ever. The lacrosse community is tightly knit and accepting to all; come on, who wouldn’t want to be a lax bro? Finally, lacrosse carries the perfect balance of physicality. In lacrosse you can hit and smack, but the sport is not nearly as dangerous as football yet not anywhere as soft as soccer or basketball. What do you say? LAX #1!
