Nebo School District’s Spring Captains Academy - Answer to Wednesday Challenge

Submitted by lana.hiskey on
The last week March 2017, Nebo School District held its third quarterly Captains Academy Spring Session on leadership and sportsmanship. The Captains Academy is held three times a year. Held in the boardroom at Nebo School District, the academy included Captains from each spring sport: baseball, softball, boys’ and girls’ track and field, boys’ soccer, girls’ golf, and boys’ tennis. All of Nebo District junior high and high schools were represented including Springville High, Maple Mountain High, Spanish Fork High, Salem Hills High, Payson High, Springville Junior, Mapleton Junior, Diamond Fork Junior, Spanish Fork Junior, Salem Junior, Mt. Nebo Junior, and Payson Junior. Nebo School District’s athletic director, Troy Bohling, welcomed the team captains. All of the Student Team Captains sit at the table for their sport and do not sit with their own school; rather they sit with their peers from other high schools. The captains listen to each presenter and then visit with each other at the table and present their ideas to the entire group. Dr. Ryan Slater with Revere Health specializes in non-surgical treatment of orthopedic and sports related injuries presented on physical training to prevent injuries and how to have a successful high school sports career. Dr. Slater was a three-sport athlete in high school and attended BYU on a football scholarship where he played wide-receiver for the Cougars. Nachelle Stewart Mackie and twin sister, Natalie Stewart Christenot, former athletes that excelled in track at Spanish Fork High and BYU presented on sportsmanship and what it means to be part of a team and team work. They gave personal examples of running for BYU as well as examples from this month’s NCAA March Madness. Nachelle is the 2012 NCAA National Champion in the 800 meter and four-time All-American and BYU Track & Field Athlete of the Year in 2012. Natalie holds five track records for the state of Utah and is USTFCCCA Track and Field All-Academic and All-American Honorable Mention. Springville High’s athletic trainer, Mark Binks, discussed the importance of sportsmanship and then had the captains discuss their thoughts and impressions of good sportsmanship. One student captain stated, “Captains Academy taught me how to be a good leader and how to motivate my team to become the best they can be and help them become leaders when I leave.” Diane Stewart, an older sister to the twins, and another stellar track athlete from Spanish Fork High and BYU, presented on leadership and how a leader isn’t necessary the boss, but one that can lead and inspire through kindness and generosity. Diane was named All-Mountain West Indoor Track and Field Team and Mountain Pacific Sports Federation All-Academic Scholar-Athlete. Another student-captain said, “I feel like this academy was informative and a good reminder of what type of captain I should try to be.” Nebo District athletic director, Troy Bohling, said, “I was quite impressed with the thoughtful consideration students paid to the questions they were asked. These young people are often thrust into leadership because others see something good in them that their peers will follow. As these student leaders shared their insights with the group, I saw many nodding their head in agreement or writing down something that inspired them. When their peers voice the same thoughts they have, it helps them to have confidence in what they believe for themselves. Hearing the captains talking with one another about how they can make a difference with their teammates and how they can impact their team culture in positive ways is empowering and gratifying.” A big thanks goes to Laura Salazar, Communications Director at Intermountain Healthcare, for the delicious breakfast and snacks as well as lunch provided for the Captains. Congratulations to Isaac Fullmer for answering this week’s “Where are we Wednesday?” challenge sponsored by Wiggy Wash. ###
Attributions
Lana Hiskey