CHSAA State Representative leads with heart
For Eaglecrest junior Syndey Crouthers (pictured front row, right), leadership is not always about being the most expressive or assertive person in the room. Sydney is an executive officer for our CHSAA State Representatives, EHS Junior Class President, and is a member of the school’s Unified Bowling team.
As a member of the EHS Unified Bowling team, Sydney serves as the best teammate she can be, while helping others on the team to showcase their athletic ability and their own leadership skills. These skills, in part, helped the team qualify for the CHSAA Unified Bowling Championships earlier this month, and it gave me an opportunity to sit down with her and talk about what it has meant to be part of this team.
What is your position on the team?
Crouthers: I am a bowling partner on Eaglecrest’s Unified Bowling team.
What was the feeling like as your team was competing for a state championship?
Crouthers: We were all very nervous but excited about the opportunity of winning the state. It was much bigger than any tournament we had competed in before, and we were very hopeful for the competition. While we were playing, we did our best to support one another and just have fun as a team even though we were all nervous at first!
The Special Olympics Oath, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” is recited by all athletes before each contest. What does the oath mean to you?
Crouthers: To me, the oath helped me realize the struggles that kids with disabilities must face on a daily basis which is something that some people may not realize. The kids on my Unified Bowling team are some of the most courageous kids I have ever met. Not only are they courageous in the bowling alley while they compete, but they are courageous in their daily lives as well. I feel like their courageousness and bravery are reflected very well in the oath.
How did your leadership skills come into play as a member of this team?
Crouthers: When it came to being there for my team when they needed support. As a student leader, I have learned a lot about working on a team and ensuring my team’s success through supporting one another.
What will be one of your best memories from this season?
Crouthers: Our very first practice. I had never participated in a Unified sport before, so I was a little nervous starting out. However, when I went to that first practice, everyone was so nice and welcoming. I also really enjoyed competing at regionals with my team. Seeing everyone’s face light up when we found out we placed for the state was so rewarding. I knew at that moment that all our hard work had paid off, and I loved seeing all of my teammates so happy.
What are your hopes or goals for this team next season?
Crouthers: I am looking forward to going to regionals and state again next year. There are so many talented kids on our team, and I would love for them to have the opportunity to show everyone their talent at state next year. I also can’t wait for our weekly practices next year. It is so much fun getting to spend time together and bond as a team.
What message do you have for schools that do not have a Unified Bowling team?
Crouthers: I would tell them about how rewarding it is for their students. Bowling is definitely a sport that doesn’t get a lot of recognition, and Unified Bowling gives kids a place to go after a long day of school and just have fun. I would strongly recommend every school provides its students with a Unified Bowling team.
Sydney is a special leader and Colorado students are benefitting from her representation of their voice in our association. As a CHSAA State Representative, Sydney sits on committees that allow for student voice and help direct many of our athletic directors in the choices they make.
Sydney brings that same level of energy to her role as the EHS Junior Class President. According to Faith Vigil, adviser for the EHS Junior Class, “Sydney has the unique role of having to lead while also listening to the opinions and voices of others. Sydney is a pro at this. Our junior class, like Eaglecrest, is diverse and eclectic, and Sydney manages to listen and honor the many unique ideas that all her peers have to offer. She is incredibly gifted at marrying the many ideas of her peers into something cohesive and doable. It’s a pleasure to witness!”
We look forward to the continued success of the EHS Unified Bowling program and the leadership that CHSAA State Representative Sydney Crouthers brings to all that she does.
