As fall sports began, the Sages varsity volleyball team went to Jim Risley’s obstacle course in Mahomet. It was intended to teach players discipline and determination. The team showcased their support for each other there. Because this is one of the smaller teams at MHS, the chemistry between all 11 girls is important.
This experience was special because it made the team put aside their differences to help everyone complete the course. Junior Sadie Walsh was in the unique position of going last. One of Risley’s rules is that all teammates are silent throughout the last competitor’s run. Walsh said, “During the obstacle course, although it was quiet, I never really felt alone. I always felt surrounded by my teammates who were silently cheering for me. Their presence and attitudes during this challenge really helped me feel loved and appreciated.”
Junior Shelby Smith expressed how she felt a shift in the team chemistry afterward. “I think before we went…the team was very split. Everyone kinda had their own person or group that they stuck to, and we never really stuck together like the team we are. I really do think that when we got on the bus to leave, that had completely changed. I felt as if the team was now connected on a whole new level, and we all learned to appreciate all the different and unique strengths that each of our teammates around us had.”
Walsh added, “I felt like the team felt more connected and trusting of each other after we all helped each other out through the challenging course. I felt more loved by my teammates and more appreciative of them after going through a rigorous course like that.”
Smith shared that the team’s nerves were high before attempting Riz’s course. “When I first got off the bus after we had pulled up to his house, I definitely was super nervous.” She described how she felt seeing the course for the first time, “What looked most intimidating to me was the lifting of the tires, wood beams, and rocks. I know my weaknesses and my strengths, and seeing those definitely had me worried.”
Even though the team had their doubts, all participants managed to make it to the end. Walsh said, “It was really helpful whenever I fell off the bar or needed help getting over the wall that my teammates were there for me and always ready to help me get back up and going again.” She added, “I learned that even though it may not seem like anyone is cheering for you or cares for you, there is always someone silently cheering you on even if they can’t say it or express it out loud.”
Smith wrapped up by saying, “Personally, after spending time out on the course with Riz and my teammates, I felt a lot more mentally tough. I often have found myself repeating phrases that came from Riz through my mind ever since we went there. I learned that I can exceed what I thought my physical limits were, with the help of my teammates.”
Pearl Glaze, Staff Writer
The Sage Informer 
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