Most daring sports at Samo
Sara Javerbaum, Staff Writer
As an incoming freshman, one might feel unsure of which sport to try out for. Considering that participating in a sport gets students out of P.E., it’s understandable that so many kids aim to make a team. But which one to choose? During the school year, Samo sponsors 16 sports, and with such a wide variety of sports to choose from, every factor counts: including risk level. Whether a student is a thrill-seeking daredevil or someone who wants to avoid danger at all costs, it’s notable to consider the dangers that each sport poses.
So, what are Samo’s most dangerous sports?
Football is both watched and played so commonly that its dangers are often overlooked. However, football is arguably one of Samo’s most dangerous sports. Reducing the sport down to its most basic elements proves it worthy of this title. The core of football requires athletes to tackle and chase each other in order to win the game. More specifically, football has become synonymous with debilitating injuries and life-threatening concussions. This means that physical aggression is not just allowed, it’s expected. Angel Rivera (’23), a varsity player for Samo’s football team, appreciates all that the sport has done for him, from teaching him time management to what it means to make friends and family. However, he also acknowledges the extreme dangers of the sport.
“We had one fractured bone this season, a sprained ankle and about four concussions as well, myself included...If you’re not mentally prepared for war then you’re gonna get killed and the same thing applies to any sport at Samo,” Rivera said.
While football is life-threatening, referees monitor any foul play between players to limit unnecessary violence. The same however, does not go for water polo, as referees can only see half of a player’s body. While players deal with violence under the water, they must stay above it: Allowing their exhaustion to get the best of them would result in drowning. Varsity girls’ water pologoalie Katie Jennings (’22) said,
“One time, in a CIF game, the goalie attacked me and I, like, popped my rib out. And then I still had to play and it was bruised and everything,”
As a spectator, the chaotic and fast-paced nature of the game makes it slightly more difficult to notice all of the violence occurring. Lance Rhee (’22), co-captain of the varsity water polo team, says that it takes playing the sport to know just how difficult and demanding it is.
“It was pretty terrible in the beginning. If you’ve never tried or practiced water polo, regardless of how fit you are, you’re just going to feel really bad,” Rhee said.
Of course, with great risk comes great reward, and almost every sport poses a threat to the player’s health. While the sports previously mentioned do jeopardize athletes’ health, it’s important to base the decision on what sport brings the most joy to everyday life.
