Open the door to Sto-Rox Upper Elementary on a late winter evening, and you’re greeted by a barrage of sounds.
The squeak of sneakers on polished wood.
The shouts of boys passing a basketball.
The applause of an audience filled with families of those boys.
They are sounds that weren’t being heard before this year, because this was the first season of the Boys Basketball Program at Sto-Rox School District. Spearheaded by Upper Elementary Assistant Principal Tim Liparulo, the program gave 4th, 5th, and 6th graders an opportunity to join teams with their classmates and play schools including Aliquippa, Cornell, and Montour.
“We wanted to provide another after school opportunity for students,” said Liparulo. “An interest survey was sent out and the response (to the idea of a basketball program) was very positive.”
As part of the district’s effort to provide more after school programs and grow as a community hub, basketball was a natural choice. Whether it’s basketball, football, baseball, softball or cheerleading, sports are king in Sto-Rox. This program provides a platform to get younger students started.
“At this level, the goal is to create interest in the sport and to build the skills of the athletes,” said Liparulo. “The more experience the kids have in doing something, the better they will become. This is a positive for (Sto-Rox) sports because they have athletes with more than a basic understanding of the game.”
Of course, becoming athletes is just one part of the program. Liparulo wants to make sure students get the complete student-athlete expereince.
“For most of our athletes, it was their first experience with organized sports,” said Liparulo. “We placed high emphasis on academics and behavior to help them understand the idea of the well rounded athlete.”
Liparulo added that he has received positive feedback from league officials and other teams. He also believes parents enjoyed their sons’ participation and how the games turned out. After all, the 4th grade team made it to their league semifinal, while the 6th grade team made it to the championship. While Sto-Rox didn’t win, Liparulo believes this program is about more than wins and losses.
“I would call it a success just for its creation. The boys definitely had a worthwhile experience,” said Liparulo. “Being the first year, there was a lot of reflection and refinement of the process. There are definitely things that will be adjusted next time around, but that is the same for any team in any sport.”
A promising start to build upon for Sto-Rox students to succeed on - and off - the court.