THE WIZARD SPORTS’ REPORTERS

By MICHAEL DEPAOLO

As many students at Washingtonville High continue to debate about their favorite sports teams, it couldn't be a better time to join the Sports Journalism Club.  Many people wonder what it has to offer. 

So many students have face the harsh reality that they will not be becoming professional athletes upon graduating from high school; however those same students continue to have a love and passion for sports. They want that to be a part of their life.  The Sports Journalism club gives them that place where they can talk and debate about what their passion.  Many students who attend the club also want to pursue a career in journalism in the future. This gives them the skills they need to pursue their desired career. 

MICHAEL DEPAOLO FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

The Sports Journalism Club is run by Mr. Clough and Mr. Bruscino, along with the club presidents: Matt Benson, John Contino, and Andrew Fitzpatrick.  This club is designed not only for fun, but for learning more about the teams students are passionate about. Their meetings consist of creating and publishing articles of their choice (sports related, of course) and having a good time while doing it. 

Some of the activities members participate in are different tournaments such as Madden and NHL tournaments. The club as a whole competes against each other in a bracket system. The winner will get his or her last name on a banner which will be hung on the wall along with the banners from previous years. 

There are also many different opportunities in the club.  For instance, this week the club has invited a representative from the MLB (Major League Baseball) Network, Matt Baker.  He is one of the head researchers for the network.  In addition, he is also bringing in some examples of the work he has to complete on a daily basis to give the club members an idea of what being a part of a sports journalist team is like.  Mr. Clough stated, “I think it’s really cool that we are able to bring opportunities like this to the kids.”

President, Matt Benson, talked about how “we have a relaxed environment where you can debate and discuss sports on a weekly basis while writing articles on the topics of your choice.”  The club has a blog similar to The Washingtonville Wizard Weekly where they publish their articles for the students to read. It’s called Wizards Sports Reports, and can be found on wizards.blogspot.com.  They also publish a magazine  annually containing all of their articles. 

The students who take part in the club take great pride in their work. It has a healthy atmosphere for everyone.  Their meetings occur during the week on Thursdays in room 221 after school.  Come join them to see what it’s all about.