In a world where digital interactions dominate our social lives, attending live sports events provides STH students with an invaluable opportunity to experience real-world connections, engagement, and excitement. At St. Thomas, students have the opportunity to attend sports events for three different team sports in the spring, which are rugby, baseball, and lacrosse. However, even though most students may not be able to attend sports events not hosted at St. Thomas, it is highly recommended that students should consider attending sports events hosted at St. Thomas as they provide students with a different perspective on sports, can provide entertainment, and enable students to form a closer Eagle Brotherhood by supporting their fellow students.
The first reason that students should consider attending sporting events hosted at St. Thomas is that they provide students with a different perspective on sports. While most students at St. Thomas either play a sport in the fall such as football, soccer, or basketball or could explain how to play many of the fall and winter sports, most students probably could not explain how to play the spring sports, especially rugby and lacrosse without referring to the internet or someone they know who plays that sport. While lacrosse and rugby are quite complex, students could enhance their understanding of those sports by attending games hosted at St. Thomas and either watching the game or interacting with St. Thomas players on these sports. This will provide different perspectives on sports by exposing them to different forms of athleticism, which can widen their understanding of what defines a sport. Also, by getting out of their comfort zone and choosing to watch a new sport, it could introduce them to a future source of entertainment or fun or even a new sport they should play.
“Lacrosse gives you a different view on sports. It’s fast, physical, and mixes skill with strategy. Whether you’re playing or watching, it’s exciting and offers something new that you don’t see in other games,” said Aidan Reese.
The second reason that students should consider attending sporting events hosted at St. Thomas is that they provide students with an alternative source of entertainment. In a world where technology captures most people’s attention throughout the day, it can be beneficial for one’s mental health and attention span when they find a way to entertain themselves while at the same time disengaging from technology. One way students at St. Thomas can do this during the spring is by attending one of the many different team sports, which can be entertaining in a plethora of ways. For example, sports such as lacrosse and rugby are contact sports that require a lot of continuous movement, so students can enjoy the physical nature of each and the feats of athleticism performed by players.
Although baseball is not a contact sport, it is still physical in that players throw baseballs at high speeds, have to run from bases without going out, and try to hit the baseball as far as they can. Therefore, students should consider attending sporting events hosted at St. Thomas because they provide an alternative source of entertainment that will allow them to disconnect from their devices and immerse themselves in the excitement of live competition.
“Going to a baseball game is a fun way to spend your day. You get to watch exciting plays, cheer for your team, and enjoy the energy of the crowd. It’s a perfect way to hang out with friends and experience the game live, which is way better than watching it on TV or scrolling on your phone,” Tyler Veillon ’26 said.
The third reason that students should consider attending sporting events hosted at St. Thomas is that they form a closer Eagle Brotherhood by supporting their fellow students. When students attend sporting events, regardless of the sport, they demonstrate the school spirit to other people and prospective families and support their fellow students. Also, when players see their peers rooting for them, it encourages the players to work harder and play not to represent themselves but to represent St. Thomas. While most fall and winter sports such as football, soccer, and basketball have a large amount of the student body attend their games, sports such as baseball, lacrosse, and rugby struggle to get attendees due to their lack of popularity. However, if even a few students decided to attend these spring sports, it would also have a ripple effect of encouraging other students to attend these events. Therefore, students should consider attending sporting events hosted at St. Thomas as they form a closer Eagle Brotherhood by supporting their fellow students and building a sense of community and school spirit.
“Rugby is more than just a game; it’s about the Eagle Brotherhood on the field and in the stands. As a player, I know the bond we share with each other, but the fans bring that same energy. The crowd is part of the brotherhood, supporting us every step of the way,” Peter Bryant ’25 said.
Overall, attending sporting events hosted at St. Thomas offers students the chance to gain a unique perspective on sports, enjoy an alternative form of entertainment, and strengthen the sense of Eagle Brotherhood within the community. By stepping outside of their usual routine and supporting their peers in sports like rugby, baseball, and lacrosse, students can enrich their understanding of athleticism, disconnect from technology, and contribute to building school spirit.
