Man Up program kickstarts Sequoia’s football success BY RUTHIE LAX Staff Reporter
are both major values of the football team. The goal of this strengthening “Man Up” is a part of the Sequoia Football program is to have all character development program to strengthen students thriving in both connections and individual growth for players. environments, with a In large and small groups, divided by minimum 3.0 GPA in grade and skill level, the team discusses the overall team, and issues related to bullying, false masculinity, avoiding fumbling on goal setting and interpersonal skills. These the field. Study hall meetings help players develop and mature is a mandatory task as individuals and teammates. Every week given to students the team sessions involve specific prevalent who fall behind problems seen in Sequoia’s environment, academically. “We [Sequoia such as bullying, mental health and healthy relationships. In the beginning weeks on the Football program/ field, the boys discussed personal baggage and staff] are not trying holding on to the past. This helps to give them to keep you eligible a safe and comfortable environment in which for Friday, we’re to they can express their emotions, separate from trying you the playing field. By expressing their emotions get they gained self-acceptance and power on the across the stage for field and in their minds. and off to college, so The team starts their season strong, kicking g r a d u a t i o n off the year, Varsity’s record is 4-6 and Junior you can come back as an alum and talk to us,” Varsity 9-1. In Sequoia’s Man up program, Poulus said. Senior Varsity football player and IB Coach Robert Poulos emphasizes grades and character development over winning, student, Alex Seroogy devotes himself to the team. Seroogy has been playing tackle football although he says that winning is always nice. “The goal is that at the end of the year, you for six years and since his freshman year at should be a better person for having played in Sequoia. Seroogy’s commitment doesn’t stop there. the program,” Poulus “Football said. takes a lot of In addition time and effort to building body but it is worth it positivity, inner due to the team The goal is that at the end strength, emotional environment that strengths and a of the year, you should be I enjoy being a healthy body, the a better person for having part of,” Seroogy football program said. played in the program. also strengthens Seroogy’s love students’ skills in for football and sportsmanship, Robert Poulus, football coach his involvement t e a m w o r k , in the competition and community kick winning as well as off his success as losing with integrity. This creates stronger connections between the a student-athlete. Seroogy plays a role in the athletes and their education. The process of Man Up program as well, he leads one of the making the roster and breaking it up into small squads of varying grades and skill levels. Seroogy is a role model, he always teams, senior through freshman, helps to build influences other student athletes to manage connections. Guidance from upperclassmen can make every student feel valued and their time and plan out their schedules. “As a student athlete you are doing more connected and advancing students’ knowledge of the sport while tackling their school work than the average student” Seroogy said. The Man Up program guides a wonderful
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program, Seroogy has learned more about h i m s e l f and his teammates. He feels supported by his coaches and teammates to excel both on and off the field. The football program pushes all athletes to improve. As a leader Seroogy pushes himself and his teammates as well. Sophomore, Logan Kern, plays a big role in the Man Up program. As an underclassman he is influenced by several upperclassmen. Being knowledgeable in the sport, Kern is a mentor to those who are less experienced. The Man Up program builds strong connections and bonds, “Some of my influences were Jack Kern, Daniel Martinez and Alex Seroogy,” Kern said. “As a squad leader I am also given the position by coach to help the younger players both in football and in school,” Seroogy said. On Thursdays, the team discusses current worries, regrets, and emotional baggage the team carries. They tackle both mental and physical challenges they want to improve on. The Man up program lets the team in bonding and allows all players, regardless of age, to get to know one another. Through this program, everyone feels more connected to all teammates which allows Sequoia to play better as a team. “Sequoia’s football team has 100 percent improved my Sequoia experience,” Seroogy said.
RAVEN REPORT | JANUARY 2022
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