BPHS spring sports try-out and practice dates officially announced

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

February 14, 2025

Focus locked, ball in hand— Nick Rillo is ready to unleash the perfect pitch. Photo courtesy of M&M Photography

As the days get longer and the temperature begins to rise, it’s time to think about spring sports! Starting March 3, BPHS will be buzzing with activity as spring sports teams kick off their seasons.

Whether a student is a seasoned athlete or just looking for a fun way to get active, spring sports offer a fantastic opportunity to grow, connect, and represent Bethel Park with pride.

The official try-out/practice dates for each sport are listed below:

Boys tennis (JV/varsity)- March 3 and 4
Girls lacrosse (JV/varsity)- March 3 and 4
Girls softball (JV/varsity)- March 3 and 4
Boys volleyball (JV/varsity)- March 3 and 5
Girls flag football (JV/varsity)- March 3 and 5
Boys lacrosse (JV/varsity)- March 3 and 7
Co-ed track and field- March 3 and 7
Boys baseball (freshman/JV/varsity)- March 6

But why should one consider joining a spring sport? The benefits extend far beyond just physical fitness.

Teamwork, discipline, leadership, and time management are all essential skills that students will hone while participating in spring sports.

Learning to work collaboratively towards a common goal, pushing each other to improve, and balancing athletic commitments with academics will set students up for success in all areas of life.

The bonds forged with teammates are often some of the strongest and most enduring. Sharing the challenges and triumphs of a season creates a unique camaraderie that extends beyond the playing field.

Participation in high school sports can open doors to college scholarships, athletic recruitment, and other opportunities that will be of assistance to students in the future.

Even if someone doesn’t plan to pursue athletics at the collegiate level, the skills and experiences that they’ll gain will make them more attractive candidates for jobs and other endeavors.

A bonus to all of the other benefits is the health advantages students receive.

Exercise is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, and spring sports offer a fun and engaging way to stay in shape.

The combination of cardiovascular activity, strength training, and hand-eye coordination will improve anyone’s overall fitness. Plus, the endorphins released during exercise can significantly reduce stress and improve your mood.

To participate in these sports, students will need the Bethel Park Athletic Department sports information sheet, a PIAA physical packet, and an AHN Release of Protected Health Information and Consent to Treatment form.

All of these forms can be found on the Bethel Park Athletic Department website. Download and complete them carefully.

Once completed, the forms can be submitted to the BPHS athletic office to your coach on the first day of practice.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of something special! Spring sports are a fantastic way to make the most of the high school experience.

Get involved, make new friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime. BPHS looks forward to seeing you on the field, track, or court starting March 3!

About the Contributor

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

And that’s another Bethel Park Black Hawks win for the boys soccer team. Whether Patrick is on the soccer field or behind the keyboard, he’s always aiming to make an impact—one play and one story at a time. This year, Patrick Romito, an 11th grader, joins Scholastic Publications for the first time. When asked why he decided to sign up, Patrick said, “I took the class to get more involved in school activities.” With a clear passion for making the most of his high school experience, Patrick is eager to contribute to the class by writing articles for the Hawk Eye newspaper. He’s ready to take on whatever stories come his way, whether spotlight features, sports, or school news. Patrick is not just a writer; he’s also an accomplished athlete. With 12 years of soccer experience under his belt and as a three-year DECA member, he balances both extracurriculars and academics with ease. As someone who enjoys variety, he’s equally open to different kinds of stories, saying, “I enjoy writing in general, so whether it’s spotlights, sports, or school news-related content, it doesn’t matter to me.” Looking ahead, Patrick’s plans after high school include studying marketing and advertising, although he’s still deciding on a specific college. In the meantime, his favorite class is Law & You with Mr. Vic. He appreciates how the course prepares him for life after high school, and he enjoys Mr. Vic’s real-life stories that make each lesson engaging. Reflecting on his time in high school, Patrick recalls the excitement of attending football games as a freshman, where he formed friendships that have lasted throughout his high school years. “I really enjoyed going to the football games freshman year because I ended up making a lot of friends there, a lot of which I’m still friends with today,” he said. Outside of school, Patrick has worked as a lifeguard at Highpoint Fitness for almost two years, a job that highlights his dedication and work ethic. When he’s not working or playing soccer, he enjoys comedy movies, with Step Brothers being his top pick. And what’s his dream vacation? Patrick hopes to one day visit Italy. “My dream vacation is Italy because first, it is very beautiful there, as well as my family roots going back to there,” he shared. In just three words, Patrick describes himself as calm, caring, and hardworking — qualities that are sure to serve him well both in and out of the classroom. Keep an eye out for Patrick’s contributions to Hawk Eye this year as he dives into the world of scholastic publications! Written by: Grace Ferency, Staff Writer