Joining a school sport can often feel daunting for both inexperienced and experienced athletes, especially when the process is filled with uncertainty. All sports should offer opportunities to help athletes familiarize themselves with the commitment required to be on the team, using Northwood wrestling’s “try-it-out” event held on May 21 as a model.

Unlike traditional tryouts days or summer camps, try-it-out days let prospective athletes simulate a real practice without any commitment. At typical tryouts, nerves and fear of embarrassment can hold an athlete back from showcasing their true capabilities or even participating at all. Summer camps, meanwhile, require weeks of commitment at a time when students may be busy or out of town.   

In non-cut sports where students typically don’t have past experience, it’s often difficult to determine whether they will enjoy it or not. This may cause hesitancy, indecisiveness or even unwanted participation in a sport they don’t enjoy.

“I feel like if you’re not sure, being locked into a sport that you hate is something I wouldn’t wish on anybody,” wrestling head coach Kyle Ennis said. “I feel like having an opportunity to come watch a practice, see what it’s like, see how hard it is, see if it’s something that you like, is really important for you to make that decision before it’s stuck.”

In addition, newcomers and athletes may be confused about how high school sports differ from playing in a club, such as how practices or matches work, and even team dynamics. A try-it-out day removes that mystery without compromising the team or the player. 

Try-it-out days help alleviate concerns in a low-pressure setting, and also allows players to communicate with coaches and ask questions. By the season’s start, new athletes are more prepared, benefiting the team.

“I think it’s a great idea, I think a lot more people should get into wrestling and get into this discipline,” boys wrestling freshman Jacob Oh said. “Honestly everyone can see how fun and engaging this sport is and I’m very glad this can happen.”

It’s inevitable that some people will decide not to join after attending the event. Despite this, these try-it-out days can still be meaningful for the sports that host them, especially for underrepresented ones.

“One thing I do want is for people to realize that the sport is really exciting,” Ennis said. “So even if they don’t join the team, they’ll come watch our duels this year. Yes the team will grow, but also attendance will grow. I just want everybody to be able to experience it.”