Recreational sports, like Vetta’s indoor soccer league and basketball at the JCC, provide many high school athletes who choose not to compete for their high school with serious or laid back sports.
Many dedicated soccer players find Vetta indoor soccer to be a fun addition to their schedule. Junior Quinn Conlisk, a member of the boys varsity soccer team, says he enjoyed his experience with the Vetta indoor soccer league. Conlisk was able to play an important role for his team, scoring five goals in just one game.
“Being on the field with players who have such a diverse level of experience with the game is a fun mix,” Conlisk said.
Senior Libby Kaiser, a member of the girls varsity soccer team, was part of a Vetta soccer team this fall where she was able to enjoy the game she loves with many of her friends.
“I love playing soccer, and when I get to play in a co-ed league with friends from school it makes it that much better,” Kaiser said. “You get that balance of having fun but also wanting to win, and it’s a good atmosphere.”
While Kaiser and her teammates take their games seriously and put forth their best effort, they play to have fun and Vetta allows them to compete at their desired level of intensity.
“Because it’s a casual league, anyone’s welcome to play and you can sub in at any time, it was fun for all and we had a good time,” Kaiser said.
The open leagues at Vetta allow players with less soccer background to learn the game playing along side skilled players. Junior Thomas Rechenberg started a team at Vetta this fall, including many players who recently found an interest in soccer. Rechenberg was able to provide leadership to his teammates by bringing his varsity level knowledge to Vetta.
“It gives kids who don’t usually play soccer the opportunity to play with more experienced players, so they can help out,” Rechenberg said.
Spanish teacher Dan Kelty has years of soccer experience, as he coached his son’s select team and coached high school soccer at Parkway West. Upon sitting in on a high school Vetta game last year, Kelty said that players enjoyed themselves and the environment was much more relaxed.
“It wasn’t intense like when I was coaching my son,” Kelty said. “It was just more of a fun atmosphere.”
Senior Matt Feldewerth had never considered taking up basketball, until his friends invited him to play on a JCC league. Though Feldewerth is new to basketball, playing in a comfortable setting at the JCC came with less stress.
“All my friends were playing and I figured I’d ball out with them,” Feldewerth said. “It gives me a good release of energy.”
Playing for a J league is a common route for hopeful players who weren’t able to play on the school team. Every year, a handful of players are cut from the varsity basketball team. These players may find a home on a J league team. Senior Akshay Chavakula loves the game of basketball, and was delighted to come across the opportunity to play at the J.
“I always wanted to play basketball and with J league we’re still in a competitive division but it’s fun with all my friends,” Chavakula said. “It’s not like you’re getting coached or yelled at for any mistakes you make.”
The JCC league is often chosen by busy student athletes, like senior Dan Lewis.
“It’s less commitment, less competitive, more fun and when you play high school basketball it turns into a job and you have all the extra worries and you can’t be yourself on the court. In J league you just have a good time,” Lewis said.
Lewis played freshman basketball and was a key contributor to the team, though he has found the JCC league to work best for him and his teammates.
“At the end of the day you’re still out there to have fun and you don’t have to worry about screwing up or people being mad at you or having to run extra laps in practice,” Lewis said. “I’d recommend to anyone who loves to play basketball to go out and join a J league team, or any rec league.”
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