One would think seniors dominate varsity teams, but at U. City, there are several cases where seniors play on JV teams. Field hockey and girls volleyball are two fall teams with rosters that include seniors on JV. Athletes in other sports don’t believe it actually happens.

“I didn’t think it was possible,” said senior Jeffrey Standifer who plays football and plans to go out for tennis.

According to athletic director Pat Oligschlaeger, it not against MSHSAA (Missouri State High School Activities Association) rules for seniors to play on JV teams, but “it is advised to let opposing teams know you have them.”

A student really has to want to play the game to be a senior in this situation. Sometimes it is because a student did not play freshmen, sophomore or junior years and has decided to take up the game again—or for the first time.

College applications are one factor in the mix.

“I’m trying different kinds of sports,” said senior Candice Robinson, who plays JV volleyball. “It looks good on college applications.”

Most of them would happily play on varsity if offered the chance. When senior Aubrey Williams got the chance to step up in field hockey, she experienced mixed emotions.

“It was kind of scary, but I was glad I could help,” Williams said.

The opportunity to swing up to varsity in a game is always present and on the minds of the seniors. In field hockey, of the 13 seniors on the team, five of the players are listed on the roster as varsity/JV swing players while two are listed as full-time JV players.

Even though Robinson thinks it looks good on college applications, she has a few problems with the concept of playing with underclassmen.

“You get talked down to like a kid,” said Robinson. “I feel unappreciated and dishonored. I work just as hard and deserve it.”

Individual sports, such as cross country, tennis, and track and golf, more commonly have seniors on JV teams.

It is apparent that these student-athletes want to play the game and are willing to make sacrifices in order to be part of a team.