Indiana Area Senior High School

Opinion: INFLATION: What it could mean for School Sports Programs and Departments

By NICK DRAHNAK

Since January of 2021, we have seen the highest rate of inflation this country has ever seen in 40 years.  I am sure we have all experienced pain at the gas pump lately as well.  Every time I am here, it seems to have jumped up a few more cents every week.  But not only is it affecting just us and how much more we are spending just to live our daily lives, but it also is affecting school funding and how much as well as what supplies can be ordered and paid for in a timely manner. 

Of course it could greatly affect all sports but mostly lacrosse and hockey, two of the most expensive sports in terms of supplies and other necessary equipment.  There are some sports here at IHS that do not receive funding from the school district to buy equipment and create new or improved uniforms and logos.  Take track and field for example, they use the same uniforms and equipment every single year.  While other sports such as football do receive funding from the school.  Football definitely requires lots of equipment not only for games but more for training.  Whatever the case may be, this will have an impact on such sports.

You might be asking yourself “Which sport do you think will be most greatly affected?”  Or even “Will my sport be affected?”  I had the opportunity to speak to a few student athletes on what their thoughts were on what was and is going on and how it could affect sports that receive funding from the school district.  Senior Hannah Mogle told me “As a volleyball player for IHS, my solution to take on inflation for school sports funding would be to have fundraisers to buy necessities for the teams like the chipotle fundraiser used for MiniThon or even just having normal fundraisers to help with the funds of new equipment, jerseys, bags, etc.”  And Senior Owen Lawson responded when asked with “The sport that will greatly be affected would be lacrosse due to being under funded by the school, and because their players have to pay for all their gear.  Yes, track and field receives school funding.  Our sport is not being affected due to all the equipment being bought already and due to reusing the same gear year to year.  Solution to help would be to help and support the sports who need equipment yearly and cut costs of the football team and distribute their funds to other teams.” 

You might be asking yourself “Which sport do you think will be most greatly affected?”  Or even “Will my sport be affected?”  I had the opportunity to speak to a few student athletes on what their thoughts were on what was and is going on and how it could affect sports that receive funding from the school district.  Senior Hannah Mogle told me “As a volleyball player for IHS, my solution to take on inflation for school sports funding would be to have fundraisers to buy necessities for the teams like the chipotle fundraiser used for MiniThon or even just having normal fundraisers to help with the funds of new equipment, jerseys, bags, etc.”  And Senior Owen Lawson responded when asked with “The sport that will greatly be affected would be lacrosse due to being under funded by the school, and because their players have to pay for all their gear.  Yes, track and field receives school funding.  Our sport is not being affected due to all the equipment being bought already and due to reusing the same gear year to year.  Solution to help would be to help and support the sports who need equipment yearly and cut costs of the football team and distribute their funds to other teams.” 

You May Also Like...

Sipping out of fall and into winter

By Katarina Medvetz Winter drinks are always a popular topic at this time of year. There is a mega buzz about winter drinks at IHS. Some people like to purchase their drinks from various places while others like making their own drinks.  Whether it is a student or staff member at IHS, everyone has their opinion about winter drinks.  Some think that there is a superior place to purchase winter drinks and have a strong opinion about it.  When asked if she prefers Starbucks or Dunkin’, senior Cileigh Clemmons voiced, “I prefer Dunkin’ winter drinks because of the lower price and the memories that get made there.” It is made clear that Dunkin’ has a nice environment for members of IHS to enjoy their winter drinks.   It is known that multiple places dropped their winter selection of drinks on November 2, 2023. Some think that is great while others say

Read More »

IHS Drama Department begins 2023-2024 season

By High Arrow Staff To kick off the 2023-2024 season, director Mrs. Leah Lyons and the cast of “A Play About a Dragon” have been working tirelessly to develop a unique and engaging show for the Indiana community.  “A Play About a Dragon,” By Steph DeFerie, is a comedy set in the Middle Ages with a troupe of traveling players who choose to perform their play, you guessed it – about a dragon, to the King. However, what the traveling players do not realize is that they agreed to slay an actual dragon! With the help of a secret-keeping prince, and a few others, can the players complete their task? Come see the play this weekend to find out.  When discussing the play’s preparation, Mrs. Lyons noted, “This group of actors is really diving into their character development. They are considering the purpose and impact of their character and how

Read More »

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ parade lights up November

By Anna Cutter The ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ festival and holiday parade fell on November 17 this year. Usually referred to as ‘Light Up Night,’ the IAWL festival is a series of holiday activities that took place on the 17 and the 18 of November this year. The festival was held at IRMC park, along with the traditional lighting of the 30-foot christmas tree in the middle of the park. Roads were closed off and the community gathered together to watch them light the tree. Free hot chocolate and marshmallows were provided by volunteers in the area. The Indiana Junior High Spirit Band played in front of the crowd after the tree lighting. Restaurants and stores all through November 17 had holiday activities and free snacks set out. Some of these included the Indiana Theater, who hosted cookie decorating, face painting, and holiday photos, compliments of the ICTC students from

Read More »

IHS Football wraps up their 2023 season

By Gabi Isenberg The IHS football season came to an end and the team worked hard to achieve their victories. They were 2-8 this season, ending with their last game on October 27.  The team played ten games this season and put countless hours of work into practice. Mr. Brad Wright led the team as head coach this year, along with captains Ben Cochran, Trevor Smith, Carson Beatty, and Issac Nygren. The captains have been a part of the team for several years. Senior Ben Cochran comments, “Football teaches you life lessons you can’t learn playing any other sports, like resilience.”  IHS football faced many strong opponents this season. Although they did not take victories against every school they played, the team competed in many well-fought games. Football is one of the most competitive sports in high school because of its popularity. Skill is not hard to find among young

Read More »

Mrs. Sabatini joins IHS staff as a freshman English teacher

By Elia Dietz Beth Sabatini has joined IHS staff as a freshman English teacher. She has been teaching for 13 years at other school districts until returning to her hometown of Indiana.  Beth Sabatini was born and raised in Indiana and graduated from IHS in 2004. She attended Penn State University from 2004-2008, earning her Bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in psychology. She later attended IUP for graduate school, certifying her Master’s in English and English education.  “I enjoy helping young people learn skills that they will use for the rest of their lives,” Mrs. Sabatini affirms, “I love teaching because every day is different, the job never gets boring because there are new challenges every single day.” Mrs. Sabatini has worked at multiple schools prior to IHS. Her first job was at Brashear High School, which is part of the Pittsburgh Public School system. She worked there

Read More »

IHS Boys soccer shoots to finish strong

By Michael Jadzak The IHS boys soccer team looks to finish strong this season as they close out against Kiski Area. Indiana ended up soundly defeating Kiski Area with a score of 5-1. The IHS Boys soccer team played their final game of the season last week, finishing off with a conference record of 5-7 that puts them 4th in WPIAL AAA. Before the game at Kiski, Indiana hit a slump, losing 3 straight without putting up any goals. The offense exploded for 5 goals against Kiski and the defense showed up for the final game. Senior forward Moath Alanazi shares his view of the game. He stated, “The offense improved and we were just getting more shots and attacks.” When asked about how the team should perform in the playoffs, he expressed, “Play soccer how it should be played and don’t be scared.” Moath scored 1 goal following the

Read More »