Earl Haig School Spirit: Basketball vs. Volleyball

Nadine Alsaghir

Arts & Sports

When it comes to school spirit, nothing beats the energy and excitement of basketball and volleyball. Both sports have unique qualities, making them popular among students and athletes alike. But which sport takes the crown when it comes to Earl Haig’s school spirit? Let’s take a closer look at the two.

In basketball, three-pointers and crossovers can electrify a crowd like no other. There’s also an added layer of excitement when two rival schools are facing off against each other, bringing the Earl Haig crowd together. The fast-paced nature of basketball is part of the excitement that spectators enjoy getting invested in.

One of the most watched after-school games at Earl Haig is undoubtedly basketball. Students plug up hallways trying to get seats, usually filling the stands to capacity. At halftime, dancers enter the gym and merch is tossed into the crowds, creating an even more intense and thrilling atmosphere. Half-court shots, as another entertainment during halftime, add to the high energy in the gym.

We also can’t forget about the Teachers vs. Students basketball game. As usual, the bleachers were mobbed with students who were thrilled to watch such an anticipated game. School spirit is a lot about unity among students, and this game really brought students together, whether they were cheering for their fellow students or their beloved teachers. Especially for the group of students who are spending their last year at Earl Haig, this game would definitely be one of their highlights of 2023.

Volleyball, on the other hand, is a more strategic game than basketball. Each set is crucial, and every point counts. In contrast to basketball, the game is often slower and more reserved, although the spikes can be just as exciting as any basket. Despite volleyball not having the same electric atmosphere as basketball, it can undoubtedly generate a more cohesive sense of community.

As far as our recent volleyball games go, when watching them, the teamwork is what really makes the game compelling, rather than the competition. “I’m so happy and proud of my team, whenever they get a good hit, I feel so overjoyed,” said Dahlia, a player on both the junior girl’s basketball and volleyball team.

Along with the Students vs. Teachers basketball game, the Volleyball Intramural was one of the highlights of this year’s sports events. As one of the students in charge of this event, I can certainly say there was lots of excitement surrounding it, and although it was chaotic at times, it brought many groups of students together. As I was watching each team, I noticed the strong chemistry some had, which really put them a cut above the rest. This is one of the things that makes volleyball so different from basketball, but entertaining in its own way.

Both basketball and volleyball have unique characteristics that contribute to Earl Haig’s school spirit. Basketball brings energy and excitement, while volleyball creates a deeper sense of community and collaboration. When it comes down to it, the debate between basketball and volleyball for school spirit is ultimately a matter of personal preference. “Personally, I see basketball as the more popular sport because of the crowd turnouts, but personal bias can always play a big role in this,” says Abdel-Rahman, the EHAC president. So, whether you're a die-hard basketball fan or a volleyball fanatic, get ready to show your school spirit and make this sports season one to remember!