Kristy Hathcock, 7th Grade College & Career Exploration – PJH
WHAT ELSE?
Football is BIG in Ponder and our 7th Graders went undefeated earning the District Champ Title!! Way to go kiddos!! I get to hear all about their wins during first period in College and Career Exploration. With 14 football players in one class, football victories are definitely a reoccurring topic. We all know they’re great athletes, but I always ask them WHAT ELSE? What else are they great at?
I found my answer on Monday during a partner reading activity outside. The last ten minutes were set aside for unstructured play time and, of course, they chose football. This game felt different; they were playing for the sheer joy of the game—no whistles, no time stressors, and no coaches, just simple play.
As I watched, I saw one student hand the ball off to an inclusion student — and then, in perfect unspoken teamwork, the other 13 boys dove after him, intentionally missing. This allowed for a much-celebrated touchdown.
In that moment, they answered the “What else?” question in a big way. Our 7th grade football boys aren’t just talented athletes — they’re compassionate, inclusive, and kind-hearted leaders who lift others up and celebrate every victory, big or small. Way to go, boys. You’re winning both on and off the field.
