Rising high school student-athletes gathered recently for the annual Section X Fall Leadership Conference focused on cultivating skills in leadership, sportsmanship, teamwork, communication and collaboration.
One hundred and sixty student-athletes from grades 9-11 participated in the two-day conference, which was held on the Clarkson University campus Sept. 23-24. The conference featured workshops and activities that challenged student-athletes to step outside their comfort zones and develop the skills needed to solve problems, complete tasks and learn about their teammates and how each person could contribute to success.
“The hope is that the student-athletes take the team-building, problem-solving and leadership skills they learn at the conference back to their schools and apply them to their teams and classes to strengthen their districts through sportsmanship and leadership,” said Mark Wilson, executive director of Section X. “Section X is committed to developing student-athletes not only on the field, but as leaders in their schools and communities.”
Athletic directors and coaches were encouraged to select rising student-athletes to attend, giving them opportunities to lead their teams and schools throughout their high school careers.
“Leadership, teamwork and collaboration are good qualities to have,” commented Hannah Pryce, a freshman at Madrid-Waddington Central School District. “In life, I’ll work with people who are different from me. Practicing these skills help me stand out and be a helping hand to others.”
Liz White, a health teacher and the athletic coordinator at Parishville-Hopkinton Central School, said, “We’re helping give kids the skills and tools they need to become successful adults. By becoming leaders on the field and in the classroom, they can transition to being leaders in the community and at their jobs.”
Section X has partnered with DiMarco Consulting Group for approximately 10 years to bring this impactful program to student-athletes.
“We want good leadership. We want student-athletes to influence others and show what right looks like,” said Abrahm DiMarco, owner of DiMarco Consulting Group. “We want them to set an example and be role models, showing up on time, working hard and doing everything they can.”
Conference sessions included the geo-cube, three stumps, an obstacle course, a Lego challenge, the fisherman’s tangle and a coach’s panel. Clarkson University Army ROTC cadets facilitated some of the activities. During a coach’s panel, student-athletes heard from Clarkson University coaches and student-athletes about college athletics, recruitment, admissions and campus life.
At the end of each session, the groups discussed how the skills they used in the activities could be applied to everyday situations. When initial strategies didn’t work, they had to problem-solve and adapt, just like in a game or classroom. They learned that vulnerability, empathy and adaptability are essential to overcoming challenges.
“It’s important to meet new people and get comfortable with different groups,” Ava Blackburn said, sophomore at Heuvelton Central School. “It helps you develop patience and understanding for people who are different from you and see things from their perspective.”
Section X serves student-athletes from 24 school districts across St. Lawrence, Franklin and Lewis counties, fostering leadership and sportsmanship throughout the North Country.
