News Report:
“Cricket is the newest sport being introduced to schools in the county, and Whitehall Elementary School in Bowie is having success.”
Queen Anne’s County Schools Request Cricket
Patch.com: The Evolution of Cricket in Prince George’s County
“A foreign sport to most Americans, cricket finds traction in Prince George’s County elementary schools.
By Nate Baker
There’s a movement in Prince George’s county that is changing the landscape of sport in this community. Cricket is an all-inclusive team sport that isn’t just for the strong and athletic; it’s also for thinkers and strategists.
In a county where home-grown sports like football, basketball and baseball are king, the sport of cricket is growing quickly in Prince George’s County with about half of all elementary schools teaching the sport to its children…”
Baltimore City Schools Join Cricket Nation!
On November 10, Baltimore City PE instructors received cricket instruction and equipment, which was donated by DreamCricket. The teachers spent an hour playing cricket in the gymnasium of W.E.B. DuBois High School. The event was put together by Jessica Ivey, PE Coordinator for city schools. Thanks, Jessica!
Kent County Schools Get Cricket!
On November 5, Kent County PE instructors received cricket instruction and equipment, which was donated by DreamCricket. The teachers split into two teams, and played an exciting match which came down to the final wicket, and was won by one run. The Kent County event was held at Kent County Middle School in Chestertown, and was hosted by Kent Middle School’s Lisa Orem (4th from left). Thanks, Lisa!
More Prince George’s County Schools Get Set For Cricket
On October 28, the second group of Prince George’s County Physical Education teachers received their cricket instruction and equipment. The cricket sets were donated by DreamCricket, USYCA’s Official Equipment Supplier. The in-service event was held at Hyattsville Middle School, and was hosted by PE teacher Lynnea Smith (kneeling, center, in gray shirt). Thanks, Lynnea!
Eldersburg Elementary Adds Cricket; More Carroll County Schools To Follow
On October 4, USYCA President Jamie Harrison brought cricket to Eldersburg Elementary in Carroll County. Due to inclement weather outside, the presentation was held inside the school’s gym, which was no problem for the easily adaptable Schools Program. Jamie was there at the invitation of Debbie C. Buenger, one of Eldersburg’s two PE instructors and the 2008 NASPE National Teacher of the Year.
The children took to cricket quickly and enthusiastically, as each class only needed a quick overview of the game before they were up and playing. Ms. Buenger and the school’s other PE instructor, Billy Kavalos, were very welcoming hosts. They have committed to making cricket a regular part of the school’s PE curriculum.
As an additional bonus, the cricket presentation was observed by Linda Kephart, Supervisor of Health and Physical Education for Carroll County Public Schools. Ms. Kephart was so impressed with the USYCA Schools Program that she immediately invited Jamie to present it to all county physical education teachers on February 22 at an in-service event at Winters Mill HS.
In a follow-up email, Ms. Kephart said, “Cricket is a great striking and strategy sport that can be enjoyed by students of all ability levels…. what a great addition this will be to our physical education curriculum!”
One of the sessions from that morning was videotaped by school staff and is available on the USYCA YouTube site.
