Jordan Goldman: elementary athletics grew this year; track meet drew 106 participations

Jordan Goldman, a school social worker at Riddle, told the Mattoon CUSD 2 Board that the district’s elementary athletics program — limited to fourth- and fifth-graders — has expanded since it began in 2022 and now offers soccer, volleyball, boys and girls basketball and track.

"So, we were asked to come kinda give an update about our youth sports because we just finished the season — our last season last night with our track meet," Goldman said, and she provided participation figures that she clarified were "total not unique" counts: soccer 93, volleyball 75, basketball 97 and 106 for track.

Two student leaders, identified in the presentation as Lawson and Vivian, described what they gained from participating. "I wanted to participate in sports because I'm athletic and I enjoy sports and compete," Lawson said. Vivian said the program helped her "learn how to be a better team player" and emphasized that the activities are inclusive and social as well as competitive.

Goldman and board members credited staff and community partners with helping run the seasons. A board speaker noted the district approved esports programming in 2022 as an initial expansion and praised the equity intent behind offering low-cost after-school opportunities. Program organizers said practices are generally held after school three days a week and that games or meets take place after school or at the high school during the day for track.

Goldman asked for continued cooperation with the high school for facilities and thanked staff who coach after hours. A parent email read into the record called the track meet "a well oiled machine" and praised the staff for providing a positive experience for the students.

The board thanked the presenters and students; no formal action was taken on the athletics update. The presentation is intended to inform future planning and partnerships to sustain the elementary program.