Teachers’ friendly coworker relationships go beyond just working together at ETHS. Many teachers participate in pickup sports games, specifically pickleball and basketball, that go beyond getting in a good workout by creating a great way to connect with others.
Steve Wool, a history teacher and a Girls Basketball coach here at ETHS, is one of many that participates in the teacher pickup games. Despite being unheard of by many at the school, the fun yet competitive weekly teacher basketball games have been going on for over twenty-five years. After the pandemic, the number of teachers participating in the game decreased significantly, with some teachers retiring or no longer playing.
“There are some really good players, and there are some guys who just want to run up and down the court and have fun, and you know, nobody’s keeping records.” Commented Wool, “There are no monetary awards at the end. Again, just good fun, you know, poke fun at each other, and there’s some obviously, really good players.”
Wool highlighted the camaraderie and social connections made through the game, including forming close friendships with teachers from different departments. The team has consisted of a wide range of people, former NFL players, former collegiate basketball players, and some younger athletic teachers who just want to have fun. Furthermore, he expressed how the game was a great way to meet new people, blow off steam, and have fun in a friendly yet competitive atmosphere.
“There was some nice camaraderie, a little trash talking via email. And it was a good way of connecting to people, maybe even outside of your department that you didn’t know.” Mentioned Wool, “I actually became very close friends with some people in the math department.”
Gregory Hartman, lead aquatics specialist in the physical education department, participates in a pickleball group consisting of PE teachers who play in the mornings. The morning pickleball group has been active for about three to four years and is a great gateway to enhance relationships beyond the work environment.
“As you’re walking around and you’re seeing more familiar faces, you get to know people on a slightly different level than just simply working.” Hartman discussed, “You know, the more interaction that you have with people outside of the typical environment, the more opportunity to get to know them.”
