High schools welcome new online athletic program

High school students who play football or baseball will welcome a brand-new school program specifically for them.

The partnership between Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre, Going Yard Baseball and Saskatoon Minor Football will offer online courses for to students in grades 10 to 12.

Students will be awarded credits for completing the classes.

Brian Guebert, executive director of Saskatoon Minor Football, said the program will allow for a comprehensive experience in both football and academics.

“Our aim is to set high standards of performance,” said Guebert. “Not only on the field, but in the classroom and the weight room.”

This new program will help students with flexibility in their already-busy schedules.

Kyren Houmphanh, a quarterback at Bishop James Mahoney High School, said this is a huge announcement for the football community.

“It gives us players an opportunity to pursue our football dreams as well as focus on our academics,” said Houmphanh.

Andrew Albers, a former MLB Pitcher and current coach at Going Yard, said this program will help create better lives for student athletes.

“We’re not just about developing better baseball players,” said Albers. “We really care about the education of our athletes too.”

Albers said the curriculum that has been built will not only create better athletes, but also better people.

“There’s a lot of life skills that go into the curriculum,” said Albers.

“Whether it’s nutrition, whether it’s conditioning, being better teammates, community involvement or mental wellness.”

Jordan Draeger, president of Going Yard, said there isn’t a specific high school that students have to attend to be eligible for the program.

“That’s the beauty about this program is that you can attend any high school in Saskatoon,” said Draeger. “We even have players who are commuting from out of town, and this is super convenient for them as well.”

The baseball portion of the program isn’t just centered on Saskatoon.

“A player in Yorkton or Melville can take this course,” said Draeger. “As long as somebody is willing to offer this course, it’s (province wide).”

Draeger said he’s excited about the program because it will allow them to help baseball players anywhere in the province as they work to take their game to the next level.