For years, parents and students have wanted to bring sports back to middle schools. Next year, they will see their wish come true.

Starting August 2014, sports will be coming back to Shawnee Mission middle schools. Although not all sports that are offered at the high school level will be offered, a total of four sports will be coming back for the 2014-2015 school year.

According to Indian Woods principal, Jim Wink, the sports that will come back are 7th and 8th grade boys and girls cross country, 7th and 8th grade boys wrestling, 8th grade boys and girls basketball, and girls volleyball. Although most sports will be available to both grades, basketball will just be available for 8th graders.

“[The sports programs] focus on skill building and having a six year continuity in the  programs,” Wink said.

Freshman Steffen Seamon, who is currently on the wrestling team, said he would have liked to have sports while he was in middle school.

“It would have been nice to have sports in middle school because the only other way to play sports was through clubs,” Seamon said.

Even with sports coming back, the middle school intramural program will continue.

“We will have far more school spirit, and it will give students something to focus on and be proud of. And we’re looking forward to encouraging some students to get better grades,” Wink said.

Wink said that they brought middle school sports back because parents and students have been asking to bring them back basically ever since they were taken away. In addition, the high school coaches have been asking to bring them back so students already have some skills set before they get to high school. Wink also said that he thinks sports are important in schools.

“I think [sports] provide an opportunity for students to excel and display their abilities,” Wink said.

With middle school sports gone for so long, many students are ready for this change.