Athletics

Fall workouts will occur a couple times a week during September and October at Walden Athletic Complex (Midtown HS baseball field).  We plan to incorporate arm care components this fall in addition to specific baseball skills (hitting, fielding, etc.) and hopefully more live action.  Our goal is to complement what each player is doing at their travel program and to provide those types of resources for the players that aren’t playing travel baseball.  The end goal for the fall program is to have the players ready for tryouts that will be held during the first couple weeks of November.  All interested players (in grades 5,6,7 and 8) are welcome to register and come out to all fall events.  Please reach out to any families with baseball players and ask them to register - especially at our feeder elementary schools.  We anticipate the cost to be about $100-125 for the fall program.     

Baseball is a cut sport so we will set the teams (at least two) in November but the spring season doesn’t actually start until January.  Once our teams are set we will be incorporating a specific offseason plan for each player to make sure that our teams are ready to go when practices start in January.   

Basketball holds significant importance for middle school kids as it offers a range of physical, mental, and social benefits that contribute to their overall development. Here are several reasons why basketball is particularly valuable for middle schoolers:  

• Physical Fitness: 
  Basketball is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that helps middle school kids stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. It promotes agility, coordination, and balance, contributing to the development of gross motor skills. 

• Teamwork and Cooperation:
  Basketball is a team sport that encourages collaboration and teamwork. Middle school kids learn to work together towards a common goal, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility. They develop communication skills as they coordinate plays, make strategic decisions, and support each other on the court. 

• Discipline and Time Management: 
  Playing basketball requires commitment and regular practice, instilling discipline and time management skills in middle schoolers.  Balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and sports teaches them valuable life skills that extend beyond the basketball court. 

• Building Confidence: 
  Successfully mastering basketball skills and contributing to the team's success can boost a middle schooler's self-esteem and confidence. Overcoming challenges, whether in practice or during a game, helps them develop resilience and a positive attitude towards facing obstacles. 

Basketball is important for middle school kids not only for its physical benefits but also for the character development, social skills, and lifelong habits it instills. It provides a holistic learning experience that goes beyond the confines of the basketball court, preparing them for the challenges they may face in the future. 

Boys Varsity Basketball  

Requirements:  

• Requires forms must be completed and turned in to the athletic department BEFORE practices and tryouts.  
• Students will not be allowed to tryout without a current physical, parent consent and proof of insurance.   
• Boys varsity basketball offered to 7th & 8th grade boys at Howard Middle School. 

The purpose of the Howard Middle School sideline cheerleading team is to provide students a safe and fun environment where they can develop their full potential as an athlete, while learning valuable lessons that will last a lifetime! The sideline team is dedicated to building character in our cheerleaders by fostering a positive learning environment which encourages self-motivation, hard work, respect, and personal as well as team achievements. We aim to provide the opportunity to learn and practice persistence, responsibility and dedication. Sideline cheer will allow athletes to refine cheerleading skills, create community, and build confidence!  

Season: Fall & Winter (Football & Basketball), Spring & Summer (Conditioning)  

Participants: Rising 6th, 7th & 8th grade girls and boys meeting APS Athletics requirements 

The Howard Rams Competition Cheer Team is a club associated with the Howard Rams Sideline Cheer Team. The competition team is dedicated to building character in our cheerleaders by fostering a positive learning environment, which encourages self-motivation, hard work, respect, and personal as well as team achievements. We aim to create champions on and off the cheer floor, providing the opportunity to learn and practice persistence, responsibility and dedication. Competition cheer will allow athletes to perfect cheerleading skills, create community, and build confidence!  

Season: Year Round  

Participants: Sideline cheerleaders who were also selected to participate in competition cheer. 

Cross Country participates in meets with the APS 4-part running series with Atlanta Track Club. Middle school meets are typically 3K runs that take place on Wednesdays and one Friday.   

Season: Fall  

Participants: 6th- 8th grade Boys & Girls 

Howard Havoc is a diverse dance team established in 2019. Through hard work, timeliness and development of culture, we will improve dancer's skills, confidence levels, leadership skills/ behavior, and sense of self. If you are a dancer come dance with us! We are excited to meet you all!  

Meeting Days:  Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday  

Meeting Time:  4:30-6:00  

Meeting Location:  Dance Room  

Fees: $175-200 

eSports, short for electronic sports, refers to competitive video gaming where individuals or teams compete against each other in various video game titles. It has rapidly gained popularity worldwide and has become a recognized and respected form of competitive sports. Here's a compelling description of eSports and why students should consider signing up and participating in this dynamic and growing sport:  
 
Why eSports?:  
 
eSports is not just a hobby; it's a high-stakes, adrenaline-pumping arena where gamers showcase their skills, strategy, and teamwork in virtual worlds. From popular titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike to emerging games, eSports offers a diverse range of competitive platforms. Tournaments and leagues attract millions of viewers, creating a global community that celebrates the artistry and competitiveness of gaming.  
 
Why Students Should Participate:  
 
Skill Development:  
eSports demands precision, quick decision-making, and strategic thinking. Engaging in competitive gaming hones reflexes, cognitive abilities, and multitasking skills.  
 
Teamwork and Communication:  
Many eSports titles are team-based, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and effective communication. Students learn to work together, adapt to different playstyles, and make split-second decisions as a cohesive unit.  
 
Career Opportunities:  
The eSports industry is booming, offering a plethora of career opportunities beyond playing. Students can explore careers in casting, coaching, management, content creation, and event organization within the eSports ecosystem.  
 
Scholarships and Recognition:  
Many universities now offer eSports scholarships, recognizing the value of gaming as a skill. Participation in eSports can open doors to academic opportunities and provide students with recognition for their talents.  
 
Stress Relief and Mental Well-being:  
Gaming can serve as a stress reliever and a form of entertainment. In moderation, eSports provides an outlet for students to unwind, connect with friends, and enjoy a shared passion.  
 
Adaptation to Technology:  
eSports requires familiarity with cutting-edge technology and platforms. Participating in eSports helps students stay technologically savvy, preparing them for an increasingly digital future. 

Season: Fall  

Participants: 7th and 8th graders. Sixth graders are not eligible for football.  

Requirements:  

Required forms must be completed and turned in to the athletic department BEFORE practices and tryouts.  

Students will not be allowed to tryout without a current physical, parent consent and proof of insurance.   

Girls Varsity basketball offered to 7th & 8th grade girls at Howard Middle School. 

The Howard golf team is a coed club sport. We focus on development and competition. Learn to play better, as well as compete against other schools. We are a no cut team and welcome any students in grades 6-8. Have fun and learn to love the game of golf!   

Season: Spring Club  

Who: Boys and Girls, all grades   

Where:  Bobby Jones Golf Course  

Equipment/Uniform Requirements:  Must have your own clubs. 

Lacrosse (Boys)  

Join the Howard Boys' Lacrosse team! We have a great group of returning players and welcome all student-athletes interested in learning more about this incredible game.   

Player & parent interest meeting to be held after school in early December.  

Season Details:  

Dates: February through April  

Practices: 430-600 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Howard  

Games: Schedule is still being created, but typically take place on Saturdays within the Atlanta area.  

Registration Requirements:  

Complete athletic registration via Dragonfly, including valid physical  

USA Lacrosse membership. Please provide your player’s USA Lacrosse membership number to the coaches.  

Lacrosse is an APS club sport at the middle school level, so there will be dues associated with playing. We will keep the cost under $200 per player and scholarships are available through the Booster Club so all interested students can participate.  

• Equipment Needed:  
• Stick  
• Helmet + mouthguard  
• Gloves  
• Elbow pads  
• Chest protector  
• Protective cup  

For newer players wishing to borrow equipment for the season, we can help facilitate that through a local lacrosse non-profit organization.   

Lacrosse (Girls)    

Join the Girls Lacrosse Team! Whether you're an experienced player or brand new to the sport, we invite you to be a part of the team!  

Information Session  

Come meet the coaches, learn about the season and find out how you can get involved.  

Date: November

Clinics  

We host introductory clinics to help new players get familiar with the basics of lacrosse and meet the team. New and existing players should attend.  

Season Details  

Dates: February–April  

Practices: 4:30-6:00, Tuesdays & Thursdays at Howard  

We hope to kick the season off with two, longer weekend practices at Howard, before heading into the routine weekday practices. Information will be provided as the season gets closer.  

Games: Typically on Saturdays at area private schools   

Registration Requirements  
To play, each athlete will need:  

• Register on Dragonfly  
• Dragonfly How To  
• A current sports physical and upload it to on Dragonfly  
• USA Lacrosse membership   

Please provide your player’s USA Lacrosse membership number to the coaches  

Lacrosse is a club sport, so there will be dues associated with playing. We try to keep the cost under $200 per player. Scholarships are available through the Booster Club if needed.      

Equipment Needed  
Each player should have:  

• Women’s lacrosse stick  
• Lacrosse goggles  
• Cleats  
• Mouthguard  

We have a limited number of extra sticks available to loan out if your player needs to borrow one. Please reach out if you have questions about equipment.      

Boys and Girls Soccer  

Season: Spring  

Grades: 6-8  

Current sports physical required.  

Bring shin guards, soccer ball, and water.  

There will be 2 teams - an APS team and a club team.  The APS team plays other APS middle schools.  The Club team plays other local schools and there is an additional fee. 

Season: Fall  

Physicals Due: Current physical required     

Fees: Approximately $120  

Equipment needed: Softball glove, softball cleats, athletic shoes, refillable water bottle 

The Howard swim team is a community-based middle school swim club that focuses on emotional and social wellness. We serve as a feeder program for Midtown High School and local, competitive swim clubs.

The program will focus on the benefits of swimming, mindfulness and developmental/competitive swimming for grades 6-8. 

Junior Varsity and Varsity Teams 

Track is co-ed and open to all grade levels and no prior experience is required. Sessions will cover interval, endurance, and flexibility skill development.    
Requirements  
* Students must have a completed sports physical. Physicals are good for one year.  
* Signup for TeamSnap (Instructions on Athletics home page)  
* Bring running shoes, athletic clothes, and water bottle.  

Ultimate is a non-contact disc sport that combines the speed of soccer with the throwing & passing of football & basketball. Games are played on a field about the size of a football field and only require a disc and pair of cleats to play.    

Fees: As with all sports, our DTH Ultimate Frisbee program has costs associated with the active season – field reservations, coaches, jerseys, national and regional fees, and supplies (discs, etc.). The fee per player will be updated ASAP, likely $100. The David T. Howard Booster Club does have scholarship opportunities for anyone who may need this option.   

Volleyball at David T. Howard Middle School is a Fall only club sport. Our season runs from the beginning of August through the end of September. Volleyball is open to all grades and players and previous experience is not needed/required to try out. There are 24 total players selected from tryouts that form 2 teams of 12. Volleyball is a great way to meet new people and be part of a positive team atmosphere while also learning new skills.  

Who: 6th, 7th and 8th grade girls  

Season: Fall  

Practice Schedule:  Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays from 4:30-6:00pm  

Requirements:  

• Tennis shoes, t-shirt, and shorts  
• Knee pads are recommended  
• Super Attitude  

Fees: $240  

Imagine Basketball in the water!!  

Water Polo is NOT an officially sanctioned sport of Howard Middle School, but all Howard students are eligible to participate in the APS Knights Water Polo Club.  

The APS Knights Water Polo Club is open to middle and high school age players from across the area. We have a Boys Team and a Girls Team.  

No prior water polo experience, but you must be a good swimmer.   

Fees: $350