In school, the majority of athletes play on the school’s teams. However, there are a few athletes who play for entirely different schools. This is an option for athletes who want to play a sport not offered by their school, who want to add in more playing time or just want to try out a new team. Playing outside of district allows athletes to continue to pursue dreams.

“I fell in love with hockey when I was three,” junior hockey player Peter Beaugard said. “I started skating lessons when I was four and then I played club hockey until I was thirteen. Then I moved from New Jersey to Rolla. Since Rolla does not have a hockey team, I was eligible to play high school hockey in St. Louis. I was placed on the Parkway West Longhorn team and I have played there for three years.”

For others, going to a new team may prove to be more successful than previously thought.

“I play for Landmark Christian Academy,” senior basketball player Tyler Beistel said. “With me on the team we are 6-1 and I’m averaging around 25 points a game. I had two buzz beaters last Friday. We beat Lebanon for the first time in eight years and (we made) two free throws with five seconds left in a game at Illinois to win.”

For school teams, practice is usually at the school or not too far from it. However, playing for another team can often mean additional issues that in-school athletes do not have to deal with.

“Most of the time I sacrifice sleep,” Beaugard said. “Every Tuesday I have a 9:45 practice so I’m not on the road until 11:15 and not back in town until around one. I have two practices a week and anywhere from one to three games a week. My work is not hard to keep up with. Occasionally I will fall behind, but all of my teachers are very supportive and help me get back on track.”

While most athletes would prefer to play for Rolla if possible, sometimes playing on a new team may let athletes find new experiences they wouldn’t have had otherwise.

“Sometimes I miss playing for Rolla, but I think it is more fun to play for a different team and they have a different view of the game,” Beistel said. “It has helped me to make new friends and meet some different and amazing people.”

For those who are passionate about their dreams, playing for another team may be the best option.

“I plan on playing college and/ or professional hockey,” Beaugard said. “I would play for any Division 1 school, but if I had a choice it would be Notre Dame. My family has supported me without question ever since I have started. They love to watch me play something that I enjoy to do.”