Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science students work hard both in and outside the classroom, but for student-athletes, finding a place to practice can be just as challenging.
Without its own athletic fields and with limited space on campus, the school depends on partnerships with the Mississippi University for Women and Columbus Municipal School District to keep its sports teams going.
Executive Director Ginger Tedder said MSMS sports facilities fall short of what students deserve.
“We make do with what we have, but we always want more for our students,” Tedder said.
Some sports, including soccer and track, rely on Columbus city facilities and agreements with other schools. Soccer players practice at the Columbus Soccer Complex, while the track team uses Columbus High School’s facilities.
Tennis players can practice on campus, said Stacey Holmes, who serves as athletics director in her official capacity as Director for Student Affairs.
“Tennis is one of the few sports where we have the ideal setup,” she said. “We actually host district tournaments because we have enough courts to accommodate them.”
Other sports struggle with access. The MSMS wrestling team practices in the Performing Arts Center after the school secured a used mat. While it allows students to compete, the setup is far from what coaches and athletes would prefer.
“Our wrestling team has done incredibly well despite the space limitations, but it would be great to have a dedicated area where [it] could train properly and host competitions,” Holmes said.
Frazer soccer team co-captain Yash Malhotra, a senior, said students often find the travel for practices and competitions disruptive.
“We had to relocate to an off-site location, which is actually our home field and a bus drive of about five minutes,” he said. “It limits the amount of practice that we’re able to have due to the scheduling for bus drivers or just getting enough players willing to make the trip over.”
Track and field captain Maurice Hunter, a senior, said he was concerned about the lack of facilities for his team.
“Since [MUW] has limited facilities, it’s hard for us to practice,” Hunter said. “So, we [have to] drive over to Columbus High’s track and field facilities, and it takes up time.”
MSMS operates differently from traditional high schools, including how sports programs are chosen. Rather than maintaining a set roster of teams, MSMS offers sports based on student interest. This year, a group of students pushed for a wrestling team, and administrators helped make it happen. However, because participation varies each year, the school frequently adjusts its lineup.
“We declare our sports with the Mississippi High School Activities Association, but sometimes we have to go back and say, ‘Actually, we don’t have enough interest in this sport this year,’” Tedder said. “It makes us unique, but it also makes planning difficult.”
Despite the school’s efforts, junior wrestling team member Jayden Wagner said MSMS athletics could use significant upgrades.
“Wrestling is one of the only sports that [has] a lot of privileges other sports don’t,” he said. “I’m glad we have a mat because we started out practicing on grass, but [it] isn’t the mat we need. I think we don’t spend enough money on our sports programs.”
MSMS once used the PAC field for sports practice, but student safety concerns led to its closure. Administrators discovered rubble from demolished buildings buried beneath the surface, creating a potential hazard.
“When we learned about the conditions, we couldn’t take that risk,” Tedder said.
Another issue that once plagued MSMS sports was poor drainage behind Frazer Hall, leading to sewage problems in recreation areas. The issue was addressed through infrastructure upgrades, though the full effectiveness of the repairs remains unclear.
“If funding wasn’t an issue, we would prioritize getting our own fields,” Tedder said. “A track would be a game-changer. Right now, going off campus takes time away from practice and academics.”
Other improvements on the school’s wish list include a larger indoor space for sports, including wrestling and archery. While MSMS has made creative use of existing areas, land constraints limit growth opportunities.
Even with these challenges, school officials remain committed to supporting student-athletes.
“Years ago, we didn’t even have competitive sports. It used to be just intramurals. ” Tedder said. “The change has been great, but we always have to balance academics with athletics.”
For now, MSMS will keep making the best of its resources and partnerships to give students as many opportunities as possible. While the facilities may not be ideal, athletes and coaches make the most of what they have.
“We’re grateful for what we have, but we always strive for better,” Tedder said.
