Girls’ flag football officially became an IHSA sport the fall of 2024, but has yet to arrive at WEGO.

Flag football is a sport that requires coordination, agility, speed, teamwork, and is overall, a really competitive sport. Some other schools in the area have recently added flag football to their list of fall sports, including Bartlett, Elgin, South Elgin, and Jacobs. 

The head of the Athletic Division, Nick Parry, explained that there are no coaches available at the moment for flag football, but he is looking to add some for next year.

“There is a contractual process that we have to go through to get that position added. So we are in the process of doing that with the hope of starting flag football next fall,” Parry said. 

Despite the fact that there is hope for flag football next year, girls at WEGO were somewhat disappointed that they were not able to play this year.

“I understand that flag football is new this year to a lot of schools, so I am not completely upset that WeGo doesn’t have one yet. Nonetheless, a lot of my friends from other schools have told me about their schools’ new flag football programs, and it seems like so much fun! I would love to see WeGo gain a great flag football program as well,” junior Sneha George said.

On top of the fact that flag football helps with building teamwork, it would allow girls at WEGO to express themselves and compete in a healthy environment.

“Making progress in a sport gives people confidence in themselves both on and off the field. Girls who would be interested in playing football but have never had the opportunity to could finally get a chance to play and prove that they can accomplish great things in the sport of football too,” George said.

When it comes to schools’ sports, some believe the student body should have a say in what sports there should be because athletics are a big commitment, and can up a lot of time, which could be used in other productive ways [homework, family time, etc.].

Another fellow WEGO student would also like to see flag football, and thoroughly enjoys playing the sport when not on the golf course. 

“I have always wanted to play flag football, I grew up in a family of football lovers and so it was passed down to me. But I think it is just so much more exciting to play a sport than just watch. Flag football is competitive and fast paced which is why I think it is so fun. I would look forward to seeing the girls dominate at football,” junior Jayna Vock said.

At Bartlett High School, sophomore Jenna Smrha is currently playing flag football for her school and believes it’s a great alternative and fun sport for girls looking to try something new.

“I would say, not all schools have it, but the majority of the schools who have it think it’s a really fun, interactive game, and I think all schools should have it,” Smrha said.