February 28, 2024
Prince George High School's gymnasium was alive with thunderous applause and cheers on Friday, February 16, 2024, as hundreds of students watched on as their classmates competed in fun activities against one another and some of their teachers during the school's second "Royal Games" event, a newly created spirit-building activity spearheaded by the school's Sports and Entertainment Management class.
The course lies within the high school's marketing cluster of Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings, alongside fashion, social media, and sports marketing pathways and entrepreneurship. The aim of the Sports and Entertainment Management course, led by athletics coach and teacher Mr. Travis Carr, is to provide students with a practical understanding of the preparation, operation, and execution of game events, as well as coverage of high school teams and athletes. Through this course, students can gain hands-on experience in the sports management field, which can help in college preparation and employment opportunities.
Travis Carr, Prince George High School’s Sports Marketing teacher, watches on as his students host the school’s second-ever “Royal Games,” featuring a mix of competitive games, including some, like bubble soccer, featuring fun twists of the traditional gameplay. (PGCPS Photo)
Alongside their in-classroom instruction from Mr. Carr, students dive deep into sports management through the use of the high school's own athletics department via hands-on event coordination, such as the "Royal Games," and content creation that highlights the school's programs and student-athletes.
"Our students also provide coverage of our varsity athletic teams while also focusing on individual athletes who are excelling within their sport," Mr. Carr said. "Students gain experience with team previews, coach and player interviews, and social media write-ups. A few students gained experience with scoreboard operation this past fall at home football games, which included creating content published on the scoreboard during games for both players and spectators to see."
The "Royal Games," born in the fall from the class' efforts, was a significant achievement for both Mr. Carr and his students, who took the lead in coordinating the event while he served as an essential advisor, giving them the expertise needed to understand what goes into a successful event - ranging from venue selection, activities, understanding resources required, and more.
"The administration here at Prince George High School has handed us the keys to prepare, operate, and execute the Royal Games," Mr. Carr shared. "As their teacher, I give them the blueprint for a successful event. From there, the students take on different game management roles and then put together the pieces of the puzzle. I was very proud of them as I watched Friday's event for the school."
Students from Prince George High School’s Sports Marketing program had the opportunity to visit with the Washington Commanders for a tour and meet-and-greet with staff, serving as a valuable networking opportunity with one of most recognizable sports organizations in the world. (PGHS Photo)
Throughout the "Royal Games," Mr. Carr answered questions and provided guidance in real-time as students led the games and overall flow of the event, taking in what has become a new tradition for students and staff. The mid-February event featured various competitive games where students faced off against their teachers, including a three-point basketball showdown, dodgeball, and other unique events, all emceed by Sports & Entertainment Management Class students.
While the "Royal Games" is one of the class' most substantial events of the 2023-24 School Year, the Sports & Entertainment Management class has been engaged in several initiatives throughout the year, ranging from the creation of dedicated Facebook & Instagram accounts highlighting the school's varsity sports and student-athletes, to a unique Super Bowl appetizers competition, and kickball tournament. The students have also been able to gain valuable networking experience by connecting with staff from the Washington Commanders, who invited students from the Sports Marketing program to a behind-the-scenes tour and meet-and-greet with one of the most recognizable sports organizations in professional sports globally.
"I'm very honored to lead the Sports Marketing program at Prince George High School," Mr. Carr shared. "The field of sports is a passion of mine, so I look forward to working with my students every single day. In fact, I do not even consider it 'work.' The most enjoyable part is seeing a vision for this program and my students matching my enthusiasm for it. I've only had the Sports Management program for not even a year yet, but there is so much more we want to accomplish."
Students in the 2023-24 Sports & Entertainment Management course take a photo at the start of the school year. Since then, they have become a key part of telling the story of PGHS athletics and creating new spirit-building activities within the school. (PGHS Photo)
To follow along with the Sports Marketing program and keep up with Prince George High School varsity athletics, visit their Facebook page by searching "PG Royals Sports Management" or Instagram page at "pghs_sportsmanagement."