Social Studies teacher Matthew Weiss created the History of Sports course for the 2025 school year to engage students that tells American history through a new perspective.
“I want them to see history as something active and exciting, not just words in a textbook,” Weiss said.
Weiss’ passion for sports stretches to his involvement in lacrosse coaching and Cherry Creek Sports Network. “Combining the two feels like the perfect way to share that excitement with my students,” he said. “Sports bring people together, it’s a universal language.”
The course lasts for a semester and the rough draft of the syllabus includes six units. Matthew Weiss also sees this course as an opportunity to target sports enjoyers and student-athletes.
“Some students have already asked about the topics we’ll cover and how they can sign up. It’s exciting to see their curiosity about how sports connect to larger historical narratives,” Weiss said.
Students who plan to enroll in the class are eager to learn a new subject.
“I think learning the history behind what I do would be amazing to know and learn,” sophomore Erin McGee said. “This class may also help me get better in my sport as I am learning all about it and how it came to be.”
Student-athletes alike think the historical background behind sports can help them play better.
“I’ve played volleyball for eight years and I’d take it to educate me more on the topic,” sophomore Noa Ebert said.
The interest extends past athletes – sophomore Lauren Laskowski doesn’t watch sports or play any herself. But, she thinks it’s a new way to experience American history.
“People are more passionate to learn about something they enjoy rather than learning about dates and people from the past that have no personal meaning to them whatsoever,” Laskowski said.
Weiss wants students to connect to history which inspired him to create History of Sports.
“I’ve always believed that sports are more than just games, they’re mirrors of our culture,” Weiss said. “From civil rights to globalization, you can trace pivotal moments in history through the lens of sports.”