PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — At Mastbaum Technical High School, a group of seniors had one wish before graduating: to save their sports teams.
A student documented the journey in a short film about how sports might have saved his life.
Mastbaum is a vocational school in the heart of Kensington, with options ranging from cooking classes to filmmaking and this time football.
As a third-year film student, Hector Rios worked on a short documentary called “Breaking the Cycle”, following a high school star player as he navigates fatherhood and his senior year.
This year he tells his own story as part of Rios’ graduation project.
“My senior year has been like a roller coaster,” Hector said.
Hector says he’s had social problems over the past year, was suspended from school and eventually kicked out of his parents’ house.
Thanks to teachers and coaches, they inspired Hector to take up sports. Unfortunately, those options were limited at Mastbaum.
Hector and several students like Jahmeen Ross brought back fall sports, including football, soccer and cross country.
“From day one, we have come out every orientation day and talked to every freshman and tried to motivate them to play football,” Jahmeen said.
Athletics Director Antoinette Calimag said they have seen a huge decline in high school sports since COVID-19.
“The fact that they not only participated in three sports, but also helped retain and recruit sports that we didn’t really have,” Calimag said.
Through recruiting and a lot of planning, these seniors helped the sport make a comeback.
For Hector, sports became a good distraction and a new focus that took him to the finish line. He hopes his story can also be an inspiration for future students.
Hector received the Rising Student Award for his short film at the NFL Films Student Film Festival.
Wakisha Bailey
