While high school sports can take a toll on the body, they can also take a toll on the wallet. This fall, certain groups of athletes found themselves paying hefty amounts of money to have the right equipment. Some sports only had to pay for part of their equipment, while others had to purchase all of their equipment.
Soccer
When buying soccer cleats, players have a lot to choose from. And while most go for the older models and medium-priced footwear, some go all out for quality and durability. The average cost for cleats is around $120.
“Sometimes it is [too expensive],” Andrew Phillips, varsity soccer midfielder, forward and junior, said, “It just doesn’t seem like a pair of shoes should cost that much.
“I use Adidas Adi-zero f50s, because they’re light. They don’t weigh you down,” he said.
Soccer players must provide practice clothes, indoor and outdoor cleats, socks and shin guards.
Field Hockey
Field Hockey requires all players to purchase special cleats, shin guards, mouth guards, a stick and new this year, goggles.
“I use a Grays stick,” Hannah Eades, senior and varsity field hockey player, said. “I’ve always used them. I’m used to the way they feel.”
A field hockey stick is the most important, but also most expensive piece of equipment to buy for the sport. It can cost up to $160 for a stick, $40 for shin guards, and $80 for cleats.
Golf
Research shows the price of clubs can be just as frustrating as the game of golf itself.
“Well a new cheap box set [of clubs] is about $300, but the really nice sets are about $800. But most of us probably end up spending $400 though,” Savannah Horn, senior and golfer, said.
Softball
Softball is at top of the list for costs. But only if the player chooses to buy all her own equipment. Softball players need to buy their own cleats and glove. Purchasing a quality softball bat can cost up to $300. The school provides most of the equipment for softball, but some like to use their own.
“I use the DeMarini Insane,” Kate Waldemer, senior and varsity softball player, said. “I just love it. In my opinion, one of the best bats I’ve used. It has great pop off the ball.”
Football
Football is one of the cheaper sports for athletes. The Kirkwood Athletic Department supplies pads, helmets and all clothing articles to the football players. Football players are required to write a check at the beginning of the season to the athletic department, and if the player keeps up with his equipment, he gets his money back at the end of the season. Cleats must be bought by the player, which on average, cost $80.
“I use Vapor Jets, they’re by Nike,” Kendall Day, senior and varsity football player, said. “I use them because they’re the lightest cleats, comfortable and durable.”
Swim and Dive
While football players get their money back, swimmers do not. All swim and dive team members are asked to pay $30 each at the beginning of the season for their team suits and caps. Other than the fee for uniforms, the only other equipment needed for swimming are goggles, which top off at $20.
“I use Speedo,” Zach Smith, senior and swimmer, said, “basically because they are the only kind you can buy.”
Cross Country
Since they run every day, it makes sense that comfort and fit are what cross country runners look for when buying shoes.
“I use Brooks because I like the way they make the shoes and their support fits my foot well. Especially my heels,” Charlie Hooks, sophomore and cross country runner, said. “Kirkwood supplies us with bags and hoodies. And you don’t have to pay for them as long as you turn them in. On varsity, they give us wind suits to use that cost about $150 each.”
Tennis
For tennis, the racket is by far most important. But studies show the average cost of a racket is around $130.
“Sports are going to cost money,” Alli Kickham, tennis player and senior, said, “and I think that inhibits people from playing sometimes.
“I use a Babolat [racket]. I just like the way I hit with it. It’s light and precise.”
Volleyball
For volleyball, players must provide themselves with knee pads, practice clothes and proper footwear. For footwear in volleyball, enhancing your game is everything, which can cost up to $90.
“I use Asics,” Kara Churovich, sophomore and volleyball player, said. “They are really comfortable and [they] let me move the way I want on the court.”
