Historic, upstanding, student centered, tribe, leadership, exceptional: These are the six parts of HUSTLE, a new methodology for Edwardsville athletics.
Edwardsville athletics have become synonymous with success at the state level, from back-to-back baseball Class 4A state championships to boy’s track and field winning state. However, even with all the success, Athletic Director Amy Boscolo feels that the most important part of high school sports is much more than trophies and medals.
“I often tell our coaches that every decision we make in the athletic office goes back to HUSTLE,” Boscolo said. “If it’s not putting students first, it’s not within our ethics. It’s not leading our department and our community.”
According to Boscolo, the main goal of HUSTLE is to encourage coaches to put students first by promoting the six core factors.
“If we do all these things, we will be exceptional, and then we will make history, and then we will continue to move through the cycle,” Boscolo said.
When coaches mentor their athletes with the principles promoted in HUSTLE, Boscolo said it will be beneficial in the long run for the integrity of student athletes.
“The higher up you go in sports, the more integrity you lose. Whether it be transfer portals or the unethical recruiting of high school athletes,” Boscolo said. “Some colleges will say ‘we’ll pay for your rent if you’ll move into the community and play football.’”
Boscolo also mentioned how coaches should be mentors to students through athletics.
“I challenge every coach to talk to every athlete every day,” she said. “That may be the only meaningful conversation [a student] has had all day.”
One coach who has seen success with the HUSTLE method is Lincoln middle school cross country and girls track coach Mark Tschudy.
“It’s neat at the middle school level. The students that come out are on so many different levels,” Tschudy said. “We have some who are brand new, looking to learn the sport, and then there’s some whose aspirations are to make it to state.”
Tschudy said that middle school is an important spot to start instilling the HUSTLE motto into student athletes.
“I think HUSTLE is everything. It really builds upon what winning is. It’s one goal by developing a positive culture and helping kids love a sport is equally important,” Tschudy said
Lincoln recently placed second in eighth grade girls track along with setting a school record in the seventh grade 4×100 meter relay at 52.62 seconds.
One student who was coached by Tschudy in middle school is senior Aidan Jumper.
While Jumpers eighth grade season was cut short due to Covid-19, he believes that progression will happen regardless with good coaches, especially with HUSTLE.
“I think it’s good,” Jumper said. “Sometimes, it’s about being more of a team and family than just about winning.”
The largest part of HUSTLE for both Boscolo and Tschudy is the T, for Tribe.
“It’s making sure that kids fit in,” Tschudy said. “They feel like they’re connected and a part of something.”