As the school season starts, local sports teams and bands are gearing up for the academic year.

And with rich tradition of athletes returning to the fields and gyms of Marion County, one longtime sports administrator is reminding all communities about the importance activity has on youth. Director of Information with the Iowa High School Athletics Association Bud Legg tells KNIA/KRLS News that student involvement and the communities that form around extracurricular teams and programs are crucial to forming unity in towns across Iowa.

“Sports is one of the things that keeps you perpetually young,” he says. “And the lessons you learn in football, basketball, and any high school activity–I’d say this about band or cheerleading or vocal music or speech–you get to something at the direction of an experienced person and you learn to contribute to a team effort.”

“And as far as athletes and marching band, it’s a chance to wear the school colors and represent your community. It really cuts to the core of what Iowans are all about.”

Legg says that holds especially true in communities in Marion County such as Pella and Knoxville, that have rich tradition in various extracurriculars. Legg says getting kids engaged at the beginning of the school year sets the tone for the type of involvement in various programs.

Hear more from Legg about the importance of extracurricular activities on today’s In Depth with Dr. Bob Leonard.