While school districts across the country continue to slash sports programs due to budget constraints, one middle school in Fremont is defying the trend—and doing it without a single dollar of school or district funding.
Centerville Middle School’s intramural sports program stands out as a beacon of innovation, sustainability and student enrichment. Fully supported by donations from parents and the surrounding community, the program is thriving when many others are disappearing. And what began modestly in 1979 with a single sport—team handball—has grown into a nationally recognized and uniquely comprehensive youth sports initiative.
A historic start with team handball
Launched over four decades ago, the program’s roots go back to just one sport: team handball. At the time, few Americans had even heard of the Olympic sport, let alone played it. But through Ray Gehrke’s passion for the sport and community backing, Centerville’s Team Handball program quickly grew into the largest youth program of its kind in the United States.
Then in 1995, a major turning point came. Thanks to Centerville Middle School’s principal, Dr. Garo Marigian, Physical Education teacher and director Ray Gehrke and the school district, a brand-new gymnasium was built on campus—featuring a full-length, permanent, Olympic size team handball court. This court is the only one of its kind in the entire country dedicated to the sport of team handball.
Twenty sports, zero tax dollars
What truly sets Centerville’s intramural program apart, beyond its longevity, is its size and diversity. Today, students can choose from 20 different sports and activities, ranging from traditional favorites to specialized disciplines rarely found at any age level—especially in public schools.
Archery, fencing and team handball are all offered here—making Centerville the only middle school intramural program in the nation to include all three. In addition to offering variety, the program provides detailed skill instruction that rivals many varsity-level coaching systems. Students are not simply “playing”—they are being taught technique, strategy and the fundamentals of each sport and activity.
Another important and unique feature is that all equipment is furnished solely by Centerville’s Intramural Sports program. For example, participants don’t need to bring their own bows, arrows, or fencing equipment which can cost hundreds of dollars, creating a huge barrier for kids who want to try these sports. Centerville’s program provides new opportunities to kids by eliminating these barriers.
Competitive and inclusive
The program isn’t just about skill-building. It also offers ample opportunities for friendly competition, ensuring that kids stay motivated and engaged. Students of all experience levels are welcomed, making the program inclusive while still maintaining a high standard of instruction and sportsmanship.
A self-sustaining success story
Perhaps the most remarkable element of Centerville’s intramural program is how it operates: with zero funding from the school or district. Every dollar—whether for equipment, uniforms, facility maintenance, or coaching stipends—is raised through parent donations. This model of parent-powered sustainability has helped the program flourish even as other schools struggle to keep their sports offerings alive.
More than just games
The benefits go well beyond physical fitness. Centerville’s sports program provides structure, mentorship and a sense of belonging to students during a critical stage of development. In a time when kids face increasing pressures from screens, social media and academic demands, the program offers an essential outlet—both mentally and physically.
As public schools continue to grapple with tight budgets and difficult decisions, Centerville Middle School stands as a shining example of what’s possible when a community comes together.
By investing in its kids—not through tax dollars, but through time, commitment and generosity—Centerville Intramural Sports has created a model that other schools may soon be inspired to follow.
