Winter Athletics Wrap-up

By Rich Alifano, Director of Athletics and Physical Education

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I would like first to thank everyone who came out to support the boys this season. We had amazing turnouts at our basketball games and wrestling matches. School pride has never been stronger!

Basketball
The Varsity Basketball team captured the Manhattan Private Middle School League Championship, finishing with an undefeated league record and an overall record of 9 wins and 2 losses. As some of you know, we lost in the league championship game last year to a very strong St. Bernard’s team. While the defeat stung, it also built resilience and determination in our returning players. They would lead and set the example for hard, smart, and unselfish basketball. In practice and in games, every player was locked in and focused on daily, weekly, and seasonal improvement. There was a wonderful sense of teamwork and unselfishness on the part of every player. Our bench players were the true heroes. They came to every practice with a great attitude and effort; as a result, practices were competitive, focused, and deliberate in their goals.

I look forward to another fantastic season and watching the next group of returning players as they lead the way to another successful season.

Our J.V. Basketball team was split into a seventh-grade team and an eighth-grade team. Both teams had competitive battles against both league and non-league opponents. Regardless of the score and time, each team always played hard and unselfish basketball. Here again, we have some returning players, and we look forward to seeing them lead the next group of players.

Wrestling
The Varsity Wrestling team competed in a seven-meet season with more than 100 matches. We returned three wrestlers who, along with the coaching staff, were tasked with bringing fifteen new wrestlers into the fold and ready to compete in a grueling match schedule. As expected, the season was intense, the meets were competitive, and our work ethic and preparation would be tested. Also, as expected, we passed the test and were able to best three of the five schools we faced. Our veteran wrestlers lead the way and have left the team prepared to usher in a new crop of boys who will continue the program’s success.

Sixth-Grade Teams
We are eager to have our sixth-grade athletes join the fold next year. We have a grade with strong athletes who enjoy competing. The exciting challenge that both players and coaches will take on is channeling that competitiveness into a cohesive team that plays hard, smart, and unselfish.

I anticipate the success to continue, and I want to thank all the coaches and players for a fantastic season.

Click here to learn more about our Athletics program.