That’s why, in December, the boys’ basketball program
of West Catholic High School gathered early on a cold
Saturday morning at the Sunday Breakfast Rescue
Mission. They cleaned the facility’s sleeping areas and
served hot breakfast to those in need.
It’s why, in January, the Monsignor Bonner and
Archbishop Prendergast baseball team participated in a
mentoring and advising program at the Liguori Academy.
The student athletes met with at-risk youth to share
stories and encouragements.
THE WINS
YOU DON T HEAR ABOUT
Stephen Haug is the Executive Director of Athletics at AOPS. Today,
he reflects on the program’s recent successes both on and off the field.
The numbers are impressive: over 7,000 AOPS student athletes.
16 teams in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association
semifinals, representing 7 AOPS schools. And a staggering total of
10 state championships.
The 2016-2017 season marked many major wins by AOPS high school
student athletes. We are incredibly blessed to have so many talented
students, dedicated coaches, and supportive administrations that made
each success possible.
And it’s why, in April, the Father Judge High School
basketball team participated in a wheelchair basketball
game against Widener Memorial School’s varsity team. It
was the fourth consecutive year the teams played — and
for the record, Widener Memorial posted a 55-52 victory.
In addition to serving their communities, AOPS high
school student athletes found new ways to serve one
another. The AOPS Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
was created at the beginning of the school year
specifically to serve the needs of students participating
in athletics. The 38 representatives held meaningful
discussions concerning hazing, bullying, sportsmanship,
and time management.
That last topic is particularly important at AOPS, where
we believe that as wonderful as athletic scholarships
and collegiate athletics can be, they should never take
precedence over education.
That’s why I am most impressed by our student athletes’
achievements in their communities and in their
classrooms. I am truly proud that more than 1,900 of our
student athletes who participated in fall or winter sports
this past season also earned academic honors.
The fact is, the vast majority of AOPS student athletes will
not continue playing sports in college. But they will have
learned valuable lessons in leadership, self-confidence,
and teamwork. And they will have gained lifelong
connections to their schools, forging friendships that will
continue long after graduation.
These accomplishments may not get displayed on flashy
headlines or gymnasium banners. However, they are truly
worthy of our full gratitude and celebration.
But for me, the season’s biggest highlights weren’t the physical
achievements. The real successes had little to do with competitions at all.
Instead, they often took place in the quiet, away from the cameras and
crowds. They happened at classrooms, homeless shelters, and schools
for at-risk youth, where students were able to build up their peers, their
communities, and themselves.
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