Athletics
Welcome
Athletics are strong at St. Bernard’s. All boys take part in the athletic program, whose goals are to develop skill, to cultivate a sense of teamwork and sportsmanship, to channel and release energy and exuberance, and to have fun.
The Junior School boys learn the basics of many sports, among them soccer, basketball, baseball, and fencing. They play floor hockey and McWhippit, a precursor to lacrosse. The coaches, many of them accomplished athletes and all of them well trained in teaching and coaching young boys, work with each boy to ensure his development. The boys at St. Bernard’s have physical education between four and five times per week in addition to daily recess. Intramural games begin in Grade III. They give boys an opportunity to compete among themselves in a friendly manner.
Middle and Upper School boys play on teams against other schools and compete in a program of intramural games of all kinds. St. Bernard’s has varsity and junior varsity teams in all sports. We even form a third team for boys in Grades V and VI when there is a demand for one. Participating on a team encourages leadership and sportsmanship and generates pride in one’s school and oneself. Most of the boys in fifth through ninth grade play on one team or more each year.
St. Bernard’s is a member of the Manhattan Private Middle School League and competes in soccer, cross country, basketball, baseball, and track. Boys may join an ice hockey team, with games on weekends, for an additional fee. The school has three gymnasiums, used by all boys throughout the school, a weight training room, a recess deck, and a kindergarten play yard. Central Park provides us with numerous playing fields just across Fifth Avenue.
Middle and Upper School boys play on teams against other schools and compete in a program of intramural games of all kinds. St. Bernard’s has varsity and junior varsity teams in all sports. We even form a third team for boys in Grades V and VI when there is a demand for one. Participating on a team encourages leadership and sportsmanship and generates pride in one’s school and oneself. Most of the boys in fifth through ninth grade play on one team or more each year.
St. Bernard’s is a member of the Manhattan Private Middle School League and competes in soccer, cross country, basketball, baseball, and track. Boys may join an ice hockey team, with games on weekends, for an additional fee. The school has three gymnasiums, used by all boys throughout the school, a weight training room, a recess deck, and a kindergarten play yard. Central Park provides us with numerous playing fields just across Fifth Avenue.
— Jameson C., former student and team captain
“Playing St. B’s baseball is something you definitely want to try. You will make friends, and you will have to work together, which will only make your friendships stronger. Let baseball make you a better person.”
Facts and Figures
List of 6 items.
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League Championships
St. B’s basketball team has won four championships in the past ten years. St.B’s varsity soccer team has won the championship the past three years. -
Facilities
Three gymnasiums, a weight training room, a recess deck, and a kindergarten play yard. -
Home Field
Our home field is Central Park. Physical Education classes and games are a brief walk away in the fields of North Meadow in Central Park. -
Participation
95% of boys play on a team two out of the three semesters. -
Team Sports
St. B’s offers seven team sports: soccer, cross country, flag football, basketball, baseball, track, and lacrosse. -
Colors & Mascot
Red & White / St. Bernard dog
by Carlo di Fazio, Director of Athletics and P.E.
The coaches aim to be motivators who hold students to high standards. Most importantly, we feel that athletic competition teaches boys that a winner is someone who respects his opponent, honors the game, puts forth maximum effort, and strives to improve his skill and character. Student-athletes are expected to represent their school and community honorably while participating in athletic competitions. Our program succeeds because we emphasize good physical conditioning and sound fundamental skills with a focused effort during practices and games.
In the Middle and Upper School, every student is invited to participate on sports teams. Skill, hard work, strategy, and unselfish teamwork are the main focal points. The aim is to foster a love of the game while developing the skills necessary to succeed at the secondary school level. Athletic participation requires a significant level of student commitment. The school is proud of our athletic tradition.
