The Athletic Advantage-Sports at OLM
“People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses, or the problems of modern society.” -Vince Lombardi, American Football Coach
OLM athletics promotes the development of the whole child, by providing student-athletes the opportunity to excel physically, develop self-discipline and confidence while learning the value of teamwork. Research demonstrates that children who participate in youth sports tend to perform better in school, have higher grades on national tests, graduate from high school, continue onto college and develop strong leadership skills that serve them well as they progress through their lives. Whether the student competes on the cross-country team, basketball team or co-ed soccer team, each OLM athlete is expected to represent the school with integrity, good sportsmanship, team spirit and school pride, while always putting forth their best effort.
Girls and Boys Basketball
OLM school currently fields two girls’ and two boys’ competitive basketball teams, with a season that runs from November to March. Students in the middle school train twice a week with coaches who work to improve the skill level of each player and the cohesiveness of each team. Players compete in weekly league games throughout the Catholic Athletic League (CAL). Many of our players go on to play for their high school teams. In 2014, five of our graduating athletes made their junior varsity or varsity high school basketball teams as freshmen. Our younger students have the opportunity to play at the instructional level in grades K-3 and then competitively in the CAL basketball through CAL on teams sponsored by the Our Lady of Mercy Parish.
2014 CAL Division and State Champions – 6th grade girls / 8th grade boys advanced to semi-finals in divisional tournament
2014 New England Regionals – 6th grade girls- advanced to semi-finals
2015 CAL Divisional Play – 3 of the 4 OLM teams currently ranked at the top of their division
Middle School Cross Country Team
OLM’s cross country team, strong in numbers with almost half of middle school students participating, is a perennial powerhouse in both the South Division and State rankings while competing in the Catholic Athletic League (CAL). Each student-athlete improves as the season progresses not only because of the coaching they receive while training with the team, but also due to the support and encouragement from his or her teammates. The coaches focus on the individual athlete, emphasizing personal goal setting and personal improvement, while promoting team unity and school spirit. No running experience is necessary; as the training program prepares the runner for the 1.85-mile distance they race on OLM’s home course in scenic Goddard Park.
Cross Country Team Results:
CAL State Championship Meet
2012 – Boys – 1st / Girls -3rd
2013 – Boys – 1st / Girls – 2nd
2014 – Boys – 2nd / Girls – 5th
CAL Division Championship Meet: South Division Champions – Boys and Girls-2012, 2013 & 2014
OLM Soccer
The OLM Soccer Team provides a tremendous opportunity for the students to enjoy playing on the same team – boys and girls – in a fun, competitive atmosphere. Coached by parent volunteers who instill a love of the game, teamwork, and sportsmanship, the co-ed team is comprised of approximately 16 6th, 7th and 8th graders. OLM competes in the CAL South Division. Practices are held once a week with games generally being held during the week. The ability level of players ranges from nearly beginners to premiere players and everything in between. Last season, OLM advanced to its first-ever CAL State Championship against St. Thomas. The title game against St. Thomas was called a tie, in overtime, due to lightning, so both OLM and St. Thomas were CAL State Champs. The Jaguars are looking forward to another successful season in 2015!
Print and complete the following forms to register for the spring co-ed soccer season: