Intramural Athletics at Private Schools

When you think of athletics at the high school level, varsity teams and fierce competitions often come to mind. Sports at St. Michael’s College School (SMCS), however, extend beyond the varsity level. Intramural athletics offer students a chance to enjoy organized sports within the school community, with a focus on fun, teamwork, and skill-building. These programmes are a cornerstone of school life, bringing students together for exciting, friendly competition that promotes fitness, social interaction, and school spirit.

Intramural athletics play a crucial role in our community because they provide opportunities for everyone to participate, regardless of skill level or athletic experience. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone trying out a sport for the first time, intramural sports allow you to get involved, stay active, and make new friends.

Below, we’ll dive into a few of these programmes to give you a taste of what makes intramural sports at SMCS so special.

Overview of Intramural Sports

At SMCS, intramural sports are designed with inclusivity in mind. Unlike varsity teams, which focus on competition at the highest level, intramural sports emphasize participation, enjoyment, and school pride. These programmes offer a welcoming environment for students who want to enjoy the benefits of sports without the intensity of varsity-level commitments.

Some key aspects of the intramural programme include:

• Programmes for all skill levels. Whether you’ve never picked up a ball or you’re looking to hone your skills, there’s a spot for you in intramural sports. The programmes cater to everyone and embrace a diverse range of abilities.
• Fostering teamwork and competition. Although competition is still a part of the programme, it’s approached in a way that prioritizes teamwork and cooperation. The goal is to create a supportive environment where students work together and have fun while learning valuable life lessons about collaboration and perseverance.
• Inclusivity. In intramural sports, there’s no need to worry about tryouts or cuts. The focus is on participation and making sure everyone gets a chance to play.
• Diverse range of sports. From traditional sports like soccer and basketball to more creative and non-traditional games, there’s something for everyone. Students can enjoy various activities that keep things exciting and help them explore new skills.
• Promoting fitness, social interaction, and leadership. Beyond physical health, intramural sports at SMCS promote mental well-being by fostering friendships and building leadership skills. Students are encouraged to take on roles such as team captains, learning to motivate others and lead by example.

Sports Offered at SMCS

At SMCS, students can choose from various sports in both the varsity and intramural programmes. Whether you’re interested in trying out something new or sticking to a sport you already love, SMCS has something for everyone.

Here’s a quick look at the sports programmes offered at SMCS:

• Alpine Skiing
• Badminton
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Beach Volleyball
• Cross Country
• Curling
• Football
• Golf
• Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Rugby
• Snowboarding
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Volleyball

Featured Sport: Volleyball/Beach Volleyball

Volleyball is a standout sport at St. Michael’s College School. The programme is unique in the country, and it offers an incredible opportunity for students to learn from highly experienced coaches who have competed and coached at the international level. With a team of three international-level coaches—Andrew Kos, Alain Arseneau, and Sam McDonald—students not only develop their volleyball skills but also learn life lessons and habits that extend beyond the court.

At SMCS, volleyball starts with four traditional teams: two U14 teams, a junior varsity team, and a senior team. These teams compete in the CISAA league and have consistently performed at a high level. This past season, SMCS won gold in both the U14 and senior divisions, with the junior team earning silver.

The volleyball programme isn’t just limited to indoor courts. In the spring, the team moves outdoors to train for beach volleyball. The students even participate in beach clinics, some of which are in partnership with the Canadian National Team. This well-rounded programme ensures that students not only improve their skills but also form lasting bonds with teammates, building a brotherhood that’s cherished long after graduation.

How Does Intramural Athletics Work at SMCS?

The intramural athletics programme at St. Michael’s College School is designed to be flexible, fun, and accessible for all students. Events and activities are regularly advertised on Edsby, our internal communication platform, and announced during morning announcements, making it easy for students to stay informed and get involved. The programme features team-based competitions and drop-in activities, allowing students to choose how they want to participate based on their schedules and interests.

There are plenty of opportunities to engage in drop-in sports and intramural tournaments through our SMCS Lunchtime Intramurals programme. The Paul Dignan Court, our main gym, is the location for drop-in basketball, volleyball, European handball, and badminton during lunch periods. In addition, other facilities across the campus host soccer, teqvoly, table tennis, flag football, jeopardy, and even mini-stick hockey. The variety ensures that all students have ample opportunities to participate in athletic life, regardless of skill level or preference.

Major annual events in our intramural programme include the popular eight-week after-school soccer league, which saw 240 students and staff participating last year. Other key events are the 3v3 March Madness Basketball Tournament and the TeqVoly Tournament. New this year is the Cornhole Tournament, adding even more variety and fun to the lineup. With so many options available, students can find something that suits their interests while enjoying friendly competition and building school spirit.

Intramural athletics at St. Michael’s College School provides students ample opportunities for fun, friendship, and personal growth. Whether you’re interested in traditional sports like soccer and basketball or want to try something new like ultimate frisbee or beach volleyball, SMCS has something for everyone. Intramural sports at SMCS are all about inclusivity, teamwork, and school spirit, making them an integral part of student life.