Athletics Programme
The athletics programme at St. Michael’s College School features 20 different inter-school sports and fields 56 competitive teams.
In addition to competitive sports, students also have the opportunity to participate in many different intramural sports offered throughout the year.
Philosophy
“Sport comprises part of the spectrum of human activity where God-given talents may be fully developed.” – Cardinal George Flahiff, renowned professor of history, and Superior General of the Basilian Father
Consistent with the philosophy and tradition of the Basilian Fathers, we believe that all students should experience athletics as an integral part of a well-rounded education. The school motto of ‘Teach me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge’ is at the heart of student life at St. Michael’s College School, and athletics forms a large component.
The programme remains faithful to its four key pillars of Respect, Commitment, Integrity, and Excellence.
Our membership in the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA), allows our teams to compete with students in like-minded schools. The season schedule is undertaken in addition to each team’s tournament and exhibition games. We strongly encourage each SMCS student to participate in the interscholastic or intramural athletics programmes.
For more information on any of our athletic programmes please contact our Director of Athletics.
Contact
Competitive Sports
Educating the whole student means providing opportunities for excellence in athletics as well as academics. Our premier interscholastic athletics programme dates back a century, and works to build character, instill team values, and foster a lifelong commitment to positive physical and emotional habits.
Star athletes, developing players, health and wellness enthusiasts, and those simply seeking to be part of a spirited community will find their place in our athletics programme. With more than 50 teams across 20 interscholastic sports, students can pursue a myriad of options that align with their strengths and interests.
Competitive Sports
Alpine Skiing
SEASON
- Winter (December to March)
TRY-OUTS
- Late November / Early December
TRAINING
- 1-2 weekdays after school
- Dryland and Hill
AGE GROUPS
- U14 (Grades 7 & 8)
All students compete in the same division regardless of previous training - Varsity Div. I (Grades 9-12)
‘High School Division’ - No Ski League Affiliation beyond U12
‘Open Division’ - Ski League Affiliation and Race Training beyond U12
COMPETITION
- Weekly races around the province (e.g. Mansfield, Devil’s Glen, Alpine, Osler Bluff, Craigleith)
- Events: Slalom & Giant Slalom
- CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association)
- OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association)
Badminton
SEASON
- Spring (March to June)
- Singles, Doubles, and Mixed-Doubles (with Bishop Strachan School)
TRY-OUTS
- Team selections late March
TRAINING
- Weekdays after school (late March to June)
- Morning sessions (January to early March)
AGE GROUPS
- Junior (Grades 9 & 10)
- Senior (Grades 11 & 12)
COMPETITION
- CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association)
- OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association)
Baseball
SEASON
- Spring (late March to June)
TRY-OUTS
- Late March
TRAINING
- Indoor winter training – Field Dome (January to March)
- Outdoor spring practices - Cedarvale Park
AGE GROUPS
- Varsity Div. I (Grades 9-12)
COMPETITION
- CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association)
- OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association)
- Ontario tournaments and overnight travel
Basketball
SEASON
- School Winter Season (CISAA – November to early March)
- U14 & Rep. (OBL – October to March)
- U15 Winter Rep. (OBXL – January to April)
- U14 & U15 Spring Rep. (CYBL – May to July)
TRY-OUTS
- Early workouts begin in September for student-athletes who are not participating in fall sports
- Team selections late October
TRAINING
- Weekdays
- Morning skill sessions and after school practices
AGE GROUPS
- U14 (Grades 7 & 8)
- U14 Rep. (Grade 8)
- U15 Rep. (Grade 9)
- Junior (Grades 9 & 10)
- Senior (Grades 11 & 12)
COMPETITION
- CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association)
- OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association)
- OBL (Ontario Basketball League)
- CYBL (Canadian Youth Basketball League)
- Ontario, U.S. tournaments, and overnight travel at the senior, junior and rep levels
Cross Country
SEASON
- Fall (September to early November)
TRY-OUTS
- None
TRAINING
- Weekdays after school
- Local Training Trails:
- Kay Gardner Beltline
- Cedarvale Ravine
- Nordheimer Ravine
- Roycroft Parklands
- Sir Winston Churchill Park
AGE GROUPS
- U13 (Grade 7)
- U14 (Grade 8)
- Novice (Grade 9)
- Junior (Grade 10)
- Senior (Grade 11 and 12)
COMPETITION
- CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association)
- OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association)
Curling
SEASON
- Winter (November to March)
TRY-OUTS
- Early November
TRAINING
- 1-2 weekdays after school
- Venue: Leaside Curling Club for practices and home games
AGE GROUPS
- Varsity Div. I (Grade 9-12)
- Varsity Div. II (Grade 9-12)
COMPETITION
- CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association)
- OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association)
Football
SEASON
- Fall (September to early November)
TRY-OUTS
- Junior and Senior training camps begin the Monday prior to Labour Day weekend
- U14 Flag - late September
TRAINING
- Weekdays after school
AGE GROUPS
- U14 Flag (Grades 7 & 8)
- Junior Contact (Grades 9 & 10)
- Senior Contact (Grades 11 & 12)
COMPETITION
- Football Toronto
- OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association)
Golf
SEASON
- Fall (September to early November)
TRY-OUTS
- Fall: September
- Spring: April
TRAINING
- Winter indoor training – Field Dome (January to March)
- Weekly practice rounds as competition schedule permits
AGE GROUPS
- Junior (Grades 9 & 10)
- Senior (Grades 11 & 12)
COMPETITION
- Weekly tournaments around the province (e.g. Osprey Valley, Dalewood, Deer Creek, Legends Niagara)
- CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association)
- OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association)
Hockey
TRY-OUTS
- Senior, Junior & U14
Team tryouts and selections mid to late October
TRAINING
- Weekday morning or after school practices
AGE GROUPS
- U14 (Grades 7 & 8)
2 teams
Evenly split (‘White’ & ‘Blue’) compete in the same division within the CISAA Division I League (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association)
Local tournament competition
Season - Winter (November to March) - Junior (Grades 9 & 10)
2 teams
Team ‘Blue’ & Team ‘White’ compete in CISAA Division I league as well as against other GTA top programmes
Local tournament competition
Season - Winter (November to March) - Senior (Grades 11 & 12)
CISAA Division I League
Local tournament competition
Season – Winter (November to March)
Lacrosse
TRY-OUTS
- U14 (late March)
- Junior (late February)
- Senior (late February)
TRAINING
- Fall morning skill sessions (Grades 9-12) – 2 times per week
- Winter indoor training – Field Dome (January to March)
- Spring – Weekdays after school practices
AGE GROUPS
- U14 (Grades 7 & 8)
CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association)
Local tournament competition
Season - Spring (late March to late May) - Junior (Grades 9 & 10)
Exhibition: Ontario & U.S. games, tournaments, and overnight travel
Season - Spring (late March to late May) - Senior (Grades 11 & 12)
CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association)
OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association)
Ontario and U.S. tournaments and overnight travel
Season – Spring (late March to late May)
Rugby
TRY-OUTS
- U14 (late February)
- Junior (late February)
- Senior (late February)
TRAINING
- Winter indoor training – Field Dome (January to March)
- Spring – Weekdays after school practices
AGE GROUPS
- U14 (Grades 7 & 8)
CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association)
7s - Non-Contact
Season - Spring (late March to late May) - Junior (Grades 9 & 10)
CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association)
7s - Contact
Season - Spring (late March to late May) - Senior (Grades 11 & 12)
CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association)
7s - Contact
Season - Spring (late March to late May)
Snowboarding
SEASON
- Winter (December to March)
TRY-OUTS
- Late November / Early December
AGE GROUPS
- U14 (Grades 7 & 8)
- Junior (Grades 9 & 10)
- Senior (Grades 11 & 12)
COMPETITION
- Weekly races around the province (e.g. Craigleith, Devil’s Glen, Alpine, Blue Mountain, Mt. St. Louis)
- Events:
- Giant Slalom (Race)
- Slopestyle (Terrain Park)
- Boardercross (Team Pursuit)
- CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association)
- OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association)
Soccer
SEASON
- Fall (September to early November)
- Spring (Additional exhibition and provincial championships at the Senior level)
TRY-OUTS
- Training camps begin the Tuesday prior to Labour Day weekend
TRAINING
- Weekdays after school
AGE GROUPS
- U14 (Grades 7 & 8)
- Junior Div. I (Grades 9 & 10)
- Senior (Grades 11 & 12)
COMPETITION
- CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association)
- OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association)
- Ontario tournaments at the Junior & Senior levels
- Overnight travel at the Senior level
Softball
SEASON
- Spring (late March to late May)
TRY-OUTS
- Late March
TRAINING
- Weekdays after school
- Cedarvale Park Diamond
AGE GROUPS
- U14 (Grades 7 & 8)
COMPETITION
- CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association)
Swimming
SEASON
- Winter (November to March)
TRY-OUTS
- Late October
TRAINING
- 2 times per week
- Joseph Piccininni Centre (St. Clair – West of St. Michael’s College School)
- Bishop Strachan School (Lonsdale - East of St. Michael’s College School)
AGE GROUPS
- U14 (Grades 7 & 8)
- All students compete in the same division regardless of previous training
- Junior (Grades 9 & 10)
Varsity Div. I (Grades 9-12)- ‘High School Division’ - For swimmers who have had no affiliation (training, competition, registration) with a Swimming Canada club in the previous 12 months
- ‘Open Division’ – For swimmers who have had trained, competed, or have been registered with a Swimming Canada club in the previous 12 months
COMPETITION
- CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association)
- OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association)
- Ontario tournaments at the Junior & Senior levels
- Overnight travel at the Senior level
Tennis
SEASON
- Spring (late- March to June)
TRY-OUTS
- Late March
TRAINING
- Once per week
- Mayfair Clubs - West (Downsview Park)
AGE GROUPS
Varsity Div. I (Grades 9-12)
- ‘Open Division’ – For players with specific experience in the OTA, USTA, or European Equivalent
- ‘High School Division’ - For players who do not meet the above criteria
COMPETITION
- Weekly meets – Singles, Doubles, Mixed-Doubles (with Bishop Strachan School)
- CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association)
- OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association)
Track and Field
SEASON
- Spring (March to June)
TRY-OUTS
- None
TRAINING
- Winter indoor training - University of Toronto
- Spring outdoor training – Weekdays after school
AGE GROUPS
- U13 (Grade 7)
- U14 (Grade 8)
- Novice (Grade 9)
- Junior (Grade 10)
- Senior (Grades 11 & 12)
COMPETITION
- CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association)
- OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association)
- Ontario meets
Ultimate
SEASON
- Spring (late March to June)
TRY-OUTS
- Late March
TRAINING
- Indoor winter training – Field Dome (January to March)
- Outdoor spring practices – Weekdays at St. Michael’s and BSS
AGE GROUPS
- Varsity Co-Ed (Grades 9-12)
- Partnered with Bishop Strachan School (BSS)
COMPETITION
- CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association)
- OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association)
- Ontario Tournaments
Volleyball
SEASON
- Fall (September to early November)
- Spring (Additional Junior exhibition season)
TRY-OUTS
- Early September
TRAINING
- Weekdays after school
AGE GROUPS
- U13 (Grade 7)
- U14 (Grade 8)
- Junior (Grades 9 & 10)
- Senior (Grades 11 & 12)
COMPETITION
- CISAA (Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association)
- OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association)
- Ontario Tournaments at the Junior & Senior levels
- Overnight Travel at the Senior Level
Student Athlete University Commitments
St. Michael’s College School recognizes and honours those student athletes, whose athletic accomplishments have been of the highest caliber, brought pride to the school, and have taken them to the next level of competition.
Athletic Therapy Clinic
Our Athletic Therapy Clinic specializes in musculoskeletal injuries and provides a range of support services for all SMCS students.
Clinic Services Include:- Prophylactic and post-injury taping
- Emergency care coverage for all on-campus sports and activities
- Referral of student-athletes to external sports medicine specialists when necessary
- Comprehensive injury rehabilitation including manual therapy, modalities, and exercise prescription
- Pre-operative and post-operative rehabilitation for sports-related injuries
- SCAT5 assessments for concussions and refer when necessary to the University of Toronto's MacIntosh clinic for follow-up care per our Return-to-Learn programme
- Progressive return-to-play protocol for student-athletes returning from a concussion
- Personalized rehabilitation programmes for students recovering from an injury based on their individual injury needs
Athletic Therapists:
Justin Woods R. Kin., BAHSc., CAT(C)
Head Athletic Therapist
416-653-3180 ext. 433
jwoods@smcsmail.com
Eliza Butler, R. Kin., BAHSc., CAT(C)
Athletic Therapist
416-653-3180 ext. 433
butler@smcsmail.com
Certifications:
Registered Kinesiologists (R.Kin)
Certified Athletic Therapists (CAT(C))
Red Cross First Responder certified