Sandwich Middle School Athletics
Parents of SMS Student-Athletes,
Welcome to another great school year at Sandwich Middle School. Last year, under the guidance of our dedicated coaches, our athletics programs achieved at an impressively high level. Not only do we have dedicated coaches, our student-athletes take pride in being an SMS Brave and strive to work alongside their classmates to continually improve. Being involved in athletics is a valuable way for student-athletes to learn important life skills such as time management, collaboration skills, communications skills, teamwork skills, self-discipline, etc. Perhaps the most important aspect of middle school athletics is understanding the importance of good sportsmanship. IESA, our middle school athletics governing body, has asked me to share the following video with all coaches, student-athletes, and parents. I am requiring my coaches to view the video before their first competition as a team followed by a discussion about the importance of sportsmanship. I encourage you to view the video and have a conversation with your student-athlete.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V230m-K7im0
Middle school athletics can also be a delicate experience for many student-athletes as they are growing and maturing at different rates. From my experiences in athletics, this is often a time when skill levels and knowledge of the game/activity become vital and often help determine a student-athletes success level. Middle school athletics can also be difficult due to the fact that in some sports, starting 7th and 8th grade, teams have tryouts which can lead to roster cuts. Coaches are forced to make decisions with roster cuts and playing time which are difficult for both student-athletes and coaches. Please know that our coaches dedicate a lot of time in and out of the gym in order to do the best job they can to help SMS athletics. Please support and respect their decisions. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and view IESA’s sportsmanship video. We are looking forward to another great year of athletics here at Sandwich Middle School. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Tim Ballard: Athletic Director/Assistant Principal
&
Andy Heilemeier: Principal
Athletic and Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct
Click here to read and download the athletic/extra-curricular conduct code.
IHSA/ IESA Concussion Information Sheet
IHSA/ IESA Concussion Information Sheet View Now
Conference Memberships
Sandwich Middle School offers a wide variety of athletic activities. The Braves belong to the I.E.S.A. which provides them the opportunity to participate in the IESA state series.
Athletics Handbook
All students have the opportunity to participate in athletics, provided they meet their academic responsibilities. Our athletic program is guided by the philosophy that student activities are an important part of the total educational program. Students shall be encouraged to participate in activities in which they may achieve proficiency in athletic skills and develop strength, endurance, competitive spirit, sportsmanship, and realistic appraisals of their own potential, while participating in programs commensurate with their ability and maturity.
Middle School Sports Practice Dates (Additional information will be provided by the head coach. Note change in IESA girls’ basketball and volleyball season). Parent Meetings will be set by each coach during the season.
Boys Basketball:
6th Grade Tryouts- TBA
7th-grade Tryouts- TBA
8th-grade Tryouts- TBA
Cheerleading
Cheer tryouts: TBA
First day of practice: TBA
Poms
TBA
Track
TBA
Volleyball- TBA
6th Grade -TBA
7th and 8th-grade girls VB tryouts- TBA
Wrestling
TBA