THE BASKETBALL PROGRAM
The basketball program is available to all students of St. Gabriel School in grades 4 through 8. The basketball program begins on/or about October 15 of each year. If for some unforeseen reason gym time would be reduced, the Association would have to reevaluate its existing program. All players are provided both home and away jerseys and shorts.
Basketball Clinic
The SGAA sponsors a basketball clinic for the students in kindergarten through 3rd grade. Basic basketball skills are stressed and the emphasis is on the children having fun through drills. A separate fee is established for this clinic. Traditionally, the clinic has been held on Saturdays for six weeks beginning in January of each year. Each session lasts for one and a half hours.
4th Grade Basketball Teams
In the past, St. Gabriel School has been represented by both a boys and girls team. An attempt is made to give practice time to this grade in early evening hours, usually once a week. Traditionally, 4th grade practice begins in early November after the upper grade teams have been established. Beginning in mid-December, games begin and based on the number available teams, a schedule is established. One home game or one away game is scheduled each week through February. This program is instructional so therefore playing time is equal.
5th/6th Grade Basketball Teams
The 5th and 6th grade basketball program offers both Junior Varsity and grade level teams, based on the number of interested students in these grades. Both teams play competitively and differ only as to playing time during games.
7th/8th Grade Basketball Teams
The SGAA offers a Varsity program for the 7th and 8th graders. Playing time is not guaranteed. However, when possible, as determined by the number of interest students, an attempt is made to establish grade level teams for those student athletes who desire more playing time.
CYO Basketball Team
Based on the number of interest students, the SGAA offers a competitive program open to members between 9th and 12th grades. If a large number of students show interest at this level and decisions regarding the making of the team have to be made, former St. Gabriel students will receive preference.
THE CHEERLEADING PROGRAM
Cheerleading is offered to 4th through 8th grade girls. Practice begins within the first few weeks of the start of school. The program consists of both a Junior Varsity and Varsity squads who cheer at their respective girls and boys home basketball games. Throughout the season, both teams may compete in diocesan cheering tournaments. Each cheerleader is supplied with a uniform and pompoms.
Junior Varsity
At this level (4th - 6th grades), the cheerleaders begin by learning the basic cheerleading techniques as shown by the coaches. Practices are usually held once or twice per week immediately after school.
Varsity
The 7th and 8th graders interest in cheerleading represent the Varsity squad. Practices are held once or twice per week immediately after school. Varsity cheerleaders cheer at all home games for both the Varsity boys and girls basketball program. The Varsity cheerleaders represent St. Gabriel School in year-end competitions.
THE CROSS-COUNTRY PROGRAM
The SGAA has a 3rd/4th/5th/6th (Junior Varsity) and 7th/8th (Varsity) Cross-Country team for both boys and girls. The fundamentals of running and training are stressed. The entire team practices once or twice a week from mid-August to mid-October. There are five to eight cross-country meets per year where all team members are able to fully participate. The students run on various cross-country courses. The Diocesan Final is a meet involving all Diocesan cross-country teams at the end of the season in mid-October.
VOLLEYBALL
Girls’ volleyball begins the first week of August and lasts through early November. Boys’ volleyball begins in March and lasts through mid-May. During these periods, there are usually 1-3 practices per week preseason and 1-2 practices during the playing season.
Junior Varsity
Competitive volleyball is offered beginning with 5th grade. The Junior Varsity squad is made up of both 5th and 6th graders. If a sufficient number of athletes sign-up, two Junior Varsity teams may be fielded preferably along grade level lines. Although competitive, during these first two years, an effort is made to play all students during the games. The emphasis is on developing the athletes through fundamentals.
Varsity
The Varsity squads are composed of 7th and 8th graders. A more competitive atmosphere exists and no playing time is guaranteed. If a sufficient number of athletes sign-up, multiple Varsity teams may be fielded.
SOCCER
Co-ed soccer begins the first week of March and lasts through May. During these periods, there are usually 1-3 practices per week preseason and 1-2 practices during the playing season.
Junior Varsity
Competitive soccer is offered beginning with 5th grade. The Junior Varsity squad is made up of both 5th and 6th graders. If a sufficient number of athletes sign-up, two Junior Varsity teams may be fielded preferably along grade level lines. Although competitive, during these first two years, an effort is made to play all students during the games. The emphasis is on developing the athletes through fundamentals.
Varsity
The Varsity squads are composed of 7th and 8th graders. A more competitive atmosphere exists and no playing time is guaranteed. If a sufficient number of athletes sign-up, multiple Varsity teams may be fielded.
TRACK
The team is composed of boys and girls. 3rd/4th grade – Novice, 5th/6th grade – Junior Varsity, 7th/8th grade – Varsity. It is a 6 week program starting in early April. Practices are usually 1 or 2 times a week. |
