Winter 2017-2018 Athletic Season Boasts Growth
By Kate Reardon, Athletic Director—The Winter 2017-2018 season was another example of growth for the Penguin Athletics program, as each of our winter sports recognized new feats while continuing to display the teamwork and sportsmanship we expect of our student-athletes.
With a roster double the size of last year’s squad, the basketball team was able to take on a heavier game schedule, including the program’s first-ever match-up against a varsity opponent when the team faced off against Christian Covenant in early February. Improving over the course of the season, no clearer progress could be measured than the jump from a 47 point loss to St. Mary’s in December to a January rematch in which The Academy’s basketball team traded leads with that very same opponent before finishing with a narrow 46-39 loss. The team scored a program-high 43 points in a thrilling overtime game at Lowell Catholic in January and set another program record with 7 wins this season. The team finished with an overall winning record of 7-6. To see more pictures of our Basketball team visit us on Facebook.
Our swimming club spent the winter season building a foundation for future program growth. Heading into the season with the expectation that the club would be in the pool twice a week to learn, exercise, and push themselves but not have any meets, when presented an opportunity to compete the Penguins rallied as a group and took on the challenge with enthusiasm. The team loaded up in the van and traveled down to Wayland where 7 swimmers from APH took on the 20+ swimmers of the host team in our swim program’s first ever interscholastic competition. On display at the meet were impressive sportsmanship and encouragement on the part of both teams, for their teammates and opponents alike. The Penguins, many of whom had never competed in a meet before, took on as many as 5 events apiece and poured every bit of energy into their efforts in the pool. It was an impressive showing on behalf of all involved. To see more pictures of our swim team visit us on Facebook.
This past winter also marked the inaugural season of our fitness center program, which will continue to be offered in seasons going forward. Each afternoon from Monday through Thursday, a group of students made use of our new fitness center, enjoying a variety of exercises introduced by our fitness center coach as well as some fitness activities of their own choosing.
Many thanks to our players, their families, and our coaches for an outstanding Winter 2017-2018 athletic season, and congratulations to all involved for the mark you have made on the growth of APH Athletics. Go Penguins!