Dear Upper School Parents,
Now that the end of the school year is in sight, I’d like to take this opportunity to provide you with information regarding the upcoming fall athletic season. For athletes trying out for one of our five Upper School fall sports teams, preseason tryouts will begin on Monday, August 22, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Tennis will train until 1:00 p.m. The coaches will hand out their sport specific pre-season tryout and practice schedules on the first day. These documents will also be available on the school website in the Parents’ section.
Agnes Irwin is committed to providing a competitive and challenging athletic program for our athletes and teams and opportunities for all athletes to participate. However, in most sports, selections do take place. It is important to know that I have instructed our coaches to become and remain competitive at the Varsity level, and therefore, there is no guarantee of playing time. Teams at the Junior Varsity level are expected to be developmental by nature and playing time will be fair, but not always equal. All athletes are expected to attend all practices and team functions, and I ask that you help support our coaches in terms of this requirement.
Please note that tennis matches at Agnes Irwin will begin at 3:00 p.m., and away tennis matches will begin at 3:30 p.m. Students will have to be excused early from classes to participate in these matches. Part of being an AIS athlete is managing your time. Early dismissal lists are posted monthly, and athletes know well in advance what days they will miss classes. All sports have early dismissals during the season; this is due to travel time and starting times designated by the Inter-Ac League. If you or your daughter foresee a problem with missing classes, please DO NOT try out for a team. We cannot have athletes pick and choose what contests they will participate in during a season. Athletes are also required to travel with their teams at all times; separate transportation by parents is not condoned unless there is an emergency situation.
Upper School students are given several options to fulfill their Physical Education requirement for the fall season. They may choose to try out for one of our five school sports (cross country, field hockey, soccer, tennis and volleyball); or they may choose fitness, dance, or apply for an Independent Athletic Waiver. The Independent Athletic Waiver provides credit to the elite athlete who participates in a competitive athletic program outside of Agnes Irwin in a sport that we do not offer at a competitive level. If a student plans to apply for an Independent Athletic Waiver, the form must be completed and returned to Michele Kane, Chair, Wellness and Physical Education Department, during the first days of school. Applications will not be accepted after Friday, September 9, 2011. This form can be found on the website or by clicking on the link above; hard copies are available in the Upper School Office, as well.
In addition to those options already mentioned, there is an additional opportunity to receive athletic/P.E. credit for full participation in Stage Crew and Design. This option is for sophomores, juniors and seniors only. Students must contact Bill Esher, Theatre Arts Coordinator, prior to the start of the school year for full details, contracts and approvals. No student may receive this credit without the written consent of Mr. Esher and approval from Mrs. Kane.
Information about preseason conditioning programs is available on the Agnes Irwin website and on the links to the left for Cross Country, Field Hockey, Soccer and Tennis. In addition, our Varsity coaches recommend that if possible, athletes participate in the Summer Speed Training and Conditioning sessions offered by our Cross Country and Track Coach, Mary Beth Bittles. Mary Beth is a certified sprint specialist by the USATF; students may pick up applications for these sessions in the School Store.
Students must return to fall tryouts in peak physical condition in order to maximize both individual and team potential and help prevent injuries. The primary objective of preseason is to improve and develop skills, teach tactics and build teamwork. It is essential that conditioning be maintained over the summer months so that each athlete comes to tryouts in top shape and ready to begin building a successful AIS team.
Please be sure to visit our website www.agnesirwin.org and click on Parents to access all information and required forms for preseason tryouts and the fall sports season. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Enjoy your summer.
It has been my pleasure working with your daughters, and I know that strong athletic traditions will continue to grow at Agnes Irwin. I will be checking the website to celebrate the wins next November!! Thanks to everyone for your kindness and support.
Sincerely,
Kathy Shortelle
Director of Athletics
610-672-1247
kshortelle@agnesirwin.org