Sentinels in Motion (April 1, 2025)

April Sentinels in Motion

Hello Sentinel Nation! Spring is in the air, and our activities are in full swing.

Student participation in activities continues to grow as we welcome warmer weather and upcoming competitions. To view your Sentinels' performances, meets, matches, or games, click here for the schedule. Simply select "view schedules," choose your activities of interest, and click "view."

This spring, we offer the following activities:

Minnesota State High School League Activities (MSHSL)

  • Boys and Girls Clay Target - Grades 7-11

In our second year of clay target, our team has grown from four boys to 16 students! The team practices twice weekly at Old Vermillion and competes in several tournaments, including the annual state tournament in Alexandria. This activity pairs well with other spring activities, making it perfect for multi-sport athletes.

  • Boys and Girls Track and Field - Grades 6-11

Our track and field team continues to thrive with 32 students in grades 7-11 and three 6th graders. Now in our third year, we're proud to offer varsity opportunities for the second consecutive season. The team practices on campus and participates in eight meets at both junior high and varsity levels.

  • Softball - Girls Grades 5-11

Our softball program includes 13 players in grades 7-11 and 11 players in grades 5-6. This year marks our exciting debut at the varsity level, with teams competing at JH, JV, and varsity levels. We're fortunate to have an on-campus softball field for practice and non-varsity games.

  • Boys Tennis - Grades 4-11

SMA's varsity boys tennis team enters its second season with 10 players in grades 7-10 and 20 players in grades 4-6. The team practices at UMD, with varsity players bused to campus after school.

  • Boys and Girls Golf - 7-11th grade

Our golf program has expanded from 11 to 16 student-athletes in its second year. Players currently train in the weight room and will transition to local courses once they open for the season.

Non-MSHSL Teams/Clubs and Co-Curricular Activities:

  • Spring Musical - The Wizard of Oz - 7-11th grade boys and girls

Twenty-seven junior and senior high students will perform April 10-12 at the Holy Rosary campus. In our second year of musical theater, this production marks our first exclusively junior and senior high performance. It provides an excellent opportunity for students passionate about theater and music to find their community.

  • Robotics clubs - Grades 4-6

Our inaugural robotics program has launched with 25 students across two clubs at St. James and St. John's campuses. Students are practicing with simulated competitions this year and will compete in Lego Robotics next year as Sentinels. We plan to expand into junior high and high school robotics in future years.

  • Literary Luncheons - Grades 7-9

Seventeen high school students gather in this winter/spring program to discuss books, watch their film adaptations, and enjoy snacks while building academic friendships!

  • Baseball - Grades 5-8

Our baseball team returns for its second year with 23 players in grades 5-8. Building on last year's participation in the Duluth 709 spring/summer league, our growing team will now also compete against local junior high teams starting in April!

Videos in this newsletter

This edition features interviews with Jake Turner, our new softball coach, and sophomore Ava M., who shares her Track and Field experience.



What does it mean to be a Sentinel?

In Sentinel Nation, we emphasize the theological virtue of love (charity). Our coaches integrate this value into their programs. While team members don't always have to like each other, they must LOVE each other by putting others' needs before their own.

Below is the definition of our "love" award, presented to one student on each MSHSL team.

Love Award

The Love Award is given to the student athlete who willingly sacrifices for the good of their teammates and their team, especially at the cost of their own gain.

Important date to put in your calendar:

Monday, May 19 at 5:30 in the high school cafeteria. Parents can register on-site for Fall activities, meet Fall coaches, and enjoy food while students participate in fun activities. We're introducing this format because summer online registrations often conflict with busy family schedules.



Alexios Belavilas