Sentinels in Motion (December 6, 2024)

Hello Sentinel Fan Club!

I would like to take a moment to focus on academics. Some might assume that students who are involved in athletics and clubs after school tend not to prioritize their academics. The truth is, students in activities do better in the classroom! I would like to give you a real-life, up-to-date example of this.

Stella Maris Academy had 44 students who lettered (participated in at least ¼ of varsity competitions) in Fall sports this year. All 44 received the "Spotlight on Scholarship" award from the MSHSL for averaging a B or better. Even more impressive? Over 90% of these amazing student-athletes maintained an "A" average!

This data reinforces what has been known for a long time. Student athletes learn time management and general study skills that allow them to get more done in less time. Our SMA student athletes testify to the fact that you can have busy evenings and still excel in school. Congratulations to our Fall athletes.

This month, we also wanted to recap our Fall SMA/Proctor Co-ops. This was our first year for our football, girls' soccer, boys' soccer, and girls' tennis co-ops. We had one boy play varsity football, five girls play soccer, four boys play soccer, and one girl from Proctor play for our SMA-hosted girls' tennis team. In addition, we had several boys join the JH Proctor football program.

The consensus has been that things went very well for these cooperation agreements. For football and soccer practice, a shuttle bus was arranged to bring the SMA students to the Proctor practice facilities, which took some of the burden off SMA parents and was very well received by our parents. Learn more from some of our students who were interviewed!

Winter activities are off and running! Here are some activities that are starting this Winter:

• First MSHSL Nordic ski team

• First MSHSL alpine ski team

• Five boys' basketball teams - 3rd grade through varsity

• Two girls' basketball teams - 4th grade-9th grade

• One Act Play • Cheer/Pep Squad

• First MSHSL Choir competition team

• Speech club - Grades 9-11

• Robotics - Two 4th-6th grade teams

• Winter Martial Arts

Go Sentinels!

Chris Lemke - Activities Director and Dean of Students chris.lemke@stellamaris.academy

Rising Star: Eleanor’s Journey in Competitive Swimming

At just 14 years old, Stella Maris Academy student Eleanor has already made her mark in competitive swimming, qualifying for the State Championship two years in a row. The ninth-grade athlete from Duluth shares insights about her swimming career, training philosophy, and future aspirations.

Having competed at the state level twice, Enslin notes a significant evolution in her approach to competition. "This year, I feel more confident," she explains. "Last year I was more nervous, but now I understand what to expect at bigger meets."

Like many athletes, Eleanor faces periods where progress seems to plateau. She emphasizes the importance of trusting the training process: "In the middle of the season, it's hard sometimes to see progress, but the harder you work during the season, the more progress you'll see at the end."

Her dedication to improvement is evident in her training approach. "I try to get the most out of every practice," she says. “ I focus on technique and always try to do my best no matter what."

Managing schoolwork alongside competitive swimming requires careful planning. She proactively communicates with teachers and prioritizes completing assignments early, especially when swimming events conflict with school schedules.

When asked about her biggest inspiration, Eleanor credits her mother. "She really pushes me but doesn't put any pressure on me," she explains. "She helps me do my best while ensuring I don't get burnt out and still enjoy the sport."

Looking ahead, Eleanor aims to qualify for state championships in two different events and has her sights set on achieving Olympic trial qualifying times. Currently swimming for the Superior team during the off-season, she maintains her competitive edge year-round. To younger athletes interested in competitive swimming, she offers practical wisdom: "Keep working hard and try to get the most out of every practice. Even if it's not super hard, focus on technique and always try to maximize your training opportunities."

United in Excellence: A Year of Achievement in the Proctor-Stella Maris Cooperation Agreements

The following article examines the successful Proctor-Stella Maris sports cooperation agreement during the 2024 season, highlighting key achievements, personal stories, and the program's profound impact on student-athletes from both schools. This groundbreaking initiative has set new standards for inter-school athletic collaboration in the region.

Program Overview and Philosophy

The innovative partnership between Proctor Schools and Stella Maris Academy represents a transformative approach to youth athletics, creating unprecedented opportunities for student-athletes while fostering both athletic excellence and character development. This collaboration has demonstrated how combining resources and aligning values can create exceptional opportunities for young athletes.

The program's success stems from its commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes who excel both on and off the field. This holistic approach emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and personal growth alongside athletic achievement.

Football Program Excellence

Under the experienced guidance of Proctor JH football coach Phil Leflamme, who is the JH football program coach, has emerged as the flagship example of the partnership's success. The program's innovative "Football Virtues" framework has become a cornerstone of player development, integrating character building with athletic training.

Player Development Success Stories

Seventh-grade student Gunnar’s journey exemplifies the program's comprehensive approach to athlete development. In his second year, Gunnar achieved remarkable progress, earning positions on starting special teams through dedication and hard work. His physical transformation has been noteworthy: "With their workout routine, it is ridiculous how much muscle you gain at the end of the season. I lost 10 pounds of fat and gained 20 pounds of muscle."

The program's structured approach to player development includes personalized training regimens, position-specific coaching, and regular performance assessments. "They take everyone's opinions and abilities into consideration, and they put them in a spot that they know they can handle and adjust to," Gunnar explains, highlighting the program's commitment to individual growth.

Spiritual and Character Development

The integration of faith-based values has been a distinctive feature of the program. Pre-game prayers and regular character development sessions reflect both schools' commonalities while fostering team unity. This spiritual component has helped create a unique team culture that resonates with students and families from both communities.

Soccer Program Innovation

The girl’s soccer program, under the dynamic leadership of coach Anna Kidd, has experienced unprecedented growth and success. Now serving approximately 60 female athletes across multiple teams, the program has implemented several innovative approaches to player development.

Coaching Philosophy and Implementation

Coach Anna Kidd's three-pillar approach - emphasizing effort, attitude, and coachability - has created a framework for consistent player development. The program includes specialized training sessions, tactical workshops, and regular team-building activities that strengthen both athletic skills and team cohesion.

Kidd’s emphasis on creating an inclusive environment has been particularly successful in integrating students from both schools. "We tried to create a positive environment for everyone to be welcomed into and flourish in a new environment. These kids don't just represent Proctor, but Stella Maris too, and they did a great job of that."

Community Integration and Social Impact

The partnership has fostered meaningful connections across age groups and school communities. High school athlete Peter Kenney's experience demonstrates the program's success in creating an inclusive environment: "It was really great. I was kind of worried about it at first, but everyone there was really welcoming. I never felt like the odd man out because I was from Stella Maris."

Younger athletes have particularly benefited from the mentorship aspects of the program. Charlie Eklund's successful transition to varsity soccer and Jacenta Zangs's positive social experiences highlight the program's effectiveness in building bridges between different age groups and school communities.

Administrative Support and Infrastructure

The program's success is built on a strong foundation of administrative support and parent involvement. Regular communications meetings, efficient transportation systems, and flexible scheduling have helped overcome the logistical challenges of managing a two-school athletic cooperative.

Parent volunteers and staff members from both schools work collaboratively to ensure smooth operations, from game day logistics to practice schedules. This behind-the-scenes coordination has been crucial to the program's day-to-day success.

Future Vision and Growth

As the partnership moves forward, both schools are committed to offering the best possible cooperation experience for the students and families.

Coach Leflamme's assessment captures the program's promising future: "My opinion of the first year into the co-op between Proctor and SMA is that it's been mutually beneficial, and has laid a foundation for great success in the future. This year we had players from multiple grades participating within the football program, and they were a large part of our success."

Measuring Success and Impact

The program's success is evident not just in athletic achievements but in the personal growth of participating students. Improved academic performance, stronger leadership skills, and enhanced social connections have been observed across the student-athlete population.

Regular assessments and feedback sessions help maintain program quality and identify areas for improvement. This commitment to continuous evaluation and adaptation ensures the partnership remains responsive to student needs and community expectations.

A Model for Athletic Collaboration

The Proctor-Stella Maris cooperation agreement had an inspirational and well received start this fall. By prioritizing both athletic excellence and personal development, the program continues to create lasting positive impacts on student-athletes while strengthening community bonds.

As the program enters its next phase of development, our hope is that it can serve as a model for how educational institutions can work together with a shared vision and create extraordinary opportunities for student growth and achievement.