Sentinels in Motion (September 30, 2024)
Welcome back Sentinel Nation - for the third year of Sentinel Activities!
I am having a hard time believing that I just wrote the words “third year”. It has been an incredibly fun and rewarding ride so far, and there is so much more in store for this year!
I would like you to welcome our new communication director, Alex Belavilas, to Sentinels in Motion. He would like to give Sentinels In Motion a new and modern twist! We will be providing a lot of the content this year via video - for your viewing pleasure.
Another new item for this year is the development of an activities fundraising committee made of several SMA parents and members of staff. This group is tasked with organizing fundraising efforts to fund our growing activities. The first event organized by this group will be a Fall Flannel Fest. So please save Saturday, Oct. 26 from 9:30-3:00 at the High School on your weekend calendars.
Here is what is going on during this event:
Students who are involved in an SMA activity will be reaching out for sponsors to support their efforts in working on the SMA trail in the morning of the event. The trail is coming along great, but still in need of a lot of work to get the surface safely runnable. Each student will be asked to find at least five SMA activity supporters at $20 each to sponsor their two hours of hard work on the trail. If students finds 10 supporters or raises $200, they will receive their own Stella Maris colored flannel shirt with a logo and a leather patch highlighting their work on the trail.
Any SMA supporter is encouraged to come with gloves and a rake to help with the trail along with the students.
These handsome flannels will be available on site (limited inventory) or can be ordered by emailing me at any time. The cost for the inaugural event flannel is $50. The flannels will also be available at the Fall Flannel Fest; so if we don't have your size or run out, you will be able to order at the event!
After the trail work, all are invited (not just trail workers) to food and fun activities centered around the pavilion at 12:00. There will be hay rides on the SMA trail, smores, homemade lemonade and apple cider, fresh baked goods, hotdogs, and chili along with other fun activities for all ages. This will be the first of many Fall Flannel events with the goal of starting a 5k run/walk event on the SMA trail starting next year. Our plan is to offer an event such as this during each season of the year. The teams that are in season will play a large role in putting on the event.
We are very excited by the growth and early fruits that our activities are providing; please help how you can to ensure that we can continue to offer these opportunities!
Chris Lemke - Activities Director and Dean of Students chris.lemke@stellamaris.academy
Stella Maris Academy Tennis: A Season of Growth and Character Development
In a recent interview, Mr. Sjomeling, the Tennis Coach at Stella Maris Academy, shared insights into the team's preparation for the current season and the unique challenges they face with Alex. He covered many points, from the coach's perspective on the team's transition to varsity status, to their goals as a team, and the balance between competitive sports and personal development.
Transitioning to Varsity Status
To start with, Coach Sjomeling highlighted the significant changes the team has undergone this season. "This year, we are officially a varsity program," he stated, marking a departure from previous years when they operated with JV and club teams. This transition has brought about new challenges, including managing increased practice times, balancing practice locations, preparing players for a more intensive schedule, and accommodating a larger team of over 50 players. These changes have required careful planning and adaptation from both the coaching staff and the players.
Goals Beyond the Court
When asked about the team's main goals, Sjomeling emphasized a unique perspective that sets Stella Maris Academy apart. "The main goal for our program at Stella Maris Academy is to create players who can glorify God," he explained. This approach shifts the focus from wins and losses to character development and virtue. Key aspects of their goal-setting include prioritizing personal growth over competitive results, developing players as individuals with strong character, and emphasizing the team's role as sons and daughters of God. This holistic approach to player development reflects the academy's commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals.
Leadership and Player Development
Coach Sjomeling praised the leadership emerging within the team, particularly highlighting Della, a 10th grader who has stepped up as a role model for younger players. He noted the importance of fostering good team atmosphere while recognizing the individual nature of tennis matches.
Balancing Academics and Athletics
The coach stressed the importance of maintaining a proper balance between sports and academics. "Students are student-athletes, and so they recognize the word student comes before the word athlete," he emphasized. This philosophy guides their approach to player development, ensuring that academics remain the top priority, players learn to manage their time effectively, and the team maintains a holistic view of personal growth. Coach Sjomeling outlined a clear hierarchy of priorities for his players: Jesus first, followed by family, school, and then sports.
Keeping the Team Motivated
To maintain team morale and focus throughout the season, Sjomeling implements various strategies. These include organizing team bonding activities, such as visits to an apple orchard, planning fun events like players vs. teachers matches, and incorporating lighthearted elements into regular practice sessions. These initiatives aim to preserve the enjoyment factor that initially draws students to sports while fostering a strong team spirit.
Conclusion
As Stella Maris Academy's tennis team navigates its first season as a varsity program, Coach Sjomeling’s approach exemplifies a balance between competitive growth and personal development. By prioritizing character building, academic success, and team cohesion, the program aims to create not just skilled athletes, but well-rounded individuals prepared for life beyond the tennis court.
Cross Country Athletes: Annabel and Logan Share Their Journey
In a recent interview, rising cross country stars Annabel and Logan hung out with Alex to discuss their preparation, goals, and experiences in the current season. Their insights offer a glimpse into the dedication and passion these young athletes bring to their sport.
Preparation and Training
When asked about their preparation for the season, both athletes highlighted significant changes in their approach. Annabel, now in her second year of cross-country, emphasized the importance of social running and endurance building. "I've been running more with my friends this year and going out more for longer runs," she explained, indicating a shift from shorter, more intense training sessions to building stamina.
Logan, a newcomer to cross-country but with experience in track and field, noted the differences in his training regimen. "For cross-country, I've done way longer runs for practicing at home," he said, adapting his routine from the shorter distances and field events of track to the demands of long-distance running.
Personal Goals and Team Objectives
Both athletes have set ambitious personal goals for the season. Annabel aims to complete the entire 5K (3.1 miles) run and consistently improve her time with each race. Logan, buoyed by early success, has set his sights on finishing in the top ten in each meet. His personal goal aligns well with the team's objectives, as he proudly noted, "The boys have won the last two meets."
Overcoming Challenges
The path to success is never without obstacles. Annabel has been dealing with knee problems, which she's addressed through alternative training methods. "I've been going every day to the gym and biking," she said, describing her gradual return to running.
Logan faced a different challenge, having been sidelined with a hip injury during summer training. "The first few practices were a little rough because I had to get back into running since I hadn't run in two months," he shared, highlighting the perseverance required to overcome setbacks.
Balancing Academics and Athletics
Both Annabel and Logan stressed the importance of prioritizing their studies while pursuing their athletic goals. Annabel's approach involves tackling homework immediately after practice, while Logan compartmentalizes his focus: "When I'm at school, I don't really worry about cross-country practice. I base all my time and effort on my academics. And then when I get to cross-country, I focus all my time and effort on cross-country."
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, both athletes express excitement for what's to come. Annabel is particularly enthused about the team dynamics, stating, "We have an amazing team. I love all of our teammates so much. We just work really well together." She's eager to see what the team can accomplish this year.
Logan, with his eyes set on the postseason, is optimistic about the team's prospects. "I feel like we have a good team this year, and we might actually do pretty well," he said, looking forward to sections and the possibility of advancing further in the competition.
Conclusion
Annabel and Logan's responses paint a picture of dedicated young athletes who are not only committed to their sport but also to their academic responsibilities and team dynamics. Their enthusiasm, coupled with their strategic approach to training and competition, bodes well for their future in cross country. As the season unfolds, these young runners are poised to make significant strides both on and off the track.