Athletics
Meet the Director of Athletics
Don Nicholson '79
Mr. Nicholson, a member of the Class of 1979, has been at the Academy since receiving his bachelor's degree from Keene State. He taught history for twenty years and served as the History Department Chair for ten of those years. He then assumed the position of Director of Alumni & Development, in which capacity he served for seven years. He is presently Director of Athletics.
His Girls' Varsity Soccer teams have earned ten Western New England Division Championships and one Western New England League Championship. They have also been New England Finalists three times and have earned two New England Prep School Championships.
Mr. Nicholson was the Massachusetts and New England Prep/Parochial Coach of the year in 2001. He holds a National Coaching Diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
He lives in Brewer House with his wife Karen. His son Kyle and daughter Nicole are both alumni, members of the Class of 2003.
Athletic News
Athletic Games Today
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Photos & Videos
Click here to see our Athletics Photos & Videos page.
Philosophy
In conjunction with the philosophy of the Academy, our afternoon requirement places an emphasis on developing a healthy, active lifestyle and is consistent with our belief that students should interact with their peers both on and off campus. We believe that the experiences gained from physical activity benefit our students and play a significant role in allowing them to develop the skills, attitudes, and habits necessary to build a strong mind, body and spirit.
Afternoon Program
Our "Afternoon Program'' offers choices between athletic and non-athletic activities for all students during the Fall, Winter and Spring seasons:
- Grades 9 and 10 must select three seasons from Group Options.
- Grades 11, 12 and postgraduates must select two seasons from the Group Option and either a Group Option or Independent Option for the third season.
Click here for 2017 - 2018 Afternoon Program options.
Options
| Fall | Winter | Spring |
| Academy Players - Play | Academy Players - Musical | Academy Players - Movie |
| Cross Country (B/G) | Basketball (B/G) | Baseball |
| Dance | Dance | Crew (Co-ed) |
| Field Hockey (G) | Downhill Skiing (Co-ed) | Dance |
| Football (B) | Model Congress | Golf (Co-ed) |
| Outdoor Program | Riflery (Co-ed) | Lacrosse (B/G) |
| Service Team | Robotics | Outdoor Program |
| Soccer (B/G) | Rubicon | Rugby (B) |
| Technical Theater | Science Olympiad | Service Team |
| Varsity Sports Managers | Service Team | Softball (G) |
| Volleyball (G) | Snowboarding | Tennis (B/G) |
| Water Polo (co-ed) | Swimming (Co-ed) | Track & Field (Co-ed) |
| WMA Fellows | Technical Theater | Volleyball (B) |
| Varsity Sports Manager | Varsity Sports Manager | |
| WMA Fellows | WMA Fellows | |
| Winter Track (Co-ed) Wresting |
Swim Requirement
In the fall of 2017, we will require all Grade 9 students be able to swim a minimum of 75 yards and tread water for 2 minutes.
Students will be tested in the fall, and if they choose not to be tested or are unable to complete the test, we will offer swim lessons. The lessons will be free and can be private or in a group.
Click here for more information and to complete an evaluation form.
Future testing includes:
2018 - all Grade 9 students and Grade 10 students
2019 - all Grade 9 students, Grade 10 and Grade 11 students
2020 - all students will be engaged in the swim requirement