Stories For A Century

Every day at 3:00, Rectory students put aside their books and move toward the gym. But their education continues. At Rectory, sports are considered an integral part of the boys’ education. To this end, we try to run a sound and complete athletic program.

First, we ask that all boys fulfill certain minimum requirements athletically: daily exercise, daily shower, and use of athletic facilities and clothing.

Second, we offer the boys a wide range of sporting interests, to give every boy a chance to compete in his particular area and to show the students as many sports as possible.  In fall, soccer, football, cross-country, and intramurals are offered. In the winter, there is a choice of basketball, hockey, wrestling, and intramurals. During spring, students may choose from baseball, track, tennis and again intramurals. In addition to these, boys at Rectory may over the year be exposed to, on a club or informal basis, shotgun, riflery, weightlifting, boxing, skiing, volleyball, and lacrosse. 

Third, we offer this range of sports on very different levels, with each having its own sense of competitiveness, awards, and goals. On the most basic level, the accent is on the development of coordination and fundamentals, limiting competition to within the school. At the junior level, interscholastic competition is introduced, but only with boys of equal ability and age. Winning here is definitely secondary to developing skills that will help the boys in the future. On the upper, or varsity levels, the interscholastic competition is sharper. Obviously, the win-or-else concept is inappropriate to any junior school competition, but effort and commitment are expected within the limits of sportsmanship. Letters and trophies for excellence or Improvement are awarded on this level. 

In an age when sports are considered unfashionable, we at Rectory find it beneficial to continue a strong athletic program. Success on the athletic field may complement or even foster success in the classroom.  And, most importantly, sports contribute to the education of the whole body in the fullest sense.