Middle School Athletics

Middle School athletics is an optional program for our students. We offer a robust and competitive athletics program that is open to all student-athletes who desire to participate at a more competitive level. Although winning is an important goal, we also put a large emphasis on the process; We feel that dedication and commitment to one’s team, demonstrating a positive attitude, striving to win and doing your very best are key components of the athletic experience at the middle school level. 

Athletic Program Goals

Honing skills: Playing sports instills valuable lessons and delivers many lifelong benefits. Our coaches are an instrumental part of our program and bring knowledge and expertise, emphasizing the fundamentals and introducing more advanced level skills to challenge every player. Athletes have opportunities to advance and challenge themselves all while preparing for the next level of competitive sports. 


Teamwork: We believe building strong character and how to work well with others towards a common goal is a very important and valuable life skill. Students also learn the importance of mutual respect and personal responsibility, they form deeper friendships with teammates, and they gain self-confidence. The program emphasizes  good sportsmanship, flexibility and cooperation, and encourages athletes to exhibit a healthy winning spirit and a strong sense of fair play.


Compete: Milton’s middle school athletics program introduces students to a variety of individual and team sports, giving them opportunities to develop sport-specific skills, tactical awareness, and compete against other schools. Our teams prepare and compete hard to win, but also learn how to win(and lose) all while demonstrating good sportsmanship and fair play. 


Commitment: Athletics is a choice(not a requirement) students can make with each season. With a decision to compete on one of our interscholastic teams, our students learn about commitment, dedication, and what is required to be a good contributor and team member. Being a part of one of our teams also helps advance leadership skills and opportunities.

Sports Offered

Fall: Boys’ Soccer, Girls’ Soccer, All-Gender Cross Country, Field Hockey, Flag Football, All-Gender Volleyball

Winter: Boys’ Basketball, Girls’ Basketball, Hockey, All-Gender Squash, Wrestling

Spring: Girls’ Lacrosse, Boys’ Lacrosse, Baseball, Softball, All-Gender Track and Field, All-Gender Tennis

Resources

Strength and Conditioning
For athletes of all levels, this is a fitness program modeled after CrossFit programming. We implement functional movements at higher intensities to help move athletes to a greater level of fitness. We utilize kettlebells, wall balls, jump rope, box jumps, dumbbells, running, air squats, sit ups, push ups, burpees and more. All movements and loads are scaled to the individual’s level, always making mechanics and sound movement a top priority. No previous experience necessary, except for a positive attitude and a willingness to give it your all.
Team Selections and Ability Splits
girls-soccerWhile most of our sports can only accommodate a single team composed of students in Grades 6, 7 and 8, some sports have enough interest to warrant the creation of multiple teams. Currently those sports with multiple teams include boys’ and girls’ soccer, boys’ and girls’ basketball, and, in some years, baseball. For these sports, we will conduct a tryout the first week of the season. All students in grades 6, 7 and 8 will have an opportunity to try out for our “A” team. The A team will include the highest-skilled and more experienced athletes regardless of age. Students who do not make the A team will comprise the B team or they may elect another interscholastic sport, the drama option, or the Wellness Program (numbers permitting for all).

All students will be placed on a team and participate in games. For reasons of safety, competitiveness and sportsmanship, playing time may not always be equal for all athletes in all games. We hope that over the duration of the season each player will have opportunities to participate significantly in games and make contributions to the team.

Squash (new for 2017-2018) will incorporate a team selection based on ability. Students who try out for squash and do not make the team will be placed in their second-choice winter afternoon program. Intramural squash opportunities will be provided through our Wellness curriculum in both the fall and spring seasons.

Game Day Information, Schedules and Cancellations
cross-countryThe Middle School Athletics website is updated as games are canceled, added and changed. Check the Calendar on this website for game times and locations, information about fields and courts, and—if the the game is away—return-to-campus bus times. The website is the most up-to-date place to access game day information.

If the weather is questionable, cancellations will be posted on the website by noon. When games are canceled, teams still practice indoors. Directions to opponents’ schools are available on this website

Please note that some games are played off-campus, and this will be noted on the athletic calendar. Bus return times are estimated and posted on the athletic calendar.

Safety, Injuries and Returning to Play
Every Middle School student has an ImPACT evaluation at the beginning of the school year. Developed by clinical experts who pioneered the field, ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) is the most-widely used and most scientifically validated computerized concussion evaluation system. If a child gets a concussion during a game or practice, they will need to see their physician for a diagnosis, and must have a note from that physician indicating when they are ready to return to play.

If an athlete is injured during a game or practice, they should be evaluated by their physician or one of our athletic trainers. The athlete will need a return-to-play note from the physician in order for them to participate.

If the injury is such that an athlete must miss a significant part, or all, of the season, the student’s parents, advisor and athletic director will make a determination as to the best plan for the student.

After any injury, our athletic director should be notified so there is clear and timely communication with parents, coaches, and athletic training staff. Once we have determined what is in the best interest of the student, the athlete may use one of three options: 1) attend practice and watch/observe, 2) go to the training room and rehab during the practice time, or 3) be picked up at the end of the academic day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find game day information?

Visit the Middle School Athletics Calendar for all scheduling information.

Game days are Wednesday and Fridays. Occasionally, the schedule will change. If this is the case, teams will practice from 1:30–2:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and 2:30–3:45 p.m. on Fridays. The Middle School Athletics website is updated whenever a game is canceled or changed.

What schools does Milton play?

The Meadowbrook School, Dedham Country Day School, Noble and Greenough School, Thayer Academy, Beaver Country Day School, Brimmer and May School, the Rivers School, Shady Hill School, Dexter-Southfield School, Fessenden School, Winsor, School, Roxbury Latin School, Belmont Hill School, St. Sebastian’s School, Fay School, Boston Trinity Academy, Dana Hall, the Fenn School, Newton Country Day School, Buckingham Browne & Nichols School, Tenacre Country Day School, the Park School, Derby Academy, the Pike School, Nashoba Brooks School, Charles River School

What equipment does my child need for sports?

Students need to have footwear appropriate for the sport or activity they are doing (e.g., sneakers for basketball and cleats for soccer). They also need to wear shorts and a t-shirt, and bring sweatshirts and pants to change into. You can ask the athletic director or your child’s coach for more specific information regarding additional needs for each sport. The School provides goalkeeping equipment; balls; cones; scrimmage vests and game uniforms.

Are locker rooms and water available during practice and games?

Every athlete is assigned a locker at the beginning of the school year. Students are expected to keep their equipment, uniform and practice clothes locked in their locker during the school day. A combination lock will be provided if requested. We expect all students to have their own water bottles, and they are responsible for filling them before every practice and game. There are water sources in Ware Hall and in the locker rooms and gym spaces. We also provide extra water on the team benches on game days.

Are the Middle School sports teams divided by ability?

We have multiple teams in soccer, basketball and baseball contingent on the number of students signing up for each sport. In these sports, a tryout is conducted at the beginning of each season and athletes are placed on the “blue”(A-level team) or “orange” (B-level team) appropriate to their skill level.

What is ImPACT testing and how does the Middle School use it?

Developed by clinical experts who pioneered the field, ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) is the most-widely used and most scientifically validated computerized concussion evaluation system. Every Grade 6 student and new Grade 7 student has an ImPACT evaluation at the beginning of the school year.

What happens if my child suffers a concussion?

If your child suffers a concussion in school or out of school, they should see their family doctor for further evaluation and guidance on when the child should return to play. School administrators will work with the athletic director, medical professionals, faculty advisor and family to determine the appropriate schedule for returning to regular activities.

What should I do if my child has to miss practice or a game for an appointment?

Students must follow the School’s early dismissal protocol if they plan to miss a practice or game. Athletics is part of the school day. Any student who must leave before 3:45 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, and before 2:45 p.m. on Wednesdays without scheduled games, must sign out in the main office and provide a signed early dismissal slip.

Any student missing a full practice must be picked up before practice; otherwise, the student will attend practice until a ride arrives. If you would like to pick up your child from the field, you will need to sign them out in the main office beforehand.

Milton-Mustangs

Contact


Samantha Lordi

Athletic Director
(Sabbatical Coverage)
Samantha_Lordi@milton.edu

Athletics Office
617-898-2565

Upcoming Contests


view the athletics calendar