Dear Saint Dominic School Community,
In the spirit of on-going communication about our community activities, please find below some questions and answers regarding team sports at Saint Dominic School.
Why were school sports at Saint Dominic School shut down?
In March, 2020, 2.5 years ago, the COVID pandemic hit. Schools were closed, and school sports were canceled.
Why were school sports brought back to Saint Dominic School?
Saint Dominic School has a history of robust athletics. After faith, academics, and socialization, physical activity and team building are important developmental pieces to many children’s educational journey. According to a study tracking students, physical activity is associated with improved academics, attitudes, and academic behavior. Involvement in clubs, the arts, and other activities has shown to be equally advantageous to students.
What happened to the previous Athletic Director at Saint Dominic School?
As the school community moved toward the reinstitution of athletic extracurricular opportunities, the Athletic Director retired. This is a volunteer position, and yet a great deal of decision making, coordination, and parent/student communication is required.
How were we able to move forward with sports at Saint Dominic School?
Mr. Tom Fritz, a local retired police officer, stepped up to offer his time, energy, and commitment to our school as head of the Sports League. Tom knew school sports at Saint Dominic School as well as in the Brick District schools. Tom does not have children at Saint Dominic School.
Father Brian Woodrow, Deacon Buecker, and Mrs. Tonkovich met with Tom Fritz. Bringing the sports teams back was important to all, but it had to be done carefully and with forethought. Tom began with a focus on the sports league executive board. Some members who knew sports at SDS stayed on. Others moved on due to their children graduating.
Who is on the Sports League Board and what do they do?
The following individuals presently volunteer their time on the SDS Sports League Board:
President: Tom Fritz
Vice President: Dave Nase
Treasurer: Mike Lauder
Secretary: Dan McCullough
Directors:
Randy Jenks
Ryan Dunn
Matt Simpson
Sean Streeter
Brian Davis
Kevin Dooley
John Dolan
The Sports League Board members not only bring sports to SDS, they are the first contacted when help is needed for events such as: set up for the Bobby Buecker Fundraiser, church decorating for Christmas, and grilling at the Feast Day celebration. In addition, the Sports League Board members focus on what is needed in regard to sports facilities. Presently, a fund-raiser (50/50) for new bleachers is sponsored by the Sports League.
Which sports were brought back to Saint Dominic School?
Cross country, soccer, bowling, basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball were brought back thanks to the many volunteer hours of coaches, the trust parents put in the sports league, and of course the student-athletes.
Is the sports program at Saint Dominic School changing?
The program continues to grow and develop. In order to do so, changes are sometimes needed. In years past, our teams played in the Monmouth Ocean Parochial Leagues. This year, the decision was made to have our teams play in the Monmouth County Athletic League. This League has both parochial schools and public schools on their schedules. A robust level of competition and more schools to play will offer a higher level of competition for our student-athletes.
How will this change affect basketball?
Basketball season is upon us. Varsity Boys and girls basketball teams will be in not one - but two leagues - The Monmouth Ocean Parochial Basketball League and the Monmouth County Athletic League! Close to 30 games of competitive play are scheduled.
Students in grades 7-8 will make up the Varsity teams. Although the Monmouth County Athletic League allows sixth graders (and in fact students in any grade), Saint Dominic School will continue, as in past years, to limit the Varsity basketball teams to 7th and 8th graders.
The fifth and sixth graders will participate on the JV teams, playing in the Monmouth Ocean Parochial League.
Have decisions been for the parents, athletes, or coaches benefit?
The return of sports is an important piece back to normalcy for our student athletes. At Saint Dominic School, sports are about students, teamsmanship, patience, and learning.
Are the coaches paid?
Coaches are not paid. Many leave their jobs, their homes, and family activities to be with the student athletes here at SDS. It is important to display to the children the respect that each coach deserves.
I’d like to contact the coach about my child.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please reach out directly to Mr. Tom Fritz at sdsports@stdomschool.org.