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SUMMER '24 REVIEW

Welcome to the Athletic Department's Summer edition of our newsletter.

As the summer sun shines, the Athletics office finds itself in the midst of its busiest season. The months leading up to the new school year are filled with a flurry of activities that are crucial for ensuring a smooth transition into the fall sports season. Among the most important tasks are sports physicals, a vital step in preparing our student-athletes for the rigorous demands of their chosen sports. The office also oversees APP (Athletic Placement Process) testing, a key process that helps determine the appropriate level of competition for our younger athletes, ensuring their safety and development.

In addition to these responsibilities, the Athletics office manages a wide range of operational tasks that are essential for the seamless functioning of our sports programs. From coordinating with coaches to ensuring that facilities and equipment are in top condition, every detail is attended to with the utmost care. The dedication and hard work of the Athletics team during this time lay the groundwork for a successful and enjoyable sports season.

Now, as the fall season kicks off and our fields, pools, and courts come alive with the energy of competition, the focus shifts back to the day-to-day practices and contests that define our programs. With the groundwork laid, we are excited to support our student-athletes as they strive for excellence, both on and off the field.

Let's gear up for an exceptional year ahead!

Lindsay Bergman, Director of Health, Physical Education, & Athletics

What's New in Athletics

REVISED ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY PROCEDURES

Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, the Ken-Ton Athletics Department will be implementing revised academic eligibility procedures. These procedures focus on grade-level credit and seasonal requirements to ensure our student-athletes balance their academic and athletic commitments effectively.

To try out for a team, a high school student-athlete must meet the following requirements:

Grade-level credit requirements:

  • Entering 10th grade: Must have earned 4.5 credits
  • Entering 11th grade: Must have earned 9 credits
  • Entering 12th grade: Must have earned 13.5 credits

Seasonal requirements:

  • Fall Sports Season: The student must have earned four units plus physical education during the preceding school year. Credits may be earned through summer school.
  • Winter Sport Season: The student must have passed four courses plus physical education during the first 10-week marking period.
  • Spring Sport Season: The student must have passed four courses plus physical education during the second marking period.

Once selected for a team, the student-athlete’s grades will be monitored every 5 weeks throughout the school year. If at any 5-week checkpoint a student-athlete is not in good standing (passing four 1-credit courses plus Physical Education), they may enter Phase 1 or Phase 2 for a period determined by school administration.

With the implementation of the revised requirements this year, students who lack the cumulative credits will be provided with a 1-year transition phase. During this phase, a student-athlete will be provided an opportunity to continue participating. To be eligible for full participation, a student-athlete is required to meet the following expectations:

  1. Attend study table Monday-Thursday from 2:30-3:00pm
  2. Complete weekly grade checks using the Interscholastic Athletics Grade Check Form for all classes.
  3. Submit the form to the Assistant Principal for Athletics by the end of 8th period every Friday.

If a student-athlete fails to meet any of the above requirements, they will be deemed ineligible for interscholastic athletics and removed from the team. A student-athlete will only become eligible once all required credits have been accrued.

WELCOME NEW COACHES

This fall, the Athletic Department is excited to introduce a number of coaches in new positions at Kenmore East and Kenmore West. These individuals add former playing and coaching experience to our programs. Good luck this upcoming season!

Kenmore West Student-Athlete Leads the Way for NYSPHSAA

Kenmore West student-athlete Jack Johnson has been appointed as the male leader of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s (NYSPHSAA) Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). This role allows Jack to be a key voice in statewide decisions affecting student-athletes. Over the summer, Jack represented New York at the National Student Leadership Summit in Indianapolis, where he gained valuable insights and experiences. As part of his new role, he will attend eight SAAC meetings annually and is set to lead a breakout session at the NYSPHSAA Student Leadership conference in Albany.

Jack, a senior at Kenmore West, is also the captain of the football team and a partner on the unified bowling and basketball teams. His leadership extends beyond the field, as he is deeply committed to enhancing the student-athlete experience and ensuring their voices are heard. Jack’s dedication and leadership skills are expected to have a lasting impact on both his school and the broader athletic community in New York.

ATHLETICS & PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

This summer, coaches and physical education teachers were invited to participate in an enriching virtual book study centered around Jon Gordon's bestseller, "The Energy Bus". This course, led by Lindsay Bergman, the Director of Health, PE, and Athletics, aimed to empower educators by fostering a positive mindset and leadership skills crucial for both coaching and teaching.

"The Energy Bus" is a compelling narrative that follows the journey of George, a man whose life and work are in disarray. He encounters a transformational change when he boards a bus driven by Joy, who, along with her passengers, teaches him ten simple rules to fuel his life, work, and team with positive energy. These rules are not just fictional elements but actionable principles that resonate deeply with the roles of coaches and physical education teachers.

The ten rules from "The Energy Bus" include:

  1. You're the Driver of Your Bus - Emphasizing personal responsibility and control over one's attitude and actions.
  2. Desire, Vision, and Focus Move Your Bus in the Right Direction - Highlighting the importance of setting goals and maintaining focus.
  3. Fuel Your Ride with Positive Energy - Encouraging optimism and positivity as a daily practice.
  4. Invite People on Your Bus and Share Your Vision for the Road Ahead - Building strong, supportive teams.
  5. Don't Waste Your Energy on Those Who Don't Get on Your Bus - Focusing efforts on those who support and share your vision.
  6. Post a Sign that Says "No Energy Vampires Allowed" on Your Bus - Protecting one's positive energy by avoiding negativity.
  7. Enthusiasm Attracts More Passengers and Energizes Them During the Ride - Using enthusiasm to inspire and motivate others.
  8. Love Your Passengers - Showing genuine care and support for team members.
  9. Drive with Purpose - Ensuring that every action is aligned with a greater purpose.
  10. Have Fun and Enjoy the Ride - Emphasizing the importance of joy and enjoyment in one's work and life.

Throughout the book study, participants engaged in thoughtful discussions and reflections on how these principles can be applied to their professional lives. They explored strategies to build positive team environments, enhance student engagement, and maintain their own enthusiasm and motivation.

The book study, conducted virtually, not only provided valuable professional development but also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose among the educators. Participants left the course with renewed energy and a toolkit of strategies to drive their own success and the success of their students.

Ken-Ton Athletics Introduces BoxOut Sports for Enhanced Visual Engagement

Ken-Ton Athletics is thrilled to implement BoxOut Sports, a premier graphics and social media platform, across our athletic programs. With features like advanced motion graphics, a vast template library, and seamless social media integration, BoxOut Sports will empower our coaches and teams to create professional, dynamic content that highlights the achievements of our student-athletes. This tool not only enhances our digital presence but also strengthens our commitment to celebrating the successes of Ken-Ton athletes in innovative and visually engaging ways.

By utilizing BoxOut Sports, we aim to showcase the dedication and talent of our student-athletes, shining a spotlight on their achievements both on and off the field. This platform allows us to visually express the pride we have in our programs and athletes, ensuring that their hard work and successes are recognized and celebrated throughout our community.

Each coach at the modified, JV, and varsity levels will have access to create their own team-specific content, allowing for a personalized approach in highlighting the unique achievements and milestones of every team.

RECOGNITION

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING RECOGNITION

On the evening of July 2nd, the Board of Education meeting was filled with an air of excitement and pride as individuals and teams from across the district were recognized for their outstanding achievements as Section VI champions. The room buzzed with anticipation as students, coaches, parents, and community members gathered to celebrate these remarkable accomplishments.

The following individuals and teams were recognized:

Kenmore Boys Bowling

KenGi-Port Girls Ice Hockey

Kenmore East Boys Ice Hockey

Kenmore West Unified Bowling

Not pictured:

  • Kenmore Girls Swimming – Amelia MacKinnon (50 freestyle)
  • Kenmore Boys Swimming – Brady Garcia (500 freestyle)
  • Kenmore West Indoor Track and Field – Aniyah Mungo (300 meters)

NYSPHSAA SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE

At the end of July, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) announced the 2023-2024 Schools of Distinction and Excellence. The purpose of the School of Distinction and School of Excellence Awards are to unite athletic departments in challenging their teams to achieve a statewide academic honor. This year, 114 schools earned the School of Distinction Award and 226 schools earned the School of Excellence Award.

Schools can apply for School of Distinction status if 100% of their varsity teams qualify for and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award during their respective sports seasons. To apply for the School of Excellence Award, 75% of a school’s varsity teams must qualify and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award.

For the second consecutive year, NYSPHSAA recognizes Kenmore East as a School of Excellence. Congratulations Bulldogs!

ATHLETICS & ENCORE ASSISTANT RECOGNIZED

At the August 6th Board of Education Meeting, Marie Whitney was recognized for her work in the Athletics & Encore office. Whitney plays a pivotal role in supporting educators and coaches, dedicating herself to ensuring they have the necessary resources and assistance. Known for her attention to detail, Marie excels in managing facility rentals. Her prompt and efficient responses to all requests have earned her a reputation as a reliable and indispensable member of her team.

Recently, Marie took on a critical role in implementing new physical education equipment share procedures. This initiative has streamlined the process for teachers and coaches to access and share essential equipment, fostering a more collaborative and resourceful environment. Her contributions have significantly enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of the program.

Additionally, Marie has assisted in updating procedures for facility rentals and scheduling. Through her efforts, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence and customer service, solidifying her role as a key asset to her organization.

Thank you Marie for all that you have done and continue to provide!

Kenmore East Coach Honored by League & Section

Coach Leslie Simon of Kenmore East has been honored with the Coaches Sportsmanship Award by Section VI, recognizing his exceptional dedication to promoting sportsmanship and integrity in athletics. Throughout his career, Coach Simon has prioritized the development of well-rounded student-athletes, focusing on values like teamwork, respect, and fair play. His leadership has impacted the Ken-Ton community, earning him the admiration of his peers, colleagues, and students alike.

Beyond the playing surface, Coach Simon is known for his willingness to go above and beyond for his athletes, providing support and encouragement. This award is a testament to his lasting influence on Kenmore East's athletics program, where his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. The recognition by the Niagara Frontier League and Section VI highlights the high regard in which Coach Simon is held, making this accolade a well-deserved tribute to his coaching philosophy.

upcoming events - fall '24

Winter Sports Registration Begins - October 21st

Kenmore East Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet - October 24th

Kenmore East Athletic Hall of Fame Football Game - October 25th

KEN-TON ATHLETICS WEBSITE

finalforms - sports registration

The Athletics Department uses FinalForms forms for all sports signups. To complete the registration process, both a parent/guardian and student athlete must complete the required forms. Click on the button below to get started:

ATHLETICS SCHEDULES

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