More Than Just Gym Class
More Than Just Gym Class
Staff and students show their Lion’s pride all over the community, and Assumption’s very own Athletic Department allows the staff and students of Assumption College School to strive and succeed in so many ways. It is phenomenal what this team accomplishes. They are our coaches, our teachers and our friends; but it is the many things they do behind the scenes that we take for granted.
Mrs. Eileen Elliott, department head of the Physical Education department at Assumption, is not only an amazing teacher but is also in charge of all the athletics in which our school participates. She is responsible for the organization of gym times, classes, and athletic equipment. What is so remarkable is that she is also the BCSSAA (Brant County Secondary School Athletic Association) Chair; this means that for all County high school athletic activities, such as regular season and playoff game schedules, our very own Lion organizes and facilitates these events. Due to this, the Lion’s den hosts multiple BCSSAA Championships. “Athletics are such a big facet of the high school experience. It’s an important part of many young people’s lives,” observed Mrs. Elliott.
Through extensive organization, we also host many elementary school athletic events, such as basketball and volleyball tournaments, and track and field meets. Our Athletic Department offers this service to many schools from both area school boards.
It is our beautiful facility that attracts people here, but we would not have this amazing program if it was not for our dedicated internal and external coaches who work within our athletic department. Physical Education teacher (and girls rugby coach) Mrs. Lancaster says “if it wasn’t for our Athletic Department team, none of the events which you see here at Assumption could take place”. Mr. McKay, Mrs. Zareski and Mrs. Ferris are also members of the ACS Athletic Department.
Because of the many teachers and community volunteers willing to serve as coaches here at Assumption we are able to have hockey teams, soccer teams, cross country teams, cheerleading, track and field, tennis, volleyball, football, rugby, basketball, badminton, curling, baseball, fastball, golf and lacrosse. With so many different sports, it is important for communication within the department to always be at its peak. The teachers and coaches communicate with each other so that no student is left misinformed.
For those who are not currently attending Assumption, you would not know the amount of work that goes into the athletic program. The teachers work together to provide the best program possible, and make it available to all students. Assumption now is able to offer ropes, canoe trips, golfing, pool, biking and inline skating, just to name a few. The Athletic Department team has made it their goal to promote Healthy Active Living, which is the ability to teach athletics in such a way that the students can continue to be active outside of the class and into their adult lives.
In order for Assumption to offer such an advanced program to the students, fundraising is an important source of revenue. The main fundraiser is our annual elimination draw. Tickets are sold to raise money for the department. It is an amazing night and allows the community to see what Assumption’s athletics are all about. Awards and prizes are given out at the event, giving away approximately $5,000 in prizes. This elimination draw has been a tradition here at Assumption for 15 years, the founder being Mr. Paul Perras under the supervision of Mr. Floyd Kennedy. It is because of our dedicated staff and outside coaches that Assumption’s Athletic Department is able to offer students so much more than just gym class.
