Student Life

Athletics

Crusader AthleticsBuilding the Next Chapter, Together

School of St. Mary athletics has always been at its best when the whole community builds it together: coaches, families, and Crusaders working side by side to create something that brings people together, builds friendships, and instills a pride that carries well beyond the field or gym.
Faith. Character. Competition.

Crusader Athletics

Crusader athletics has always been at its best when it's built together: coaches, families, and students working side by side to create something that brings people together, builds friendships, and instills a pride that carries well beyond the field or gym. School of St. Mary competes in the CII-3A Athletic League, offering a full slate of sports across the fall, winter, and spring seasons.

More than wins and stat sheets, Crusader athletics is rooted in sportsmanship, character, and faith: values instilled by generations of coaches and volunteers long before us, and carried forward by every Crusader who takes the field today. We welcome parent involvement in every form, from coaching to scorekeeping to cheering from the stands.
Crusader athletics runs on volunteers. Whether you can coach a season, keep score at a game, or simply lend a hand on game day, there's a place for you. Contact us at athletics@schoolofstmary.org to get involved.

Our Athletic Committee

Behind every Crusader team stands a committee of coaches and volunteers dedicated to one goal: helping our student-athletes find their place. Sport-specific chairs work alongside members focused on the broader athletic experience, ensuring every offering continues to grow while creating room for students to explore more than one activity, whether that means being both a volleyball player and a cheerleader, or a runner and a basketball player. At the end of the day, our Athletic Committee exists to turn classmates into teammates.

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  • Committee Members

    • Peter Hartman — Athletic Director
    • Niki Graham — Assistant Athletic Director and Teacher Engagement
    • John Hancir — Running Program Chair and SAC Liaison
    • Michele McClain — Cheerleading Chair
    • Bill Dewar — Volleyball Chair
    • Ryan Roth — Football Chair
    • Jimmy and Molly Griffin — Basketball Chair
    • Joe Byers — Golf Chair
    • Annie Fisk — Student Managers
    • Eileen Weber — Traditions and Events
    • Ben O'Connor — Special Projects
    • Mark Stanwood — Fundraising Initiatives

Sports

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  • FALL

    (August – October)

    Football

    Boys, 5th – 6th
    School of St. Mary football introduces boys to the fundamentals of the game in a supportive, team-first environment.

    Girls Volleyball
    Girls, 5th – 8th
    Crusader volleyball builds serving, passing, and teamwork skills while competing in the CII-3A League.

    Cheerleading
    Girls, 4th – 8th
    Crusader cheerleaders build spirit and confidence while supporting their fellow student-athletes from the sidelines.

    Cross Country
    Boys and Girls, 4th – 8th
    This program is designed to accommodate all ability levels, welcoming every Crusader who wants to run.

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  • WINTER

    (October – February)

    Basketball

    Boys and Girls, 5th – 8th
    Crusader basketball teaches fundamentals, teamwork, and competitive spirit for boys and girls alike.

    Cheerleading
    Girls, 4th – 8th
    Crusader cheerleading continues into the winter season, giving girls who couldn't join in the fall a second chance to be part of the squad.

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  • SPRING

    Co-Ed Track and Field
    Boys and Girls, 4th – 8th
    Crusader track and field offers running events from sprints to distance and hurdles, along with field events in jumping and throwing, as students travel to meets throughout the area.

    Boys Volleyball
    Boys, 5th – 8th
    Boys volleyball gives Crusaders a spring season built on skill-building, competition, and team camaraderie.

    Golf
    Co-ed, 4th – 8th, two divisions
    School of St. Mary's golf league introduces students to the game through two divisions suited to every skill level, from first-timers to competitive players.

Athletic Awards

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  • Richard Plotner Male Athlete of the Year Award

    Renamed in 2026 in honor of Richard Plotner, a beloved volunteer coach who gave his heart to School of St. Mary's boys basketball program. Rich coached not just the game but the boys themselves, offering encouragement, presence, and belief in every athlete he worked with. This award, voted on by their peers, is given to an 8th-grade boy who exemplifies leadership and sportsmanship, carrying forward the legacy Rich built on and off the court.
  • Jim Campbell Award

    Given to an 8th-grade girl who exemplifies leadership and sportsmanship, as voted on by her peers.

Get in the Game

Ready to register, complete a waiver, or check the schedule? Current families can find everything they need in MySOSM. Have a question, or want to get involved as a coach or volunteer? Reach out to Athletic Director Peter Hartman at athletics@schoolofstmary.org.

A Roman Catholic School Since 1917

To Learn, To Serve, To Lead

Primary Grade Center

900 West Everett Road
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
(847) 283-9800

Upper Grade Center

185 East Illinois Road
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
(847) 234-0371