Harlem Academy Launches Inaugural Interscholastic Sports Team
Harlem Academy kicked off its interscholastic sports program this fall with a goal of driving even more transformational growth beyond the classroom. We’re so proud of our new cross-country team, which recently completed its first season. Nineteen middle schoolers joined the team in September and began the hard work of getting ready to compete. Warmups, practice runs, interval training – they were up for it all.
“At the start of this season, none of the kids had done cross-country before,” says Jacob Shaz, one of two head coaches and middle school math teacher. “It took some of them a few weeks to start to enjoy running and realize the sport is about perseverance and personal achievement.” The team competed at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, running a 1.5-mile course against Horace Mann, Dalton, and other private middle schools. Over the course of five meets, their times got much better. “Our athletes improved an average of two minutes and 18 seconds,” says Mr. Shaz.
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“At the start of this season, none of the kids had done cross-country before,” says Jacob Shaz, one of two head coaches and middle school math teacher. “It took some of them a few weeks to start to enjoy running and realize the sport is about perseverance and personal achievement.” The team competed at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, running a 1.5-mile course against Horace Mann, Dalton, and other private middle schools. Over the course of five meets, their times got much better. “Our athletes improved an average of two minutes and 18 seconds,” says Mr. Shaz.
“This team offers a well-rounded experience that benefits the students physically, mentally, socially, and academically,” says Lamarc Wigfall, assistant coach and dean of co-curricular programs. “They have been waiting for this opportunity.”
Eighth grader Kyian couldn’t agree more: “It allows you to connect with others and strengthen bonds. I had great coaches and supportive teammates who helped me push myself physically and mentally. My fellow teammate Maliek and I were very competitive during our cross-country meets. It was always a challenge to see who would end up first. Even though this sport isn't only about placement, it was a motivating aspect that helped us both get better.”
Harlem Academy
655 St. Nicholas Avenue
New York, NY, 10030
P (212) 348-2600
F (212) 348-3500
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655 St. Nicholas Avenue
New York, NY, 10030
P (212) 348-2600
F (212) 348-3500
info@harlemacademy.org
Make a Tuition Payment
Financial and Privacy Information
Site Map
Harlem Academy is an independent school (grades K-8) that drives equity of opportunity for promising students, guiding them to thrive at the highest academic levels and one day make a mark on the world.