Multi-sport concept forms well-rounded athletes
ORLANDO | Bishop Moore Catholic’s recent wins at the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state track and field competition put the Orlando high school in the spotlight, not only because it was the school’s first Class 2A victory, but also because of the caliber of the school’s “multi-sport” athletes.
Beginning in kindergarten, all students in Diocese of Orlando Catholic schools have the opportunity to participate in a myriad of athletic programs, including soccer, flag football, volleyball, basketball, track, cheerleading, and more, depending on their school’s offerings. While younger students learn the basics and hone their skills, middle and high school teams compete against each other. At the high school level, students also compete with public school teams.
One thing that makes the Diocese’s sports program unique is that students are encouraged to participate in more than one sport throughout their education. Rey Rodriguez, director of Catholic Youth Sports, which serves students in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties, says a child does not usually decide on “their” sport until they are a teenager. Playing multiple sports allows them to discover where their skills and interests lie, as well as become a better all-around player.
“Kids drop out of sports at about 75% by the age of 13 because someone makes them a mono sport athlete,” Rogriguez said. “They get burned out because they are not having fun. No matter the age, you want to have fun when you play sports.”
“In addition, playing different sports creates a lot of different muscle memory — different skills that can be applied to other sports,” he added.
Marc Morrison, BMC ’21, is a prime example of a successful Catholic school sports athlete. He began his “athletic career” as a kindergartener at St. John Vianney Catholic School. He played every sport offered before heading to BMC where he limited his involvement to football, basketball and track.
“Each sport teaches you something new,” Morrison said. “Skills learned playing one sport help in another. In football and basketball, you’re always moving your feet. Track helps speed for football and stamina for basketball.”
His dedication paid off. During his senior year, Morrison earned an All-State recognition as a football receiver, in addition to winning the long jump (and setting a new BMC school record, which he also held) and taking second place in the triple jump during the state track meet.
This fall, Morrison is headed to the University of Connecticut, where he will study sports management, on a track scholarship.
Carolista Ware, head coach, credits BMC’s multi-sport athletes for bringing the school its track meet victory.
“We would not be a state championship track and field team if I didn't have those football players or basketball players, these multi-sport athletes,” Ware said, adding that the group practices also benefit the team. “We have girls and boys out there together. They practice with kids that may or may not be the strongest athletes in the school, and I see them helping each other improve, encouraging each other. To me, that's been one of the best parts of the whole thing.”
Principal Ericka Wikstrom feels the same way.
“It's really seeing their peers as brothers and sisters, to see that we are walking on this earth together and that we are truly in service to our community and to each other, to support each other and to lift each other up, and to care and love for one another, regardless of where we come from.”
This multi-sport concept is just one way we teach our students to expand their horizons and become the best versions of themselves. To learn more about Orlando Catholic Schools, contact us here.