Athletic Department Philosophy

The Georgetown Prep Athletic Department is designed to provide an environment in which each student is given the opportunity to become a spiritually, intellectually, and physically stronger person. Prep focuses on each student as a complete person and encourages him to explore all aspects of human experience. It is the goal of Prep’s Athletic Department to foster an atmosphere that enables the student-athlete not only to be coached the intricacies of his individual sport but to learn the values and lessons of life that are closely associated with the Ignation experience.

Georgetown Prep has a lasting and well-known reputation of fielding teams that honor the traditions and high standards of each individual sport. Our student-athletes have competed with determination, desire, and integrity. Due to their efforts, they have brought pride to their school and have earned the respect and admiration of their opponents.

For the past 47 years Prep has been a member of the Interstate Athletic Conference, one of the premier private school leagues in the country. We are proud to be members of the IAC along with The Landon School, St. Albans, Episcopal, St. Stephens-St. Agnes, and The Bullis School. It is the aim and the desire of this conference that boys develop and maintain the highest standards of courtesy, emotional discipline, good sportsmanship, and the ability to act as good hosts and guests. Nor are these objectives to be confined solely to the participants of these contests. They are the goals of the student bodies, for their parent groups, and for all who attend these contests. Thus, all concerned will have the opportunity to look forward to these contests and to enjoy them to the fullest extent.

These schools, of a generally comparable size with similar educational objectives and high academic standards, believe that athletics and athletic competition form an integral part of their school’s curriculum. Designed for all students, the athletic programs of the member schools are vigorous in nature and are planned to help each individual develop his physical skills and coordination in the fullest extent.

Beginning in the fall 2005 season, the football program will compete in the A division of the MIAA. Following a vote of the league's Headmasters, the IAC removed Prep from league play sighting competitive imbalance. Georgetown Prep has become an affiliate member of the Maryland Independent Athletic Association for football only. We will compete with the following schools: Loyola, Gilman, Mt. St. Joe's, Calvert Hall, McDonogh, and Arch Bishop Curley. From top to bottom the MIAA has now become the top private school conference for football in the state of Maryland. For more information about the MIAA, go to the Web site www.MIAAsports.com.

Georgetown Prep will compete in the following IAC sports:

Fall athletics: soccer, cross country

Winter athletics: swimming, basketball, wrestling, hockey

 Spring athletics: baseball, tennis, golf, lacrosse, track

Interscholastic sports not part of the IAC:

Spring: rugby, fencing

The success of Prep’s athletic department is not measured by the wins and losses of each team but by the overall development of the student/athletes. We strive to provide the following opportunities:

• To experience and develop self-discipline, sacrifice, dedication, and humility.
• To exemplify good sportsmanship as a means for learning good citizenship.
• To experience team unity.
• To experience both winning and losing and the valuable lessons that can be taught from both.
• To understand that real, lasting satisfaction comes not so much from "winning" but from doing the job to the best of ones ability.
• To attain even more goals than the students think that they are capable of achieving.
• To appreciate the value of competition when used in the proper way.
• To experience self-worth and to develop self-confidence.
• To improve problem solving and decision making skills.
• To help develop school loyalty.

Most importantly, the athletic program provides the student-athletes the opportunity to engage in competitive activities and to come to understand that the word "compete" is derived from the Latin words meaning "to strive together." Prep’s student-athletes are taught the value of team play and learn to honor the idea of "Togetherness." They work side by side to grow as one, not only as athletes but as Christian leaders, to better enhance our community. The athletic program emphasizes the Ignation precept " Men for Others."

Profile of a Prep student/athlete at graduation

Intellectually Competent
Through participation in athletics, the Prep student-athlete will not only master the physical skills required for each sport but will also develop an intellectual capacity that will enable him to comprehend all aspects of the sport. Integration between the body and mind is cultivated throughout Prep’s athletic program. It is essential to the growth and success of our student-athletes and their respective sports.

Religious
Through participation in athletics, the Prep student-athlete learns that God is active in all things and that individual and liturgical prayer will bring him closer to God. With this powerful foundation, the student-athlete works to better his team and community through the development of self-confidence, self-discipline, selflessness, integrity, humility, and strong moral character.

Loving
Through the participation of athletics, the Prep student-athlete learns to trust the fidelity of God, his family and friends. Within the context of team, he recognizes that he is only as good as the teammate next to him. Providing support and encouragement during the good times and bad, the student-athletes strive together for team and personal excellence.

Committed to Doing Justice
Through the participation of athletics, the Prep student-athlete acquires leadership skills that are exercised to accomplish goals set by each individual team. By working together they develop skills used for achieving individual and team success. However, Prep’s athletic program promotes its student-athletes to apply these leadership skills to the needs of society. The student-athlete grows in his conviction that Christian faith involves a commitment to doing justice.