A diocese or a parish sponsors a Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) as one dimension of its total ministry to youth. Athletic programs can help young people toward imperishable crowns as well as perishable ones. A parish CYO program justifies its existence and the sacrifice and expense it entails only if it allows young people to practice Christian attitiudes and responsibilites. 

In CYO programs, emphasis rests not on the number of games won or lost, but on the participants' attitude in victory or defeat. Learning how to lose is just as important as learning how to win. Learning how to win graciously is more important than winning itself. Good sportsmanship is key to teamwork!

CYO programs serve the needs of all youth. They enable the gifted to excel, the less gifted to participate and improve. "Star" athletes and teams do not receive exclusive attention. Principles of fair play and sportsmanship must govern every game. DIshonestly has no place in CYO competition. 

All participants should have the respect of others on their own team and the opposing team. Competitors should regard the opposition as friends, not enemies. CYO participants should have a spirit of loyalty to CYO ideals, to parish, to coach, and to the team. They should learn patience with and tolerance of those of less ability. They should feel grateful to all who make the CYO program happen. Speech and actions should reflect Christian values. At times, during the heat of competiton, a participant may temporarily forget some rule of conduct. Prompt correction can turn even faiures into learning experiences. 

Ultimate responsibility for the success of CYO programs lies with the volunteer adult participant. Adults involved in CYO must remember that the program exists for the Christian growth of young people. Conduct of adults must always model Christian values and virtues. When adults forget the primary focus of CYO, the program becomes destructive. When adults remain faithful to the Christian ideals of CYO, they exercise a unique and rewarding ministry to the young with whom they come in contact. All students wishing to participate in the athletic programs at St. Thomas more School must have a physical examination prior to the student being allowed to practice. 

Athletic Director: Mr. Michael Cardone  [email protected]

Volleyball, Soccer and Cross Country begins prior to the start of school. Registration closes in early August.
Girls Volleyball (Grade Specific)
Teams begin practice in early August. There are two scheduled practices per week (pending gym availability). The season begins the weekend after Labor Day. Each team plays 10 matches. Matches are played on Saturdays and Sundays. There is a single elimination tournament after regular season play. The season concludes by mid-November. Athletes may also participate in Cross Country but not Soccer. 
Soccer (Co-ed, Grades 5-6, and 7-8)
Teams begin practice in early August. Coaches schedule practices at local parks. The season begins in late August. Games are played on Saturdays and Sundays. There is a single elimination tournament after regular season play. The season concludes by mid-October. Athletes  may also participate in Cross Country but not Volleyball.
Cross Country (Co-ed, Grades 5-8)
Teams begin practice in early August. Coaches schedule practices at local parks. There are 2 CYO meets. Other schools may hostan invitational meet. Meets are scheduled on weekdays. The season concudes by mid-October. Athletes may also participate in either Soccer or Volleyball.

Boys Basketball (Grade specific)
Registration takes place in late September. Registration closes mid-October. There are two schedules practices per week (pending gym availability). The season begins mid-November. Each team plays 10 games. Games are played on Saturdays and Sundays. There is a single elimination tournament after regular season play. The season concludes by early February.
Girls Basketball (Grade specific)
Registration takes place in late September. Registration closes late November. Teams begin practice in early December. Thee are two scheduled practices per week (pending gym availability). The season begins in January. Each team plays 10 games. Games are played on Saturdays and Sundays. There is a single elimination tournament after regular season play. The season concludes in mid-March (before Spring Break)
 

Boys Volleyball (Grade specific)
Teams begin practice in early February. There are two schedules practices per week (pending gym availability). The season begins in early March. Matches are played on Saturdays and Sundays. The season concludes by the middle of April
Track (Co-ed, grades 5-8)
Registration takes place in early March. Registration closes late March. The team begins practice in early April. Coaches schedule practices at local parks/schools. The season begins in late April. The team competes in approx. 3 meets. Meets are schedules on various days of the week. Other schools may host an invitational meet. The season concludes in mid-May.

CYO has a no-cut policy. If we have enough players for multiple teams in a grade, a draft will be scheduled to create teams with equitable talent. All affected players will be contacted. 

Please contact the Athletic Director if you have any questions. [email protected]

The Athletic Commision, working togeter with the Director of Athletics, comprised of volunteer members, meet monthly. THe prupose of these monthly meetings is to build community and strengthen the athletic program for the students of St. Thomas More School. The Athletic Commission sponsors the athletic competitions. Parents are needed and urged to volunteer to assist in making our athletic programs a continues success.