St. John's "Non-Competitive" Sports

[Anonymous]

My son is going to SJC next year, and although he's not an athlete, he'd like to join a sport as a way to make friends. Are there any teams that are easier to get onto? It's my impression that Crew might be one of them, but are there any others that are open to novices/kids just learning and looking to have fun?

[Anonymous]

Cross country

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son is going to SJC next year, and although he's not an athlete, he'd like to join a sport as a way to make friends. Are there any teams that are easier to get onto? It's my impression that Crew might be one of them, but are there any others that are open to novices/kids just learning and looking to have fun?

Crew, xcountry and rugby. Also, the competitive sports teams always need managers and you’re treated as one of the team. It’s pretty cool.

[Anonymous]

Crew has had cuts past couple of years. It really depends how many athletes show up and try out. That being said, it’s a nice group of kids. They work really hard and it’s a three season sport.

[Anonymous]

Lax

[Anonymous]

The swim and dive team is large, spirited and well-run by one of the teachers

[Anonymous]

SJC has a very good cross country team, so that would not be a non-competitive team. But it might be no-cut.

[Anonymous]

Basketball

[Anonymous]

Crew is a good option. It’s a co-ed club sport, which offers a different dynamic which might be of interest. The baseball, hockey, lacrosse, and football teams have many of college bound players which do not interact with other sports give the time commitment.

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous]Crew has had cuts past couple of years. It really depends how many athletes show up and try out. That being said, it’s a nice group of kids. They work really hard and it’s a three season sport. [/quote]

Crew is pretty intense. Recommend doing the BCC summer program or another to really learn the sport.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:SJC has a very good cross country team, so that would not be a non-competitive team. But it might be no-cut.

+1 about cross country.

I’m note sure how competitive crew is in the fall. The challenge is that there are only limited, just try a new sport for fun, opportunities and you will have athletic kids that aren’t continuing with their middle school sports but still want to be on a team as well as kids that may not be as athletic hoping to meet new people and find something they like. If your son is thinking about a fall sport, make sure they are on the list where they indicate interest so they find out about tryouts and any summer opportunities to work out or prepare (like SJC volleyball camp).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SJC has a very good cross country team, so that would not be a non-competitive team. But it might be no-cut.

+1 about cross country.

I’m note sure how competitive crew is in the fall. The challenge is that there are only limited, just try a new sport for fun, opportunities and you will have athletic kids that aren’t continuing with their middle school sports but still want to be on a team as well as kids that may not be as athletic hoping to meet new people and find something they like. If your son is thinking about a fall sport, make sure they are on the list where they indicate interest so they find out about tryouts and any summer opportunities to work out or prepare (like SJC volleyball camp).

I don’t recall any cuts at the novice level in the fall, but please keep in mind there are only so many boats and seats in boats. I agree with the advice above about getting on lists. The major sports (football, soccer, basketball, baseball, lacrosse) will be focused on recruited kids who’ve been playing for years. Take a look at rugby and wrestling in addition to the cross country and crew recommendations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SJC has a very good cross country team, so that would not be a non-competitive team. But it might be no-cut.

+1 about cross country.

I’m note sure how competitive crew is in the fall. The challenge is that there are only limited, just try a new sport for fun, opportunities and you will have athletic kids that aren’t continuing with their middle school sports but still want to be on a team as well as kids that may not be as athletic hoping to meet new people and find something they like. If your son is thinking about a fall sport, make sure they are on the list where they indicate interest so they find out about tryouts and any summer opportunities to work out or prepare (like SJC volleyball camp).

I don’t recall any cuts at the novice level in the fall, but please keep in mind there are only so many boats and seats in boats. I agree with the advice above about getting on lists. The major sports (football, soccer, basketball, baseball, lacrosse) will be focused on recruited kids who’ve been playing for years. Take a look at rugby and wrestling in addition to the cross country and crew recommendations.

All the freshman who tried out made crew this year. It seems much more laid back than the major sports at SJC. More like an ultimate frisbee club. And that’s not a bad thing.

[Anonymous]

What about the golf team or tennis? How hard is it to make the team? Can a novice make it?

[Anonymous]

Crew always needs coxwains. Like other sports crew has a novice team but then everyone becomes varsity and it depends on limited seats in boats.