Vicksburg Community Schools — Athletics, the best value in Education Vicksburg Community Schools Athletics More Than a Game. It’s Part of the Education. At Vicksburg Community Schools, we believe athletics are an important part of the educational experience. Our athletic programs help students build confidence, character, teamwork and life skills that extend far beyond the playing field. Athletics, the best value in Education. 🏆 What Athletics Teach Participation in athletics gives students the opportunity to learn and practice skills that will serve them throughout life. Teamwork Work together toward common, achievable goals. Sportsmanship Compete with respect, fairness and grace. Responsibility Take ownership of choices, actions and commitments. Perseverance Set goals, work hard and develop a desire to succeed. Healthy Habits Build habits that support a healthy lifestyle. Respect Respect coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, fans, school and community. ⭐ Athletics Are a Privilege Participation in Vicksburg athletics is a privilege, not a right. Student-athletes are expected to maintain high standards in: Academics • Behavior • Healthy Choices • Dedication • Commitment • Teamwork Our athletes represent not only themselves, but also their team, school and community. 📈 Growing Through Every Level Our athletic philosophy develops alongside our student-athletes. MIDDLE SCHOOL Explore & Discover Students have the opportunity to explore sports, develop skills and experience interscholastic athletics. Practice and playing opportunities are maximized to support development. 9TH GRADE Build the Foundation Students transition from exploration toward greater commitment, with an emphasis on fundamentals and developing the cornerstones for success. JV Develop Commitment Dedication, desire, teamwork and willingness to sacrifice for the good of the team become increasingly important. VARSITY Reach Your Potential Varsity athletics emphasize fundamentals, dedication, hard work and sacrifice. Success isn't measured only by wins and losses — it also means giving your best effort, reaching your potential and representing Vicksburg and the community with pride. 👏 Parents: You’re Part of the Team Parents have a powerful influence on the athletic experience. The best thing you can do is model the sportsmanship, respect and encouragement we want our athletes to demonstrate. Be a Positive Sports Parent ✔ Cheer for the entire team — not just your child. ✔ Respect coaches, officials, opponents and other families. ✔ Maintain dignity in both victory and defeat. ✔ Encourage your child to enjoy the experience. ✔ Be a positive motivator and encourager. ✔ Support commitment while keeping academics a priority. ✔ Encourage good decision-making and leadership. ✔ Be realistic about your child's abilities and development. ✔ Encourage participation in multiple sports. ❤️ Six Words Every Sports Parent Needs to Say: “I love to watch you compete.” 💬 When You Have a Concern We want communication between families, athletes and coaches to be productive and respectful. Appropriate Topics for Coaches Your child's mental or physical treatment Ways your child can improve Concerns about your child's behavior Leave These to the Coach Team strategy Play calling Other student-athletes ⏰ Remember the 24-Hour Rule After a game or competition, give everyone time to cool down before discussing a concern. Waiting can help remove emotions and create a more productive conversation. Follow the Chain of Communication 1. Talk to the Coach Contact the coach to schedule a meeting. Your student-athlete is expected to participate in the meeting. 2. Still Need Help? If the concern isn't satisfactorily resolved, contact the Athletic Director to schedule a meeting. Your student-athlete is also expected to attend. Please note: Email should be reserved for routine questions such as competition times and locations. More serious concerns should be discussed in person. 🎓 What Students Gain From Athletics Athletics help students develop skills and character that last a lifetime. Fundamental Motor Skills Social Competence Moral Integrity Loyalty to a Common Cause Respect for Others Respect for Rules Emotional Stability Under Stress Enjoyment of Competition Accepting Constructive Criticism Respect for Authority Positive Self-Concept 🏀 Find Your Sport Vicksburg Middle School Basketball — Boys & Girls Soccer — Boys & Girls Cross Country — Boys & Girls Lacrosse — Club Football — 7th & 8th Grade Competitive Cheer Track — Boys & Girls Wrestling Volleyball — 7th & 8th Grade Tennis Vicksburg High School 🍂 Fall Football • Volleyball • Boys Soccer • Boys Tennis • Girls Golf • Boys Cross Country • Girls Cross Country • Sideline Cheer • Equestrian* • Boys Swim & Dive* ❄️ Winter Boys Basketball • Girls Basketball • Wrestling • Competitive Cheer • Boys Bowling • Girls Bowling • Boys Ski* • Girls Ski* • Hockey* • Girls Swim & Dive* 🌱 Spring Baseball • Softball • Boys Track • Girls Track • Girls Soccer • Girls Tennis • Boys Golf • Boys Clay Target* • Girls Clay Target* • Boys Lacrosse* • Girls Lacrosse* *Self-funded co-op varsity teams operate under the guidance and leadership of the VCS Athletic Department. 📞 Athletic Department Vicksburg High School Athletic Department 501 East Hwy. Street Vicksburg, MI 49097 Athletic Director Michael Roy, CMAA mroy@vicksburgschools.org Athletic Secretary Kris DeVries kdevries@vicksburgschools.org Office: 269-321-1100