Athletics

Through year-round opportunities to train and compete in a variety of sports, we’re increasing strength and fitness while instilling essential Christian virtues. We believe Athletics, properly and vigorously pursued, mesh seamlessly with our mission at St. Michael High School (SMHS)!

At SMHS, our coaches are considered teachers, and for many students the life lessons of Athletics, such as teamwork, fair-play, and perseverance in the face of adversity, have more immediate relevance than the more abstract insights of the classroom.  As with all fields of endeavor, we strive to place Athletics in its proper context, resisting the contemporary impulse to worship at the altar of “Ball.”

We strive to model the fortitude of the saints and martyrs who endured trials and tribulations on behalf of the Gospel.  We embrace Paul’s words (from 2 Timothy 4:7) that life is essentially an endurance contest: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Our Boys & Girls Track and Field teams just wrapped up another excellent season!  At the Division-4 State Finals, our Boys 4×800 relay took fifth place, ascending the podium for the third straight year!  Our Ladies team made made the State podium (and scoreboard) for the first time ever, as sophomore Jane Manthei placed fourth in the 2-mile!

Our (Co-ed) Alpine Skiing program completed its third competitive season last winter, highlighted by senior Wyatt Kolka’s 13th place Giant Slalom performance at the Division-2 State Finals!  The team practices at Nubs Nob under the tutelage of experienced coaches, led by Mr. David Kolka!

Our Boys Basketball team returned to the hardwoods and, for the first-time ever, the Guardians fielded a competitive Girls Basketball team as well!  Mr. Ian Provoast and Mrs. Melissa Nixon coached the respective teams through “JV schedules” this past winter, in anticipation of playing as full Varsity teams next season!

Our Boys Cross Country team completed its best season ever last fall!  The team placed third at the Division-4 State Finals, capping off a campaign that featured seven straight winning or runner-up performances!

Our Girls Cross Country team earned its second trip to the State Finals in its two years of existence with a surprising third-place finish at its Regional!

Our Girls Volleyball team concluded its third season last winter, featuring the school’s largest ladies team ever and a trip to the Mackinac Island tournament!

Our Athletic Co-ops are successful and expanding! SMHS students participate with:

• Hockey & Lacrosse at Petoskey HS
• Baseball & Softball at Harbor Light Christian
• Football, Girls Golf & Girls Tennis at Harbor Springs HS

More Athletic Co-ops are in the discussion stages – we welcome your input!

For more information on SMHS Athletics, please contact our Athletic Director, Mr. Ian Provoast, at iprovoast@stmichaelchesterton.org.