Athletics
Mr. Larry Rudnicki
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
We’re building a culture of athletic excellence!
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 Alpine Skiing program enters its fifth competitive season with more participants than ever! In addition to our Boys team, our Girls team will race in its second season – and our ‘Junior High Ski Club’ returns to the slopes this year! Our program is led by Mr. David Kolka and practices at Nubs Nob.
Unfortunately, we were unable to field either Boys or Girls Basketball teams for the 24-25 season. We’re taking the year off of Varsity-level play, seeking to rebuild our programs at an intramural level.
Our Boys & Girls Track and Field teams look forward to another successful campaign! With returning All-Staters Cody Bradley, Russell Vandermus, and Jane Manthei – the Guardians are hoping to put some major points on the State Finals scoreboard at Hudsonville this spring!
St. Michael fielded its first-ever Boys Golf team last year and we hope to build upon that foundation this spring!
Our Boys Cross Country team completed its seventh successful season this past fall, finishing as runner-up at its Regional and placing tenth at the State Finals, its sixth consecutive ‘top ten’ finish! Our gents were led by All-Staters Cody Bradley and Russell Vandermus.
Meanwhile, our Girls Cross Country team took fourth at its Regional, qualifying Jane Manthei (of Co-op partner Harbor Light Christian) and Veronica Paga for the State Finals. Jane earned All-State honors for the second straight season!
Our Girls Volleyball team just completed its fifth season of Varsity competition and its first as a member of the Northern Lakes Conference, in which it placed sixth this season. Ms. Alyssa King leads our team.
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. Larry Rudnicki, at lrudnicki@stmichaelchesterton.org.
Our Teams
SMHS Sponsored Teams
- Alpine Skiing
- Track & Field
- Cross Country
- Girls Volleyball
- Boys Golf
- Boys Basketball
- Girls Basketball
Co-op Teams
- Football
- Girls Golf
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Baseball
- Softball
- Girls Tennis