Athletics 

Upper School athletes have lots of fun and learn valuable life skills like teamwork, cooperation, leadership and sportsmanship. Statistics show that students who play a sport do better in school than those who do not participate. Team dinners, ordering team gear, making new friends, developing leadership skills, and competing in championships are also part of the experience.  Please contact Athletic Director Ross Burdick with any questions. 

Sign-up process: 

Please complete the  Athletics form to select the sport you would like to participate in for each season (fall, winter, spring). You may have questions about your choices; faculty will be available to answer any questions on Wednesday, April 30, or you may reach out to Athletic Director Ross Burdick at any time. This early sign up is needed, so we can hire coaches and create game schedules for next year. Though some changes may be allowed next year, we hope these will be minimal. Once teams are formed, requests for changes may be refused. 

Requirements:

All Waynflete students participate in a physical activity all three seasons. Seniors may take one season off. Students may choose Athletics, Physical Education Options, or an Independent Athletic Program (IAP). Although competitive athletics are not required, we hope every ninth grader will play on at least one team. Many Upper School students participate on two or three teams. Athletes who participate in a sport during all three seasons receive the Frequent Flyer Award.

What to expect of Upper School Athletics:  

All students make either a Varsity or a JV team. Most practices are held after school, and athletes need to be picked up at the conclusion. For many outdoor sports like field hockey, soccer, cross country, lacrosse, golf, and tennis, practices occur directly after school at 2:30 or 3:30 p.m. Other sports practices vary based on facilities. Expect some Saturday games and practices for most Varsity teams. 

• Basketball and ice hockey practices vary based on facilities.

• Baseball and crew co-op teams practice 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Athletic Offerings:  

• • • Fall:  Soccer, Golf, Field Hockey, Cross Country, Crew

    • Winter:  Basketball, Ice Hockey, Nordic Skiing, Swimming

    • Spring:  Lacrosse, Tennis, Crew, Track, Baseball, Ultimate Frisbee

Physical Education Options:  Offerings vary by season and include Dance, Fitness, and Yoga.

Independent Athletic Options:  IAPs are discouraged for freshmen. 

Sports Seasons: Fall preseason 2025 begins Monday, August 18. For Varsity athletes, attendance is required. Athletes who will be late to preseason must inform the head coach. The preseason policy is posted on the Waynflete website under Important Forms. Some Varsity coaches offer Summer Workouts or Summer Leagues. If you are  interested, please contact Athletic Director Ross Burdick.

Parent Support: We encourage parents to volunteer in all areas, including keeping score, photography and videotaping, and serving as team parents, snack shack helpers, or providing oranges and hosting team dinners.

Additional Information on Certain Sports:

• Golf: This is a varsity team, and experience is required. The team plays home matches at Nonesuch River Golf Course in Scarborough and away matches at many fine courses in Southern Maine.

• Field Hockey: We have a varsity team.

• Soccer: Full varsity and JV teams for both boys and girls are expected.

• Nordic Skiing: The team competes for the state championship during February vacation.

• Basketball: We have both varsity and JV teams. Varsity teams play over Thanksgiving break, December vacation, and compete for the state championship over February vacation week. Teams will have some practices during vacations.

• Swimming: Individuals who qualify will compete for the state championship during February vacation. 

• Girls Ice Hockey: We have a cooperative team with Deering, Portland, Cape Elizabeth, and South Portland. There may be a cost for this sport, and Waynflete does not provide transportation.

• Boys Ice Hockey: A cooperative team with Deering, Portland, and South Portland. There may be a cost associated with this sport, and Waynflete does not provide transportation.

• Crew: This is a coed varsity team. The team rows on the Fore River, and all races are on weekends.

• Lacrosse: Full varsity and JV teams for both boys and girls lacrosse are expected. Both boys and girls Varsity teams usually have some practices at the end of April vacation week and usually compete in a tournament on the last Saturday of April vacation. Varsity state play-offs continue in June after Commencement.

• Baseball:  We have a co-op team with NYA. Practices are at Waynflete.

• Track:  Our track athletes participate in a co-op team with Cheverus. Personal transportation to Cheverus (daily) is needed.

• Tennis: We field both varsity and JV teams. Varsity state play-offs continue in June after Commencement.

Since every sport and every situation is different, please contact either of us with specific questions about Upper School Athletics. We will be more than happy to talk with you and answer your questions.  

To learn more about our Athletics program, please visit our website .

Ross Burdick             207.774.7863  EXT 1258

Andrew Leach          207.774.7863  EXT 1157