CINCINNATI COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
ATHLETIC PLAYBOOK
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Mission Statement Our goal is to provide a comprehensive experience through physical activity and interscholastic play that promotes the development of the heart, the mind, and the body for all our student-athletes. Our athletics program provides each student-athlete with an opportunity to grow as a person, a teammate, and an athlete. The many lessons learned in athletics complement those taught in the classroom and at home. Our coaches focus on practicing and developing Country Day’s five character virtues: Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, Courage, and Integrity. In keeping with the school’s commitment to develop each student at their highest potential academically, artistically, athletically, and altruistically, Country Day follows a “no-cut policy.” Instead, we strive to provide a team experience and opportunities to meet the needs and skill set of each of our students. Country Day’s athletic participation is one of the highest rates in Ohio: 100% of Middle School students and more than 82% of Upper School students participate in at least one sport each year. Our student-athletes develop lifelong relationships with their teammates, opponents, and coaches as they compete as Nighthawks. 3
Welcome Letter FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Dear Country Day Families: I’m excited to join the CCDS community this year as your new director of athletics. Whether you are a returning family or new to the community, I look forward to working with each of you as we strive for an exceptional student-athlete experience. Athletics is the perfect arena for our CCDS students to live our school’s mission and guiding principles. Our character virtues of responsibility, respect, integrity, courage, and compassion are ever-present at Country Day, and they are emphasized and practiced daily by our athletic department staff, coaches, and student-athletes. Our athletic offerings and programming are designed to teach accountability and respect for teammates, coaches, officials, opponents, and oneself. Competing in athletics takes courage: to compete as hard as possible, to risk failure, to be a great teammate in times of adversity. Athletics can bring out the best in our students and in our community. As you read through this playbook, please take note of our exceptional athletic department staff and their roles/responsibilities, our student and parent expectations, the programming provided to our lower, middle, and upper school students, and our commitment to growth and a positive student-athlete experience. While this playbook is a great tool and resource, our culture and standards are reiterated in our daily operations – in the hard work, practices, competitions, bus rides, wins, losses, and individual and team growth. Athletics can and should be a tremendous source of school pride.
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As we celebrate our 100th school year, I am mindful of our philosophy of “Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.” For our Nighthawks, we hope to do both this coming year. We have a rich athletic tradition at CCDS, and we will continue honoring that tradition. This milestone anniversary also brings an opportunity for us to evaluate and enhance our athletic experience, so we can continue to inspire our current and future students to pursue athletics as a space for growth, character development, and enjoyment. I am proud to be a Nighthawk and look forward to a great school year together. We Are Country Day! Mike Kruger Director of Athletics
MIKE KRUGER
Director of Athletics: provides leadership and oversight for all athletic programs ensuring alignment with the school’s mission.
GREG ROSS
Associate Athletic Director for Upper School: oversees operations of upper school athletic programs while supporting coaches and student-athletes.
BRADY BRANDT
Associate Athletic Director for Lower and Middle Schools: manages lower and middle school athletic programs, fostering participation, development, and a positive experience for young student-athletes.
MADISON CONLEY
Sports Information Director: oversees communications, content, and outreach initiatives that support and promote the athletic department and its programs.
SEAN MAROHN
Director of Sports Performance: leads strength and conditioning initiatives designed to improve athletic performance, support long-term development, and reduce injury risk.
LAUREN TAUBER
Certified Athletic Trainer: provides injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and healthcare support to ensure the safety and well-being of student-athletes. 5
facilities Our athletic facilities are located on our main campus located at 6905 Given Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45243. The CCDS campus features outstanding athletic facilities, including: • • • • • • • • • • • •
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two gymnasiums multipurpose room baseball and softball fields three full-size grass practice fields seven tennis courts fully equipped weight room regulation-size turf field encircled by a six-lane track swimming pool weight room varsity and middle school locker rooms training facilities dedicated offices for coaches and athletic administrators
Parent and Student Involvement BOOSTERS
STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Athletic Boosters is a volunteer group, supporting Country Day’s athletic teams from youth to varsity level. The club’s charter is to work in conjunction with the athletic department to provide financial support to foster the growth of the Upper School, Middle School, and youth athletic programs. We recognize that participation in school athletics benefits students, families, and the community, and we work to promote community engagement in these activities.
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is a group of student-athletes who serve as representatives of the student-athlete body. They are responsible for providing an open line of communication between student-athletes and the athletic department to help ensure and enhance a positive student-athlete experience at Country Day.
The mission of the Athletic Boosters is to enhance the student athletic experience, engage the community by boosting school pride and enthusiasm, and promote awareness of the school’s tradition of excellence with a goal of attracting future student-athletes.
Mission: to empower student-athletes as leaders in our school by promoting school spirit, enhancing communication between athletes and athletic administration, and representing the values of our athletic program.
SAAC RESPONSIBILITIES: • Serve as a role model and ambassador for our athletic program • Act as a representative for the student body • Communicate feedback and ideas between athletic teams and administration • Support school athletic events and encourage school spirit • Assist with initiatives (theme nights, events, celebration of student-athletes, etc.)
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STUDENT-ATHLETE EXPECTATIONS POLICY Student-athletes are expected to represent themselves, their teams, and their school with class, integrity, and excellence at all times. Participation in athletics is a privilege that comes with high expectations, both on and off the field. Great teammates are selfless, hardworking, and positive. Every player should strive to be an asset to their team by putting team goals above individual desires.
COMMITMENT AND ATTENDANCE At each level – Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School – commitment increases with the level of competition. Student-athletes are expected to: • Attend all scheduled practices and games. • Communicate directly with coaches in advance if a conflict arises. • Support Country Day athletics, their teammates, and coaches with their presence, attitude, and effort at practices, games, and competitions. Note: Repeated or unexcused absences may result in reduced playing time or removal from the team, at the discretion of the coach and athletic director. 8
ACADEMIC AND BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS All student-athletes must: • Meet or exceed all academic and behavioral expectations outlined in the CCDS Student Handbook. • Remain in good standing with the school’s academic and disciplinary policies to maintain athletics eligibility.
SPORTSMANSHIP AND CONDUCT We hold ourselves to the highest standards of sportsmanship and teamwork. All student-athletes are expected to: • Treat opponents, officials, coaches, teammates, and fans with respect. • Model grace in victory and dignity in defeat. • Represent CCDS with pride, humility, and the five character virtues in every athletics setting. Everyone in our athletics community plays a role in upholding these values. Together, we create a culture that not only develops winners on the scoreboard, but leaders for life.
Parent Expectations Policy We take great pride in being an institution of excellence, integrity, and class – on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. As a parent, you are an integral part of our culture, and your support plays a vital role in shaping a positive experience for our student-athletes. We recognize that watching your children compete can bring strong emotions. Athletics can be thrilling, challenging, and deeply personal. However, just as we hold our student-athletes to the highest standards of behavior, we also expect the adults in our community to lead by example and uphold the values of respect, dignity, and sportsmanship. We ask parents and fans to model the same behavior that we ask of our student-athletes and coaches. As a parent in our athletics community, you are expected to: • Support all student-athletes, not just your own child. • Trust and support our coaching staff, allowing them to coach without interference. • Respect the decisions of officials, recognizing their authority and role in the game.
• Show respect for opposing teams and coaches, regardless of the outcome. • Demonstrate class and composure, even in the face of poor behavior from others. • Support the journey of your student-athlete by focusing on long-term growth and character development, not just maximizing playing time or immediate on-field success. Cincinnati Country Day School and game officials reserve the right to remove any parent or spectator from an event for unsportsmanlike conduct. If a parent or spectator is removed, the school administration will schedule a meeting with the parent/spectator before they may attend another athletics contest. Together, we can ensure that our athletic events are a celebration of growth, teamwork, and competition built on a foundation of class, integrity, and mutual respect. Thank you for being a valued part of the Nighthawk family and for helping us create a first-class experience for all involved.
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Communication Expectations Technology is an integral part of our attempts to maintain frequent and open communication with the CCDS community. Game schedules are posted on our website and updated as needed. Directions to away contests can also be found on the website. Both practice and game schedules can frequently change, and we will generally use email or text messaging to communicate with players and parents. During any season, the need for personal communication outside of practice between a student-athlete and his or her coach may arise. Our coaches consistently attempt to keep the needs of individual student-athletes in balance with the greater needs of the team. Problems, misunderstandings, and/or unrealized expectations will sometimes occur and open communication lines between a student-athlete and his/her coach are vital. The following communication guidelines are essential to our ability to effectively cultivate the problem solving, communication, and conflict resolution skills of your son/daughter and maintain a healthy culture within the department of athletics.
COMMUNICATION PROCEDURE Step 1 Any student-athlete with questions or difficulties should address them directly and privately with his 10
or her coach. It is incumbent upon any CCDS coach to be approachable and open to communication with their student-athletes, and this first step is critical to our mission as educators. We ask that parents support the process and know that if they skip this step and go directly to the coach or director of athletics the conversation may be redirected so the coach and student-athlete can take up the conversation. Step 2 If a student-athlete has attempted to resolve an issue directly with his or her coach and has not been successful, it may be appropriate for parents to assist in the process. If this is the case, parents are asked to schedule an appointment directly with the adult who coaches their child. Step 3 If a student-athlete and parent have both spoken with the coach and still feel their issues are unresolved, it is then appropriate to involve the director of athletics in the discussion. *Note: It is never appropriate to approach a coach with an issue before, during, or immediately after a practice or game. Parents should observe the “24 Hour Rule” with all communication (in person or via phone, email, or text). Wait until the next day, when emotions are not at their height to address issues.
Strength and Conditioning Program BUILDING STRONGER ATHLETES, LEADERS, AND PEOPLE The CCDS Strength & Conditioning Program exists to develop the whole student-athlete through a purposeful progression of physical development, character education, and leadership training. Strength and conditioning serves as a classroom where students learn discipline, resilience, accountability, and confidence through consistent effort. We believe athletic development is a long-term journey. Every student-athlete, regardless of sport or ability level, deserves a safe, challenging, and supportive environment that promotes movement competency, physical literacy, injury resilience, and lifelong health. Our goal is to prepare students for success in high school athletics, collegiate opportunities, and the demands of life beyond athletics.
PROGRAM STANDARDS Every training session is an opportunity to reinforce the values that define CCDS athletics: • Attitude: Bring positivity, enthusiasm, and a growth mindset. • Commitment: Be present, prepared, and consistent. • Effort: Pursue excellence through daily intentional work. • Character: Demonstrate integrity, respect, responsibility, courage, and compassion. • Team First: Use personal development to elevate the success of others. Through this developmental model, the CCDS Strength & Conditioning Program seeks to produce athletes who are physically prepared, mentally resilient, and equipped to lead with purpose in competition, in the classroom, and throughout life. 11
Sports Programs BY SEASON & GRADE LEVEL
Our athletics philosophy is rooted in the development of the whole child. Our goal is for each sport to begin with a foundation in Lower School or Middle School, where students are introduced to basic skills, teamwork, and a love for the game. As students progress, programs become increasingly competitive, and playing time is earned through commitment, effort, performance, and a team-first mentality. We are proud to offer a broad range of sports opportunities to help students grow as athletes and leaders.
“CCDS has a storied athletic history. Our athletic program is designed to promote growth, teamwork, and leadership development, and our Nighthawk teams compete with pride and integrity.” – Mike Kruger, director of athletics 12
Fall Sports
WINTER Sports
SPRING Sports
Cheerleading (grades 1-4 & 9-12)
Boys Basketball (grades 2-12)
Baseball (grades 7-12)
Cross Country (grades 7-12)
Girls Basketball (grades 2-12)
Flag Football (grades 1-6)
Football (grades 7-12)
Cheerleading (grades 1-4 & 9-12)
Girls Flag Football (grades 9-12)
Boys Golf (grades 7-12)
Gymnastics (grades 7-12)
Boys Lacrosse (grades 7-12)
Girls Golf (grades 7-12)
Indoor Track (grades 7-12)
Girls Lacrosse (grades 7-12)
Boys Soccer (grades 1-12)
offered based on interest
Softball (grades 7-12)
Girls Soccer (grades 1-12) Girls Tennis (grades 7-12) Volleyball (grades 7-12)
Swimming (grades 7-12) Wrestling (grades 7–12) offered based on interest
offered based on interest
Boys Tennis (grades 7-12) Track & Field (grades 7-12) Volleyball (grades 3-6)
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The CCDS Athletics Program Journey A TRANSFORMATIVE DEVELOPMENTAL MODEL
At Cincinnati Country Day School, athletics are more than a game; they are a transformative journey that begins in a student’s earliest years and continues through graduation. Each of our sport programs are built on a clear developmental pathway, designed by our athletics department and head coaches, with the goal of helping every student become the best version of themselves, both on and off the field.
“Country Day is truly a special place that values academics, character development, and athletic achievement the true trifecta of the high school experience as far as I’m concerned.” – Tim Dunn, retired teacher, coach, and member of the Class of 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame 14
The Developmental Model: A Journey Through Sports at CCDS YOUTH SPORTS:
Setting a Foundation for Skills, Character, and Community Our youth sports program lays the foundation for a lifelong love of athletics. Designed for our Lower School and Middle School students, this program introduces young athletes to the fundamentals of sport in a fun, engaging, and inclusive environment. We believe that early exposure to sports not only enhances physical development but also plays a vital role in shaping character and strengthening community. Through organized practices and games, students learn more than just how to play; they begin to understand the value of effort, the power of teamwork, and the joy of growth through participation. Our goals for the youth sports program are simple yet powerful: • Develop Athletics Skills: Introduce students to age-appropriate skills and techniques across a variety of sports. • Encourage Active Fun: Make physical activity an enjoyable part of everyday life while building coordination and fitness. • Promote Core Values: Reinforce the school’s five character virtues - compassion, courage, integrity, respect, and responsibility - through team play and competition. 15
• Build Community: Strengthen relationships among students, families, and coaches, fostering school spirit and pride from an early age. In the Youth Sports Program: • All student-athletes will receive meaningful playing time. • Coaches focus on building confidence, skill development, and a positive team experience. • Sportsmanship, passion, and fun are prioritized over wins and losses. • Students are encouraged to try new sports, take risks, and discover what they love. Whether it’s their first time on the field or they’ve been playing for years, every child is welcomed, supported, and challenged in a way that nurtures growth and excitement for athletics. At CCDS, we know that the lessons learned through early sports experiences help shape our students into resilient, motivated, and confident individuals who are ready to take on any challenge.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS: Where Growth Meets Commitment
In grades 7 and 8, students take their next step in the CCDS athletics journey, transitioning from skill-building to structured team competition. At this level, participation in athletics fulfills the physical education requirement, underscoring the importance we place on sports as a vital part of the educational experience. Each season, students choose one sport to commit to for its full duration. With more than 20 sports offered throughout the year, our Middle School student-athletes have the opportunity to explore their interests, develop new skills, and experience the rewards of dedication and teamwork. The emphasis of the program is still on participation and growth, and all team members are given the chance to compete in interscholastic contests. While playing time is not expected to be equal, coaches are intentional about providing meaningful opportunities for all players to contribute and develop.
“My time at Country Day taught me how to drive, how to march forward. It gave me a confidence that carries into every part of my life—into business, into raising a family.” – Burke Byer ’97, member of the Class of 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame 17
At this stage, our program begins to introduce: • Team strategy and technical coaching. • A shift toward earned playing time, based on effort, improvement, and team-first mentality. • A competitive team culture where accountability and commitment matter. • Preparation for high school athletics and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a student-athlete. Being a member of a CCDS athletics team is considered a privilege, one that comes with responsibilities and expectations. Our athletics code reflects the school’s mission and values, emphasizing integrity, sportsmanship, and respect for oneself and others. Student-athletes are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct, demonstrating moral character both on and off the field. Through Middle School athletics, students experience personal growth, learn to lead, and begin to discover what it means to represent something greater than themselves while still having fun and loving the game.
UPPER SCHOOL ATHLETICS: Leaders On and Off the Field
Varsity and JV teams represent the culmination of our developmental model. At this level: • We focus on fielding competitive teams that embody excellence, leadership, and integrity. • Our goal is to prepare top student-athletes to compete at the collegiate level if they choose to pursue that path. • Players are challenged to become leaders, both in their sport and in their community. • Coaches emphasize personal growth and team-first mentality over individual accolades. 18
The Heart of the Journey We recognize that every student’s athletic path is unique and that each sport’s journey may look different. What remains constant is our commitment to: • Helping each student grow as a player and person. • Teaching each student-athlete to focus not on wins and losses, but on progress, character, and teamwork. • Providing an experience that builds resilience, confidence, and lifelong values. At CCDS, athletics are a vehicle for personal transformation in which every student-athlete is encouraged to rise to their potential, pursue excellence with humility, and become a better version of themselves through the process.
“Students don’t have to choose between passions. You get to follow your dreams on and off the court. I didn’t have to stop being a student or stop playing the piano. I was also able to join student council. I was able to do all of these things that a small, wonderful community encourages its kids to do.” – Cassidy Sachs Masters ’13, member of the Class of 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame 19
Cincinnati Country Day School creates leaders who, through the discovery of their own abilities, kindle the potential of others and better a dynamic world. 6905 Given Road | Cincinnati, OH 45243-2898 | 513.561.7298 www.countryday.net