School Athletic Philosophy Statement

The athletic program at Algonquin Middle School mirrors the school’s mission to prepare students through the education of the mind and body. Our diverse athletic programs provide for the development of life and leadership skills. Physical and mental challenges in a team dynamic create resiliency, responsibility, and a commitment to others. All athletics abide by the concept that the word "student" comes before "athlete." The pursuit of academic excellence along with athletic performance is our goal.

Activities Coordinator

Bryan Bloomberg – bryan.bloomberg@d300.org

Activities Secretary

Addy Enriquez – addy.enriquez@d300.org

Prior to tryouts, athletes must complete an "IHSA PreParticipation Physical Evaluation." This process includes submitting a related form that must be signed by a doctor or medical group. In addition, athletes must complete the school's digital "Athletic Registration" form. Please complete both forms, which are linked below, and be sure to submit a copy of the IHSA form to the main office.

IHSA PreParticipation Physical Evaluation Form 

To access the "IHSA PreParticipation Physical Evaluation" form, please click here.

You will need to make an appointment with a doctor to complete this form. Forms are good for 13 months. Sixth graders will NOT need to get a sports physical because the physical they receive prior to coming into AMS will be accepted for participation in sports. Local doctors' offices may also have these forms available.

Athletic Registration Form

To access the AMS "Athletic Registration" form, please click here.

Athletic Code of Conduct

To access the District 300 athletic code of conduct, please click here.

Anti-Bullying and Hazing Policy

To access the District 300 anti-bullying and hazing policy, click here.

Fall Sports

Cross Country

Coaches: 

Zachary Peterson – Zachary.Peterson@d300.org 

Jacquelyn Davis – Jacquelyn.Davis@d300.org 

This sport is open to all sixth, seventh, and eighth grade girls and boys. The season extends from the beginning of the school year through mid-October and consists of 10 meets. The sport is "all play," meaning that everyone who wants to participate will participate. AMS cross country teams have always achieved winning records. Students are encouraged to become part of this winning tradition.

Girls Volleyball

Seventh grade coach: Geri Rydz – Geri.Rydz@d300.org 

Eighth grade coach: Raymond Cardenas Jr. – Raymond.CardenasJr@d300.org 

This sport provides students with an opportunity to learn new skills while improving existing skills. Good sportsmanship and teamwork are emphasized, with the coaching philosophy centered on “team first.” The season commences with try-outs at the beginning of the school year and runs to mid-October. A seventh grade and eighth grade squad of 15 girls compete with other schools in the district. The squad also participates in tournament play. Practices are held every weekday from 3:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the occasional morning practice from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. 

Winter Sports

Boys Basketball

Seventh grade coach: Bryan Bloomberg – Bryan.Bloomberg@d300.org

Eighth grade coach: Zachary Peterson – Zachary.Peterson@d300.org 

The boys basketball season begins in early October and is open to any seventh or eighth grade boy. Fifteen to 18 boys will be selected for each grade-level squad. This interscholastic sport concludes its season with a tournament in December. 

Cheerleading

Coach: Dena Huerta Dena.Huerta@d300.org

Cheerleaders at AMS help promote interscholastic team sports, school spirit, and good sportsmanship. After a number of clinics held in October, a panel of judges chooses a seventh grade squad and an eighth grade squad. Cheerleaders participate at home boys basketball games and school pep assemblies from mid-October to December. 

Dance/Poms

Coach: Laura Suess – Laura.Suess@d300.org 

Dance is open to seventh and eighth grade students and runs during the boys basketball season. The dance team at AMS helps promote interscholastic team sports, school spirit, and good sportsmanship through choreographed dance routines. After a number of clinics held in October, a dance team is chosen, which is comprised of seventh grade and eighth grade girls. The dance team participates at home boys basketball games and school pep assemblies from mid-October to December. 

Girls Basketball

Seventh grade coach: Zachary Peterson – Zachary.Peterson@d300.org 

Eighth grade coach: Bryan Bloomberg – Bryan.Bloomberg@d300.org

Girls basketball is open to seventh and eighth grade girls. Tryouts are held the last week in December. The season begins the first week of January and ends in March. Tryouts are open to any seventh or eighth grade girl at AMS, and approximately 15 girls will be selected for each grade-level squad. 

Wrestling

Coaches:

Raymond Cardenas Jr. – Raymond.CardenasJr@d300.org 

Laura Suess – Laura.Suess@d300.org 

Wrestling is open to anyone interested in participating and is a great sport for all ages and sizes. The season begins in January and ends the last week of February. Most practices are held from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., with the occasional afternoon practice from 3:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. During the season, we focus on learning wrestling techniques and improving overall physical fitness, with a coaching philosophy centered on “team first.” 

Spring Sports

Track and Field

Head coach: Raymond Cardenas Jr. – Raymond.CardenasJr@d300.org 

Seventh grade boys coach: Laura Suess – Laura.Suess@d300.org

Seventh grade girls coach: Emily Peterson – Emily.Peterson@d300.org 

Eighth grade girls coach: Jamie Vodvarka – Jamie.Vodvarka@d300.org 

Track and field is open to any seventh or eighth grade girl or boy at AMS. There are no tryouts for this sport, and no team size limitations. The track season begins in April and ends with the District 300 Track Meet in mid-May. Practices are from 3:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.