Aurora Central Catholic
High School
Student Athletic Handbook 2017 - 2018
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Dear Student-Athlete,
This handbook has been prepared to make information readily
available to you and to help you in making your athletic career at
Aurora Central Catholic High School a positive experience. Read
it carefully, and share it with your parents. The Athletic Code of
Conduct outlined in this handbook points out your responsibilities
as a student-athlete at Aurora Central Catholic.
The Aurora Central Catholic Chargers have a proud athletic
tradition of which you are now a member. Your presence on an
athletic team draws the focus of public attention to you as a
representative of our school. In the gymnasium, on the field, in the
classroom, at home, and in public always display the “class” and
dignity which is an important part of our Aurora Central Catholic
tradition. If you try your best, to be your best, at all times, and in
all situations, Aurora Central Catholic High School will indeed be
honored by your wearing of the “Blue and the Gold”.
On behalf of the administration, athletic department, faculty, and
fellow students, I welcome you to the ranks of a special
community and I wish you every success in all of your endeavors.
You have chosen to become part of a select group of people, a
group of student-athletes who have exalted the tradition of Aurora
Central Catholic High School. It is now your turn to do the same.
Welcome to ACC athletics!
Sincerely,
Sean Bieterman
Athletic Director
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Student Athletic Handbook 2018 - 2019
Aurora Central Catholic High School 1255 N. Edgelawn Dr. • Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 907-0095 • Fax (630) 907-1076 www.auroracentral.com
Athletic Office
(630) 907-0095 ext. 107
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AURORA CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
1255 N. Edgelawn Drive • Aurora, Illinois 60506
(630) 907-0095 • FAX (630) 907-1076
www.auroracentral.com
Athletic Director: Mr. Sean Bieterman
e-mail: [email protected]
Athletic Assistant: Mr. Luke Brauweiler
e-mail: [email protected]
Principal: Rev. F. William Etheredge
Assistant Principal: Mr. Paul Mayer
Nickname: Chargers
Colors: Royal Blue and Gold
Conference: Metro Suburban Conference (MSC)
AURORA CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Athletic Department Philosophy
Interscholastic activities are an important aspect of Aurora Central
Catholic High School. A sound athletic program is an extension of
the classroom. The purpose of the “Charger” athletic program is to
stimulate and guide student-athletes in their spiritual, intellectual,
moral, emotional, social and physical development through their
experiences in the athletic arena. Aurora Central Catholic High
School regards participation in sports as a privilege, not a right.
Becoming a “Charger” athlete brings added responsibilities to the
participant; responsibilities to the school, to the student body, to
the community, to the team, to the family, and most important, to
the participant. Thus, there is a higher level of expectation for our
“Charger” athletes.
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Metro Suburban Conference
In addition to Aurora Central Catholic High School, the member
schools of the Metro Suburban Conference include: Aurora
Christian, Aurora; Bishop McNamara, Kankakee; Chicago
Christian, Palos Heights; Elmwood Park, Elmwood Park; Fenton,
Bensenville; Guerin Prep, River Grove; Immaculate Conception,
Elmhurst; Ridgewood, Norridge; Riverside-Brookfield, Riverside;
St. Edward, Elgin; St. Francis, Wheaton; Timothy Christian,
Elmhurst; and Wheaton Academy, West Chicago.
Aurora Central Catholic High School is a member of, and adheres
to the rules and regulations of, the Illinois High School Association
(IHSA) and the Metro Suburban Conference (MSC).
The Athletic Director is responsible for all matters pertaining to the
athletic program including the scheduling of contests, ordering of
athletic equipment, maintaining of all athletic equipment, and
arranging transportation to all athletic events.
Aurora Central Catholic High School offers participation in the
following sports during the school year:
FALL ATHLETICS
Sport Head Coach
Boys: Cross Country Mr. Troy Kerber
Golf Mr. Mike Cowen
Football Mr. Luke Brauweiler
Soccer Mr. Jose Barrientos
Girls: Cheerleading Mrs. Bonnie Kehlringer
Cross Country Mr. Troy Kerber
Golf Mr. Mark Schwartz
Dance/Poms Ms. Terri Varney
Tennis Mr. Tyler Livingston
Volleyball Mrs. Janelle Pritchett
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Location of Home Contests:
Cross Country: Oakhurst Forest Preserve, Aurora
Golf: Phillips Park Golf Course, Aurora
Football: Aurora Central Catholic H.S., Bob Stewart Field
Tennis: Washington Junior High, Aurora
Volleyball: Aurora Central Catholic H.S., Alumni Gym
Soccer: Aurora Central Catholic H.S., Bob Stewart Field
WINTER ATHLETICS Sport Head Coach
Boys: Basketball Mr. Nate Drye
Wrestling Mr. Randy Glaudel
Girls: Basketball
Cheerleading Mrs. Bonnie Kehlringer
Dance/Poms Ms. Terri Varney
Location of Home Contests:
Basketball: Aurora Central Catholic H.S., Alumni Gym
Wrestling: Aurora Central Catholic H.S., Alumni Gym
SPRING ATHLETICS Sport Head Coach
Boys: Baseball Mr. Sean Bieterman
Tennis Mr. Michael Cowen
Track Mr. Troy Kerber
Bass Fishing Mr. Mike Bartlett
Girls: Softball Mr. Tom Babyar
Track Mr. Troy Kerber
Soccer Mrs. Kristine Kane
Bass Fishing Mr. Mike Bartlett
Location of Home Contests:
Baseball: Aurora Central Catholic H.S., Jim Swann Field
Softball: Aurora Central Catholic H.S., Jim Swann Field
Track/Soccer: Aurora Central Catholic H.S., Bob Stewart Field
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ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT
Every student-athlete, at Aurora Central Catholic High School, is
aware and accepts their responsibilities for the following pledge
for the entire year, not simply an athletic season. It is expected
that all student-athletes will act as positive examples to others.
The Aurora Central Catholic Athletic Code is in effect twelve
months a year both in and out of season. Therefore, all student-
athletes agree to the following:
1. School Code of Discipline. Adhere to the code of conduct
and discipline for all Aurora Central Catholic High School
students. To follow all school rules of conduct in both the
Student and the Athletic Handbooks, at all times.
To conduct oneself in a respectful manner towards coaches,
teammates, managers, drivers, opponents, officials, and
fans.
2. Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco Policy. No student should
use or possess alcohol, illegal drugs, steroids, or tobacco at
any time. Any student-athlete, who is present at a party
or gathering in which illegal activities take place, and
fails to leave, is considered in violation of school policy.
This policy remains in effect for all student-athletes both in
season and out of season
Tobacco Policy
First Offense: Suspension for one-third of the scheduled
contests.
Second Offense: Suspension for one-half of the
scheduled contests.
Third Offense: Suspension for an entire season. (Any
additional violation will result in a loss of eligibility for
one’s high school career.)
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Alcohol, Illegal Drugs, and Steroid Policy
First Offense: Suspension for one-third of the scheduled
contests and a mandatory drug-alcohol evaluation.
Second Offense: Suspension for all scheduled contests
for one calendar year from the violation and a
mandatory drug-alcohol evaluation. (Any additional
violation will result in a loss of eligibility for one’s high
school career.)
3. Team Rules. Aurora Central Catholic athletes are expected
to be supportive of team members and to follow all team
rules as explained by the coach.
To attend and be on time for all practices and contests.
Athletes are always expected to personally notify the coach
in the event that they may be unexpectedly late for a
practice or a contest.
To follow any special rules or guidelines set up by coaches,
administration, drivers, and/or opponent schools.
To present an appropriate appearance, as representatives of
school. (Athletes are to wear attire approved by their
coaches at practices and to contests. This attire should be
in keeping with the school dress code, for example, jeans
should not be worn to contests, boys are not to wear
earrings, etc.)
4. Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Rules. To
follow all IHSA rules and guidelines for athletes.
To follow the rules that govern the fair play of the sport
and always to play by the rules.
To display good sportsmanship. (Ejection from a game
for poor sportsmanship results in an automatic next
game suspension by the IHSA, and this suspension may
be extended by the Athletic Director.)
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5. Curfew. Members of athletic teams shall observe
municipal curfew laws as well as the curfew hours
established by the coach in each sport.
6. Scandal. No student-athlete should allow himself/herself to
become part of a situation that will cause embarrassment,
injury, scandal, or the loss of respect to school, parents, or
self.
Penalty: Disciplinary action as set by the Aurora Central
Catholic High School (including the coach, Athletic
Director, and Administration).
VIOLATIONS OF THE ATHLETIC CODE
The failure of a student-athlete to comply with the Athletic Code
will result in an appropriate action(s) determined by the coach
and/or the Athletic Director. If the matter is serious, it will be
referred by the Athletic Director to the Athletic Discipline
Committee (ADC).
The Athletic Discipline Committee (ADC) is comprised of the
Athletic Director, Principal, Coach, and two (2) faculty members.
The following are examples of serious situations that may be
handled by the School Discipline Policies and/or the Athletic
Discipline Committee.
Violations of the school discipline policies, as stated in the
Student Handbook.
Theft or vandalism involving property of teammates,
Aurora Central Catholic High School, or opposing teams or
schools.
Misuse of prescription or over the counter products.
Involvement, use, or possession of tobacco, alcohol, illegal
drugs, and/or steroids.
Situations causing scandal or loss of image to school,
parents, or self.
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Inappropriate posting on social media, Twitter, etc.
Any other issue that is serious in nature, or deemed a matter
for the ADC, by the Athletic Director or the Administration
In cases of admitted violation of the above policies the Athletic
Director will enforce the policy consequences as outlined above.
If there is not an admission of guilt and the situation warrants
further review, the case may be referred to the Athletic Discipline
Committee.
Please note: If the school discipline system is involved, it
becomes the primary discipline system. The school discipline
system may affect athletic eligibility. After the school discipline
system deals with a situation, the Athletic Director may further
review the findings to see if additional action (if any) needs to be
taken.
ATHLETIC SUSPENSIONS
Aurora Central Catholic teaches and encourages all students to
make good choices and to use sound judgement. If a student-
athlete fails to use good judgement and violates the Aurora Central
Catholic Athletic Code, an athletic suspension may result. The
length of an athletic suspensions is based on the nature of the
violation as well as the number of scheduled contests. If a
suspension cannot be served within the schedule of one sport
season, it may be carried over to the next athletic season as
determined by the Administration.
Athletic Practices. During an athletic suspension, the
student-athlete will be required to attend and to participate
in all practices. However, the student-athlete is not
permitted to participate nor to “dress” for any contests.
“Carry Over” Suspensions. In the event that it is
impossible to fully serve an athletic suspension, because
the suspension exceeds the number of available contests,
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then the suspension must be completed in the next athletic
season.
Voluntary Admission/Self Reporting. If a student-athlete
voluntarily reports a violation of the Athletic Code, the
consequences of the violation may be reduced by as much
as half of the stipulated suspension as determined by the
Administration.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
Attendance. Students are expected to be in attendance each day of
the school year because absence from class is always a detriment
to the educational process. Student-athletes must be in
attendance for a full school day in order to practice or to
compete in athletic contests.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Insurance. The school/diocese does not carry medical
insurance for injuries to students and therefore will not pay the
cost relating to the injury. Each participating student in the
athletic program is required to be covered by parental
insurance. This insurance may be coverage that the family has that
will cover high school athletics, or some supplemental insurance
must be purchased prior to participation in the athletic program.
Supplemental Athletic Insurance: Insurance may be
purchased to supplement a family insurance policy or to
provide sole insurance coverage for the student-athlete.
Information about this supplemental athletic insurance may
be obtained from the Athletic Director, the First Agency, Inc.
(at, www.1stAgency.com), or on the school website.
Catastrophic Insurance for Schools: The State of Illinois
and the IHSA requires that all Illinois high schools provide
Catastrophic Insurance. Aurora Central Catholic does have
this mandated insurance coverage with the First Agency, Inc.
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All athletes must provide proof of an insurance policy prior to
participation in any athletic practice or competition.
Health & Injuries. If a student-athlete has any special medical
needs, the family must inform the Athletic Department and the
school in writing. This is essential to safeguard your child’s health.
Any injury occurring during practice or a contest is to be
reported to the coach immediately.
Participation Fee. All student-athletes are required to pay an
athletic participation fee prior to the first team practice. In the
event that the student-athlete does not “make” the team, the
participation fee will be refunded. If, during an athletic season, the
student leaves the team – either voluntarily, or as a result of a
disciplinary action – the participation fee will not be refunded.
The athletic participation fee for this school year follows: first
sport = $125, second sport = $125, third sport = $125, and
fourth sport = no additional fee.
Volunteers. Each family is expected to volunteer to assist with
the many Aurora Central Catholic activities. Parents of
student-athletes are especially needed to assist with many of the
athletic programs, such as to chaperone at games or to assist with
the Booster Club activities (e.g., concession stand, raffles, etc.).
There will be opportunities to volunteer for competitions at the
preseason team meetings. Families will later be assigned to help
with concessions and other activities at home contests.
Transportation. When the school provides transportation the
athlete is required to travel with the team. Parents who find it
necessary to transport their athlete home from a contest must notify
the coach in person (before the contest) that they are taking their
athlete home with them. Any other arrangements for transportation
must be approved by the Athletic Director in advance.
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Equipment and Uniforms. Each athlete is responsible for the
proper care and safe keeping of all equipment and uniforms.
Athletes/parents will be held accountable for the current
replacement cost, for lost, stolen, or damaged equipment and
uniforms. This includes damage due to improper laundering.
Practice clothing and personal items such as socks, shoes, mouth
guards, etc. will need to be purchased by the athlete. Coaches can
require certain types of clothing but may not dictate where to buy
the items. At times, shoe offers or “spirit packages” may be
available as a convenience but the athletes are not required to make
these purchases. All equipment and uniforms must be returned
to the coach at the conclusion of the athletic season. Student-
athletes who fail to return athletic equipment by the designated
date will be charged a late fee.
Team Size. Aurora Central Catholic High School encourages as
many students to participate in each sport as possible. Situations
such as facilities, number of coaches, available playing time, level
of competition, etc. may dictate that in certain situations a team
may need to make “cuts” down to a practical, manageable size.
Participation. Aurora Central Catholic High School wants
students to participate in sports throughout the year. Student-
athletes are strongly encouraged to participate in several sports and
in extra-curricular activities each school year. Friendships and
lasting memories are often forged with participation in high school
athletics and in extra-curricular activities.
The school policy is to encourage a student-athlete to play on
several sports teams. It is important that student-athletes develop
their skills by participating in a variety of sports. Consequently, all
coaches encourage athletes to participate in a variety of sports.
In order to become a more successful athlete and to have
successful athletic programs the “off-season” and summer time is
becoming more and more important. Strength and conditioning
has become very important in today’s athletics. A strong,
conditioned athlete is better able to perform and is better able to
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protect against injuries. Strength-weight training and a
conditioning program is strongly encouraged for all athletes,
especially during the “off-season” and summer months.
We encourage coaches to invite potential athletes from our school
to try their sports. However, they never are to solicit athletes away
from other Aurora Central Catholic High School teams that play
during the same sports season as their sport.
It may be difficult, but it is not impossible, for a student to
participate on two (2) different sports at Aurora Central Catholic
High School during the same sports season (e.g., football and
soccer). Permission is required from the Athletic Director to
participate on two teams in the same athletic season.
Any student who is “cut” from a team may participate on another
team during a sports season if it is practical to do so.
Any student who voluntarily drops from an athletic team must
receive the approval of the Athletic Director to participate on
another athletic team during that same sports season.
Any student who is dropped from a team for discipline or
academic reasons will not be eligible to participate on another team
that sports season. If dropped for disciplinary reasons, they may
also lose the privilege of participating on future teams.
Aurora Central Catholic High School discourages participation in
an alternative sport, such as a “club” team, while participating on a
Charger team. In addition, IHSA rules prohibit the participation on
a second (2nd) team of the same sport during the defined season of
that IHSA sport.
REQUIRED BEFORE THE START OF PRACTICE
Athletic registration takes place by completing the online
forms at https://acc.8to18.com, or by completing the athletic
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forms on the school website. All of the items listed below must
be on file prior to the first team practice.
Athletes and their parents/guardians are to attend a preseason
team meeting prior to the start of the athletic season.
Physical Exam. Prior to the beginning of a sports
season, a student must have a physical exam signed by a licensed physician on file at Aurora Central Catholic High School. The ISBE Physical Exam Form (for freshmen) or the IHSA Physical Exam Form should be used, and these forms are available online or in the Athletic Office. All students participating in athletics must have a copy of their physical exam on file at school prior to the first team practice. Any athlete who does not have the physical exam form on file at school may not practice until this requirement has been fulfilled. A physical exam is only valid for thirteen months from the date of the exam. (Note: The physician must sign and date the form.) It is recommended that physicals be taken during the summer, and before the start of school in August.
All incoming freshmen and all transfer students must
have the required school entrance ISBE Physical Exam
Form and the associated medical records on file prior to
the first team practice.
Participation/Permission Form. All athletes must
complete a Participation/Permission Form, sign it and have
it signed by a parent/guardian. This indicates that all have
received and read the Athletic Handbook and will abide by
the Athletic Code and all items set forth in the Student
Handbook.
Emergency Form. All students must complete an
Emergency Form prior to the start of the athletic season and
school year.
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Proof of Insurance. All student-athletes must complete
the Proof of Insurance Form prior to the first practice. This form indicates that parents have insurance for their
child in the event of an injury. If a student is not covered by
a family insurance policy, parents or guardians must
purchase some insurance prior to the first practice. The
school/diocese does not carry medical insurance for
injuries to students.
Participation Fee. All student-athletes must pay the
athletic participation fee (either online or with a check)
prior to the first practice.
IHSA Medical Consent Policy. The IHSA requires all
student-athletes to sign a medical consent form.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Academics and Eligibility. All student-athletes must be
academically eligible in order to compete in athletic contests.
Athletes must meet the minimum IHSA requirements and the
Aurora Central Catholic High School standards. During the athletic
seasons there will be weekly academic checks. If an athlete
receives an academic warning (“D”) or a failure (“F”) in any
course, they will be given a form for their parent/guardians to
sign. The signed form must be returned to the Athletic Director by
the date listed. An academic failure may limit or prohibit
participation in athletics, an academic warning (“D”) does not limit
eligibility.
Academic Failure. An athlete receiving more than one academic
failure (“F”) in a weekly grading period will not be eligible to
participate in athletics the week after the grading period. The
length of the ineligibility will run one week from Monday through
Sunday. If an athlete is ineligible going into the Christmas or
Easter vacations, they will remain ineligible through the vacation.
Any student who fails more than one course for the First Term
will be ineligible to participate in athletics for the Second
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Term. Likewise, any student who fails more than one course for
the Spring Term will be ineligible for the next Term unless the
academic credits are made up over the summer.
Attendance. ALL STUDENT-ATHLETES MUST BE IN
ATTENDANCE FOR A FULL SCHOOL DAY IN ORDER
TO PRACTICE OR TO COMPETE IN CONTESTS. A student
who misses class due to a school related activity such as a retreat,
field trip, an approved college day or for an excused doctor visit
may practice and compete in contests on the day of the absence.
Any other situations must be approved by the Asst. Principal, or
the Dean of Students, before being able to practice or play in a
contest.
Athletes are expected to attend all practices and to be on time. If circumstances make this impossible they should personally
contact their coach as soon as possible. Athletes should always be
at all their games. If it is impossible for an athlete to participate in
an athletic practice or game, the coach should always be notified in
advance as soon possible. Aurora Central Catholic High School
discourages athletes from going on vacations (such as, Christmas
or Easter vacations) during their sport season.
Concussion Policy. All Aurora Central Catholic student-athletes
participate, before the start of the athletic seasons, in the ImPACT
Applications testing. The ImPACT Applications testing will be
conducted at no cost by the athletic trainer for all student-athletes
(as freshmen, juniors, transfer students, and as deemed necessary)
and for any other interested students. The ImPACT baseline exam
is designed to assist a student’s family physician, neurologist, and
the athletic trainer in determining the existence and the severity of
a concussion.
Concussion protocols, at Aurora Central Catholic, include
returning to learn (RTL) and returning to play (RTP) plans. These
plans will be initiated at the direction of the family physician,
neurologist, or the athletic trainer if a student is deemed to have
sustained a concussion or a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI).
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Team Uniforms. All athletes are responsible for the proper care
of team uniforms. At the conclusion of an athletic season, all
uniforms must be returned immediately to the coach. Team
uniforms must be cleaned and returned to the coach in good (viz.,
usable) condition. Students are responsible for the cost of any
lost or damaged uniforms.
Awards. All athletes that complete a season will receive a
certificate of participation each year. Varsity athletes (1st year)
will receive a varsity Charger “C” letter. Varsity athletes (2nd
, 3rd
,
and 4th
years) and team captains will receive “sports” pins. All
three sport varsity athletes will receive a special gold Charger “C”
letter. Varsity teams will also present special plaques such as Most
Valuable and Most Improved players. The first honor given to
freshmen, or non-varsity, athletes is their class numerals (viz., ‘21).
It is hoped that all athletes will proudly display their awards.
MSC Academic Team. Metro Suburban Conference (MSC)
Academic Team certificates are given to varsity athletes with
a 3.50GPA for each sport season. All MSC Conference
Awards for each season are given to those earning them as
governed by MSC rules.
Senior Athlete of the Year. Aurora Central Catholic Senior
Athlete of the Year Awards are given to one female and one
male athlete as selected by the coaches. The minimum
qualification for the Senior Athlete of the Year is the
participation in at least two (2) varsity sports. Other
considerations include: IHSA and/or MSC honors, athletic
achievements, school activities, community involvement,
and discipline record.
Athletic Award Celebrations. All athletes are expected to attend
the Award Banquets for their sports as part of their commitment to
the Athletic Program and to dress appropriately for the occasion.
The dates for the Athletic Award Banquets follow:
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Fall Sports Breakfast November 11th
Winter Sports Breakfast March 10th
Spring Sports Awards May 21st
(and Senior Athletes of the Year)
Sportsmanship. Aurora Central Catholic High School, the
Suburban Christian Conference and the IHSA all place a strong
emphasis on sportsmanship. We expect our coaches, athletes and
our fans to exhibit good sportsmanship at all times. The IHSA
mandates a one game suspension for any athlete or coach who is
ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct. That suspension could be
extended by the Aurora Central Catholic High School Athletic
Department. The school also has to answer to the IHSA for any
fan who is ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct. Our fans are
expected to follow any directions given at home or away contests
by persons in charge of the contests. Aurora Central Catholic
High School, working with the MSC and the IHSA, does have
the right to ban attendance at home and away contests by fans
who have exhibited unsportsmanlike conduct.
Playing Time. Each coach determines the starting line-up and the
playing time for their athletes.
NCAA (College) Eligibility Center. All athletes who hope to play
a college sport at either the NCAA Division I or Division II levels
must apply with the NCAA Eligibility Center in order to determine
their eligibility status. Information about this collegiate application
process, and the NCAA Eligibility Center, may be obtained from
the Guidance Office. Upon completion for the electronic
application process, student-athletes should obtain an official
transcript and send both along with a application fee made payable
to the NCAA Eligibility Center. Ideally, the NCAA Eligibility
Center encourages student-athletes to complete this application
process during the junior year. The NCAA standards and
information about the NCAA Clearinghouse are available in
the Guidance Office or online at
http://www.eligibilitycenter.org.
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NCAA Initial Eligibility Standards. All student-athletes need to
meet certain academic requirements in order to qualify for a
collegiate scholarship. The following minimal requirements must
be met in order for the student-athlete to be eligible to receive a
scholarship at an NCAA Division I or II college or university.
Division I Division II
• Graduate from High School
• Complete 16 core courses
• Present a minimum GPA
• Present ACT/SAT scores
• Graduate from High School
• Complete 16 core courses
• Present minimum 2.0 GPA
• Present Minimum 68 sum
ACT score, or 820 SAT
score
Please see the Student Handbook and the Curriculum Guide for a
complete listing of Division I and Division II qualifications.
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School Song
Chargers gold and blue
We’re all that’s old and new
Long after songs are sung,
Bells are rung, games are won
Thank God for ev’ry thing
Let’s make the valley ring
Ev’ry Charger stand and sing
GO, GO, ACC!
CHARGE!
School Colors
ROYAL BLUE & GOLD
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