Blair Academy’s Athletic Program

Physical education is not a class at Blair, it is a philosophy, a belief that students should have many opportunities to exercise and that most of those opportunities should involve commitment to learning new skills, developing individual goals and, frequently, wearing the Blair blue against our traditional athletic rivals. Blair believes the physical education our students receive is superior to the usual class approach that is common in most high school settings. By playing on a team, boys and girls develop camaraderie, prepare strategies for competition and learn valuable lessons about achieving their goals.

Blair’s athletic program is structured around participation in competitive athletics, in the belief that this is the best way to develop physical health and teach valuable life lessons. Freshmen must participate in two competitive sports (but are encouraged to do three); sophomores and juniors must also compete in two. Seniors often play on and lead Blair teams, but they also have the option of participating in other physical activities, including recreational sports such as whitewater kayaking. Every day, from 3:30 p.m. to about 5 p.m., all students at Blair participate in a physical activity (the performing arts also qualify as an athletic credit).

Adding to the excitement of athletic competition is the formation of the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL). The MAPL League includes six preparatory schools in the Mid-Atlantic area: Blair, The Peddie School, The Hun School, The Hill School, Lawrenceville School and Mercersburg Academy. The schools compete for MAPL championships in most team sports, as well as for an overall trophy that goes to the school that has won the most championships.

The spirit of competition and sportsmanship has been a great success, and the MAPL League adds another dimension to Blair’s already strong athletic program.

For more than a quarter of a century, Blair golfers have participated in the unique Blair-Wellington Golf Exchange, which sends the best British and American school boy golfers to each other’s countries. Alternating between an American and a British tour, this prestigious, three-week tour allows young golfers to play some of the best courses in both countries. Blair also boasts a nine-hole golf course on its campus.

Traditional rivalries create extra excitement for both fans and athletes. Peddie Day, honoring the oldest prep school football rivalry in New Jersey, has occurred each year since 1903. The tradition has grown into a daylong event, as Blair faces off against The Peddie School in a variety of sports in addition to football. The competition alternates each fall between the campuses of the two schools and showcases Blair’s strong school pride and spirit. A grand pep rally and bonfire kick off the weekend in which everyone participates.

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