| Philosophy
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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