All In The Campaign for Blair Academy 2018-2025

Blair's Athletes Remain Motivated & Engaged at Home

Blair's Athletes Remain Motivated & Engaged at Home
Rhett Moroses

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has cancelled the spring athletic season, Blair’s athletic programs have remained motivated and engaged as the end of the school year approaches. The boys’ basketball program and softball program are among those who have implemented creative ways to stay together during these challenging times.

The varsity softball team engaged in a two-week “Sweat for Blue” workout challenge. They decided to use their workouts to raise funds for umpires who would be adversely affected by the loss of income this season. For every workout that was completed by a Blair softball player, money was donated by the event sponsors, T Halford Construction, Anchor Payroll and Benefit Solutions, and Hunter Roberts Construction. The team raised nearly $2,000, and gift cards were sent to umpires this week. The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) highlighted the team’s effort in its April newsletter. To read the article, click here.

The softball players’ next project is inspired by speaker Amy Liss of Easter Seals, Chicago. It is called the PICK-me-up challenge, and teammates must reach out to each other and to those in need with an inspirational quote, song or video. 

"I can't describe how much I and the coaching staff miss this year's team, especially our seniors,” said Carolyn Conforti-Browse ’79, Blair’s head softball coach. “I am proud that they have been working hard to stay strong in all ways."

Additionally, the varsity boys’ basketball team has used this time away from campus to connect current players with alums of the program. The team has had weekly Zoom calls with alumni who are now working in different industries such as business, entertainment and professional sports. These meetings are designed to bring the members of the Blair basketball program closer together.

“The guys on the team really enjoyed the Zoom with our NBA alums, as well as our Zoom with those in corporate America,” said Joe Mantegna, Blair’s head boys’ basketball coach. “Garnering information firsthand from guys who once ‘walked in their shoes’ is incredibly effective. More than that, the alums really enjoyed connecting with the current players, and many phone numbers and emails were exchanged among them.”