Minutes
Quincy School Committee
Athletics & Wellness Subcommittee Meeting - November 13, 2018
A meeting of the Policy Subcommittee was held on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 6:00 pm in the Coddington Building. Present were Mayor Thomas Koch, Mr. Anthony Andronico, Mr. Paul Bregoli, and Mr. Doug Gutro, Chair. Also attending were Superintendent Richard DeCristofaro, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mr. Kevin Mahoney, Mr. Jean-Jacques Niamkey, Mr. Robert Shaw, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
North Quincy High School Athletic Director JJ Niamkey presented a review of Fall Athletics citing very positive developments in increasing athletic participation. Both the Football and Girls Volleyball (Patriot League Fisher Division Co-Champions) teams qualified for the MIAA tournament. Mayor Koch asked about participation, Mr. Niamkey said Boys Soccer had a higher level of participation than in previous years, so fielded three teams. The football team was hindered by injuries; cross-country had increased participation, and Volleyball was strong as always.
Quincy High School Athletic Director Kevin Mahoney then reviewed Fall Athletics for Quincy High School, Boys Soccer and Girls Volleyball (Patriot League Fisher Division Co-Champions) both qualified for MIAA tournament. Football has won their last two games, participation is consistent with last year’s. Patriot League All-Stars, Sportsmanship, and Scholar-Athlete Awards will be announced shortly for multiple students at both schools.
Mr. Bregoli asked about Marshfield being included in the Patriot League, Mr. Niamkey said these are scheduled as non-league games for this year and next year before a formal vote in December 2019 at the MIAA Principal meeting. Not all sports teams will play against Marshfield each season.
Mr. Gutro said that is was a good fall season, some really good competition especially the Quincy-North Quincy Volleyball game.
Middle School Athletics had just over 200 students competing in Cross-Country and just over 160 students competing in Tennis. Volleyball, Wrestling, and Swimming will be offered for the Winter.
Mr. Bregoli complimented the Tennis numbers, Mr. Niamkey said this is definitely growing the interest for the high school level teams.
Mr. Niamkey and Mr. Mahoney reviewed the Fall Athletics Coaches Evaluation process, which provided an opportunity for feedback on organization skills, monitoring student progress, coaching techniques, and professional growth. Mr. Mahoney said that the review provided an outline for face to face meetings and things went well. Mr. Niamkey said there are a number of first-year head coaches and they appreciated the feedback.
Mr. Bregoli asked if the Athletic Directors will be looking for progress each year and possibly looking at coaching changes based on lack of progress. Dr. DeCristofaro said these contractual positions are eligible to be posted each year so a formal mechanism of non-renewal not needed.
Mr. Niamkey reviewed the ongoing discussion about the potential for moving to the South Shore League, and the current plan is for North Quincy High School to play teams in the South Shore league as non-league games. At this time, both Mr. Shaw and Mr. Niamkey feel that remaining in the Patriot league seems like the best choice. Mr. Shaw said the coaches survey was split among those who feel competitive within the Patriot League and those who feel that moving to a different league would be beneficial.
Mr. Gutro clarified that this is a decision that affects all sports, the whole school must change leagues. Mr. Shaw confirmed this and said that non-league games over the course of the year will give coaches and administrators additional information on the administration of these teams, the commute to the schools, the playing atmosphere, and the competitiveness.
Mr. Bregoli asked about the MIAA process for league change. Mr. Shaw said that the MIAA must be notified of the intent to leave the Patriot League, which has to vote on the school leaving the league (⅔ majority of principals required). In addition, the incoming league has to vote to accept the school.
Mr. Mahoney reminded School Committee that Marshfield’s petition to enter the Patriot League has allowed for Quincy High School to move to the Fisher Division and that QHS could petition to remain in that division permanently. Mr. Mahoney presented statistics for Quincy High School records in each division of the Patriot League.
Mr. Taglieri said that Quincy High School is competitive in the Fisher Division and it would be difficult to be competitive in Keenan Division, especially for football, with Marshfield in the league. Quincy High School teams will play Fisher Division teams twice and Keenan Division teams once.
Mr. Bregoli asked about participation rates at the other Patriot League teams, QHS was 19% and NQHS was 17% for Fall 2018.
Mayor Koch requested that when the Park Department reorganization complete, he would like to meet with the Athletics Directors and Principals and the new Commissioner about facilities needs.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked Mayor Koch and Mr. Bregoli for their support of the expansion of the Athletic Director positions. Each high school Athletic Director has been able to develop relationships with teachers and students and work towards building stronger programs. The collaboration and collegiality of the Principals have made this a very successful transition.
Mr. Gutro made a motion to adjourn the Athletics & Wellness Subcommittee at 6:30 pm. Mr. Andronico seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.