The Raiders Athletic Program, well known to our students as RAP, began in 2002 as “Athletic Activity Days” for the 3rd-6th grade students. RAP quickly expanded into the lower grades and grew into one of the largest athletic programs on campus, with more than 150 kindergarten through 6th grade students participating in at least one sport throughout the school year.

RAP now includes soccer, volleyball, basketball, football and track programs. Providing these athletic teams has given younger students the opportunity to develop new skills, learn the rules of the game, enjoy fellowship with classmates, and build school spirit.

Practices are primarily once a week for kindergarten through 4th grade teams, and one to two times per week for 5th & 6th grade teams. The early grades participate in more recreation-style games, while older grades in the Lower School compete against teams in the Huntsville Independent School League (HISL) as they continue their focus on fundamentals and skill development. Of course, the RAP experience would not be possible without the great support of parent volunteers who serve as coaches and team managers.

RAP PHILOSOPHY
In the lower elementary grades, students begin their exposure to organized athletics through recreation-style games where every team member plays equally. Program directors will create evenly balanced teams coached by volunteer parent-coaches who are focused on teaching the rules of the game, basic skills and good sportsmanship. Most importantly the goal for lower elementary students is to have fun while learning skills and developing friendships with classmates.

In the upper elementary grades, students build on the fundamental goals of the lower elementary division while developing skills necessary for improvement. Program directors will create evenly balanced teams based on skill level. Significant participation of all student-athletes is an important goal of the Upper Elementary athletic program; however, athletes must earn the privilege of participation by committing to regular practice to improve skills.