To put the past year of local high school sports in perspective and to get a preview of the new year, Pioneer Press interviewed Regina athletic director Tom Marcum. He is in his first academic year on the job.
Q: What was the highlight for Regina’s athletic programs this calendar year?
A: Sixty percent of our student body has participated in at least one sport, matching our year-end participation rate last year. Our projections are indicating participation rates will be near 75 percent after the spring 2017 season.
Q: What was one team that stood out in 2016?
A: I’m pleased with all of our teams, but the tennis team stood out the most to me. Our program numbers nearly doubled from (17) last year to 28 this year. Our JV and varsity teams competed strongly in the (Girls Catholic Athletic Conference White), finishing in first place in the JV tournament and second place in the varsity tournament. We won 1st singles at both JV and varsity GCAC (White) tournaments.
Q: Who was one athlete who surpassed expectations on the field or in the classroom, and why?
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A: Grace Tamisiea. Grace is a perfect example of what Regina Dominican considers a student-athlete. Along with receiving the distinction of all-conference academic team, Grace also won the (Girls Catholic Athletic Conference) White varsity tennis tournament for 1st singles.
Q: Who was one coach who went above and beyond this year?
A: Our varsity volleyball coach Bobby Hughes consistently went above and beyond his coaching duties this season to provide our volleyball program with an excellent opportunity to develop leadership traits and sport-specific skills and fundamentals.
Q: When you look ahead to 2017, what is your athletic program’s New Year’s resolution?
A: We’re excited to see a new spirit of competitiveness among our student-athletes, which promises to bring an elevated mentality to succeed. Our lower-level programs are flourishing and I look forward to continuing to rebuild our solid reputation as a strong athletic contender in the IHSA.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about Regina athletics next year?
A: We’re preparing for several capital improvements to be completed. Our gymnasium will undergo renovations and our new practice field will be completed by spring of 2017.
Gary Larsen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press