Athletics

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!?!?! 

Fall football practice for the 2025-2026 school year will kick off on August 11th. Practices will be held at the SSMS fields from 3:30 - 5:15 everyday. Please be advised that players will need a current sports physical, Impact Test, Proof of insurance and participation payment of $100 before being allowed to practice. Keep your eyes open for Parent Updates for more details.  Sign up for Fall 2025 Football at SSMS HERE.  

 

 

2025 Cheer Season Overview & Expectations

Please fill out Cheerleading Interest Form

Season at a Glance

Welcome to cheer! We’re so glad to have you on the team. Our season runs continuously but is split into two parts:

• Fall Football Segment – We’ll cheer in red and black for SSMS football. Practices start August 19
• Late Fall Basketball segment - The team will support SGS boys' basketball (green and blue), and SSMS basketball (red and black). Practices start October 1st, also at SSMS.
   

Why We Cheer

Our goal is to help you build skills, confidence, and spirit. We’re here to learn what it means to be part of a team, represent our schools with pride, and grow as cheerleaders and leaders. Cheer is about more than motions and chants — it’s about teamwork, commitment, and having fun while lifting up those around us.

Practice Expectations

Practice is important, and we expect everyone to be there unless you're sick or something serious comes up. If you do have to miss, just let your coach know ahead of time. Being late or missing practice may mean you won’t cheer in the next game — your team is counting on you!

Wear athletic clothes — things you can move in like shorts or leggings, t-shirts, and good shoes (no flip-flops or jeans). Bring a water bottle and, if you want, a snack. Coaches won’t have extra snacks and won’t clean up after you, so come prepared.

Phones should be put away during practices and games. If a coach sees a phone out, it’ll be held until a parent can pick it up.

Please note: Coaches can’t drive cheerleaders to or from any event. Be sure you have a plan for rides to and from practices and games.

Attendance & Pick-Up

Cheer is a team activity — we need every person there, on time, for both practices and games. You’ll need to check in 30 minutes before game time (unless your coach tells you otherwise). If you’re late, you’ll sit out the first quarter.

After practice or games, please be picked up within five minutes. After two late pickups, you’ll have to sit out the next game. It’s super important that everyone is picked up on time — our coaches often have families or other jobs to get to.

Missing Practice or Games

Let your coach know ahead of time if you’re going to miss something. If you don’t attend the practice right before a game, you won’t cheer in that game. If something big comes up, talk with your coach — we’ll work with you when we can.

Behavior & Team Culture

We want this to be a positive, supportive space for everyone. Here’s what we expect from all cheerleaders:

• Listen, follow directions, and give your best effort
• Show up on time and be prepared
• Be kind, respectful, and encourage your teammates
• No name-calling, rude language, or gossip
• Respect other squads and show good sportsmanship
  Represent SSMS and(s) (including poms) to every game. If you’re missing part of it, you’ll have to sit out that game

Cheerleading is a group effort, not a solo performance. We’re all in this together.

What Happens If Expectations Aren’t Met

If there’s an issue — whether it’s behavior or attendance — here’s what happens:

1. A coach will talk with you
2. Your parent or guardian will be contacted
3. If needed, school administration may get involved

We believe in accountability, but we also believe in helping you grow through it.

Uniform & Eligibility Info

You’ll need a full uniform, including cheer shorts (booty shorts) which are purchased through the coaches. Athletic shoes are required — no Converse or flat-soled shoes.

To participate, you must have:

• A current sports physical
• A completed impact test
• Payment of athletic fees for each segment (fall and winter)

Practice Days & Times

Practices are at SSMS on:
Wednesdays 3:30 - 5  and Thursdays, 3:30–4:45 PM

• Fall Segment (Football): August 19 – September 25
• Winter Segment (Basketball): October 1 – December 2

 

Parent Meeting and END OF SEASON CELEBRATION TBD

Thank you,

Coach Andrea Kortas 

For questions please email Andrea at kortas5@aol.com

 

 

All grades may participate in Cross Country.  The first day of practice is Monday, August 18.  A current sports physical and participation payment of $100 are required to practice on the first day. Practices are right after school from 3:30 - 5:15 PM.  To sign up for Cross Country, fill out THIS FORM.  

Any 7th or 8th grade girl may sign up for volleyball.  The first day of practice will be Monday, August 18.  Practices are after school every day from 3:30 - 5:15 PM.  A current sports physical and participation payment of $100 are required to practice on the first day. To sign up for volleyball, click HERE. 

All 7th & 8th grade boys are eligible to participate. Practices will be M-F 3:30 - 5:15. Proof of a sports physical (good for one year) and an ImPact test (good for two years) are due to the front office on or before the first day of practice. There will be an informational meeting during 7th 7 8th grade lunches on Thursday, September 18th.  Sign up for Boys Basketball HERE.

Need an ImPact test? You can reach out to Pediatrics of Steamboat for testing options or you can take the impact test at home. Link to test at home here: Checkout

- ImPACT Baseline Test (baselinetesting.com) Test at home cost $20. 

 

 

25/26 Girls Basketball

All 7th & 8th grade girls are eligible to participate in Girl’s Basketball. Practices will be Monday-Friday 3:30 - 5:15.

There will be an informational meeting for all interested girls during the 7th & 8th grade lunches on Thursday, November 13th.  

Proof of a sports physical (good for one year) and an ImPact test (good for two years) are due to the front office on or before the first day of practice.  SIGN UP FOR GIRLS BASKETBALL HERE.

Once your child is signed up a $100 participation fee will be added to your school cash account. 

Need an ImPact test? You can reach out to Pediatrics of Steamboat for testing options or you can take the impact test at home. Link to test at home here: Checkout  At home test cost is $20. 

 

 

 

 

Click HERE to sign up for the combined Sleeping Giant School and Steamboat Springs Middle School Nordic Team.   

We’re excited to announce that sign-ups are now open for Nordic Skiing! The program runs December 1 – January 31 and offers great ways for students to build skills, friendships, and confidence while staying active this winter. Competition schedule here

Nordic Skiing @ Steamboat Ski Touring Center

1230 Steamboat Blvd, located in the Rolling Stone Ranch Golf Course

Skiers will build endurance, technique, and love for the sport through supportive coaching and outdoor adventure.

Practices:
• December – Monday – Thursday, 4:00–5:15 PM
• January – Monday – Thursday, 4:00–5:30 PM

• Location: Steamboat Ski Touring Center once there is snow SGS until then
• School busses can transport students (not gear) to practices.
• Additional info
• Nordic Sign up

Program Fee: $100

For those of you who couldn't make the parent meeting, please find the attached slideshow and Program Description/Announcement which cover key topics discussed. Here is some additional information on fee assistance

• Student Fee Waiver Programs: Details on the Free/Reduced Meal Application process Applications can be submitted online through the Nutrition Services
• If your family is experiencing financial hardship—such as unemployment, medical bills, or housing instability—you may qualify for a hardship waiver.
• New Rental Assistance Grant: Information on the new opportunity to confidentially support families with equipment rental assistance. Fill out this form 25/26 Nordic Skiing Financial Support Questionnaire
• School Transportation :
  When practice is at SGS, students can ride Bus #8, #24, or #15 to the high school and transfer there. At the high school, they will get on Bus #7, which brings them to SGS. The bus typically arrives at approximately 4:00 PM.
  
  When practice is at the Steamboat Ski Touring Center, all students ride Bus #15. It arrives at the Touring Center at about 4:10 PM.

Practice the first week of Nordic will be at Sleeping Giant School from 4 - 5:15. Bus will be available from SSMS. Please plan on picking up your athlete at 5:15 at SGS that week.

For more information contact Karen Draper kdraper@ssk12.org or Anne Barbier abarbier@ssk12.org