Goals of the Program
Mr. Patrick Dodd
Principal
The athletic program at OLPH is designed to provide as many students as possible with a physically, emotionally, and socially competitive experience. Coaches have a primary interest in the development of young people into successful and happy adults.
Athletes and coaches will be asked to follow a Code of Ethics. They will also be asked to spend many hours working with students to achieve the skills necessary to successfully compete in athletics. The entire coaching staff believes that many hours of work and dedication shown in preparation for an athletic event are equally as important as the event itself. Although we are constantly striving to win, we also feel that how young people learn from the disappointment of losing is important in their development.
Our program will provide young people with the opportunity to achieve a high degree of skill in the sport of choice. It will also provide them with the opportunity to develop skills in the various sports, self-control, sportsmanship, social skills and to become physically fit young adults.
About our Athletic Director and Coaches
Mr. Nick Washington
Athletic Director
This is Mr. Washington’s 9th year as Athletic Director at OLPH School. He is currently the Physical Education teacher (K, TK, 7-8). Mr. Washington graduated from California State University, Fresno in 2005 with a B.A. Degree in Mass Communications and Journalism, and a Communications Minor. Nick coaches flag football, basketball, volleyball and track & field for the Cougars.
Coach Washington’s Philosophy:
My philosophy is that I coach because of my passion for work. We stress to have an environment that encourages athletes to learn and develop on and off the playing field, to create a positive learning environment in good and bad times.
Our athletes need to be given opportunity to develop their skill levels in a structured learning environment that constantly challenges the athlete whilst providing both encouragement and support.
I also believe that If you have knowledge – pass it on to those who do not. I believe that playing sports as a child, not only builds character and confidence but also gives them a sense of accomplishment. It also prepares them for life. Working as a team or as a team player. Not as an individual..
Coaches
Coaches at OLPH are responsible for all players and spectators associated with the team. The coach is responsible for making sure that his/her players and spectators display proper sportsmanship and good conduct throughout any athletic event. The coach must exercise control over players and spectators at all times. It is the coach’s responsibility to intervene if a player or spectator is not displaying proper conduct.
The coach also holds the responsibility to model Christian behavior, sportsmanship, and to control himself/herself at all times. The coach is a representative of the school and reflects the athletic program and school before, during and after games.
Coaches at OLPH are all cleared by the Diocese of Fresno and have gone through SAFE Environment training. They also have to sign the Parochial Athletic League Code of Ethics and agree to abide by PAL, our school and church expectations.
Coaching Philosophy
Character First – Athletes Second – Winning Third
Decisions our coaches make and the behavior they display should exemplify the character they are helping develop in young athletes. Our coaches, through hard work and preparation, create opportunity for all students to be successful in athletic competition. Winning… or more accurately, striving to win, is essential to competition. Whether competition is healthy depends upon how we compete and what significance is placed on winning.
Volunteer information
If you are interested in coaching or being an assistant for one of our Cougar teams, please email Mr. Washington at nwashington@olphschool.net.
We are always looking for volunteer help!
Schedules
Schedules may be found by logging into SchoolSpeak.