Mission Statement

Okaw Valley CUSD #302 

Interscholastic Athletics Mission and Philosophy Statement 

Mission Statement 

At Okaw Valley, we believe that athletics are an extension of a well-balanced curriculum that will aid in  the overall development of our students physically, emotionally, intellectually, and socially. We believe  that working together creates an atmosphere where student-athletes feel supported and encouraged to  give their best effort to succeed in the classroom and on the field. The athletic department believes that  all students have an equal opportunity to participate in the district athletic programs. We believe that  providing students with positive leadership and up-to-date and state-of-the-art facilities encourages  participation and success.  

Philosophy Statement 

The Okaw Valley CUSD #302 believes that participation in a dynamic program of extracurricular activities that provides all students the opportunity to participate is important to the educational development of  the student. Students involved in athletics have a greater chance for success as an adult. Many of the  character traits required to be a successful athlete are exactly those that will promote a successful life  after high school.  

Okaw Valley athletic programs provide a variety of experiences which contribute to a good character  and a positive attitude through positive coaching and leadership. Extracurricular activities function as a  supplement to the academic curriculum and provide the opportunity for lessons in sportsmanship,  teamwork, and competition, and they contribute to pride in the school. They offer students opportunities to serve the school, to assist in the development of fellowship and good will, to promote  self-realization and all-around growth, and to encourage good citizenship. 

At Okaw Valley, our coaching staff is a direct reflection of our mission and philosophy. It is their  responsibility to lead by example and teach our athletes the importance of a positive attitude, respect,  time management, passion, teamwork, heart, appearance, communication, and the benefits of health  and fitness. Leadership begins at the top and it is our coaching staff’s responsibility to be mentors and  role models for all athletes at Okaw Valley. Coaches must be good communicators, make positive  student-centered decisions, and create and maintain a safe environment for our athletes at all times. 

At Okaw Valley, we believe that a successful athletic program is defined by the following four essentials  established by the coaching staff and modeled by emphasized by the athletic director to benefit our  student-athletes. These essentials are measured through the coaching evaluation and student-athlete  evaluation process: 

· Team Cohesion: The student-athletes have direction with solid structure, rules, and everyone  has the sense of working together. 

· Team culture: Coaches must create a positive culture for the team to clearly state player  expectations and build relationships. 

· Positive Player Development: Student-athletes are developed for team progression. 

· Role Modeling: Coaches are role models for student-athletes and must be aware of their words  and actions at all times to set a high standard.

Interscholastic Athletics Mission and Philosophy Overview

If these parameters are met and followed, student-athletes will have a positive, successful  interscholastic athletic experience. 

Parent roles are similarly important to the Okaw Valley athletic program experience for students. When  parents are supportive of athletic programs, interscholastic involvement will be a positive experience. It  is our expectation that parents treat coaches, officials, other parents, and players with respect, and  acknowledge that coaches determine playing time and strategy, and behave in a positive manner at all  contests. Having positive and supportive parents is essential for athletic success in our district. 

Communication is a key component to any successful business. The Okaw Valley athletic department  believes that appropriate and professional communication enables us to be successful across all  programs. Utilizing technology to communicate department and program directives is a key component  of the communication drive.