Blake Middle School Winter Sports

Starting in 7th grade, students have the option to try a sport. There are many different offerings, from skiing to fencing to basketball. Students play on teams with many different grade levels, including Upper school students. The sports are divided into three seasons: Fall, Winter, and Spring. The Winter season, which started in early November and ended in late February, had many sports offering. This article gives you a glimpse of how hard these young athletes are working.

Fencing

Who plays: Grades 7-12, All genders

Practices: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, End at 6:00, Upper School Gym

The Blake Fencing Team has had tournaments at the Upper School, Middle School, and University of Minnesota, always on the weekends. Fencing is a difficult sport. Players must pay attention to the angle of their sword, the position of their feet, what their opponent is doing, and more. “My favorite part of Blake fencing is being able to meet people in different grade levels and high schoolers because everyone is on the same team,” says Cy Skibell, a 7th-grade student. Sam Helland, another 7th-grade student, says, “My favorite part about being on the fencing team is the people, and also the life lessons you learn. It's also a great way to stay in shape during the winter months when it's harder to get exercise.”

Boys Swim and Dive

Who plays: Grades 7-12, Boys

Practices: After school, Blake’s and Breck’s Pools

The Blake Boys’ Swim & Dive Team, called the “Bearstangs”, is combined with Breck. They have played against Minnetonka and Wayzata, and have gone to the Maroon & Gold Invite, Stormhawk Invite, and True Team State Meet. The team has home games at Breck’s pool. Most recently, they have won the 2024 True Team State Title.

Girls C Team Basketball

Who plays: Grades 7-12, Girls

Practices: Every day, After School, Gym

The Blake C Girls Basketball Team has had many games this season, around and past the twin cities. They have had games against many schools, including Breck, St. Croix, and MPLS North. One challenge the team has had is a lack of players. People had been dropping out since before the season started. This was especially prominent during Winter Break. Since many players were out of town, the team didn’t have enough players. “I'm enjoying the season a lot so far. It's my first year playing at this level of basketball, so it's all been a learning experience for me,” says Lilly Tarakji, a 7th-grade student, “My favorite part about playing for Blake is being able to represent the school. It's for sure a good feeling.”

Alpine Skiing (Downhill)

Who plays: Grades 7-12, Boys, Girls

Practices: Buck Hill

The Blake Alpine Skiing Team, whose motto is “Smooth…Fast…Natural”, has had many races and meets this winter. They have raced at Buck Hill, Giants Ridge, and Wild Mountain. The AM Boys team placed 2nd out of 19 teams at the Giants Ridge State Meet.

Nordic Skiing (Cross-Country)

Who plays: Grades 7-12, Boys, Girls

Practices: 4:00 at Theodore Wirth Park

The Blake Nordic Ski Team has raced at many places, including Theodore Wirth, Highland Park, Elm Creek, Battlecreek, and Hiawatha. The snow this winter hasn’t been as good, because most of it is made by parks. This has been a challenge for the team. Still, the players enjoy it. “I like the team atmosphere and the racing that I get to do,” says Jack Rudolph, an 8th grader. Catherine Rudolph, a 7th grader, says “My favorite part of being on the team is having a lot of fun with people in different grades.”

Boys Middle School Basketball

Who plays: Grades 7-8, Boys

Practices: Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:45 to 5:00, Gym

The Blake Middle School Boys Basketball Team was coached by Trey Muraoka, an Upper School Latin teacher, and Peter Kruize, a 6th-grade math and computer science teacher. It had eight games this year, two home and six away. One major challenge the team faced was to be together during practices and games because players had very busy schedules. “We’re having fun. We’ve had a lot of growth, a lot of seventh graders, which is great to see, so a lot of new kids coming in,” says coach Peter Kruize, “We see students in the classroom all the time, but seeing them on a basketball court in a different environment is completely different. It’s fun to see those different personalities come out on the court.”