April 12, 2018
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
MPA was founded on the conviction that a balance between academics, the arts, and athletics is an important part of a whole-child education and leads to success in school and in life. The balance is maintained in a number of ways, including a commitment to physical education in the curriculum and offering a robust athletic program. The key to balancing academics, the arts, and athletics is teachers, coaches, and directors who encourage students to participate in a variety of clubs, activities, and sports, and do not make it difficult for them to do so.
At MPA, we encourage students to play a variety of sports. With a no-cut policy, students have the opportunity to try different sports and learn new skills. Multi-sport participation is important at MPA and we take every opportunity to promote its value. Each sport challenges athletes in different ways and skills developed in one sport may help them in other sports. The exposure to different coaches, teaching methods, and teammates may increase their mental toughness, appreciation, and humility, which is helpful in the overall development of the athlete. Having choices helps students learn what they enjoy, and they may discover a love for a sport they had not previously considered.
The rise of specialization–when a student focuses on only one sport–is troubling and impacts the overall strength of a school’s athletic program and the physical well-being of athletes. Specialization is driven in part by the belief that it is the best path to earn a college scholarship. In reality, only four percent of athletes actually earn an athletic scholarship for college. Some in the medical field also believe that the increasing number of sports-related injuries can be tied to specialization. High school athletes who specialize in a single sport are 70 percent more likely to suffer an injury during their season than those who play multiple sports, according to a study released last year commissioned by the National Federation of High School Associations.
Another awesome summer activity being offered for boys and girls in grades K-6 is Soccer Camp, June 25-28, 9-11 AM. Tim Sheehan and Mike Scinto, MPA soccer coaches and phy ed teachers, have designed a fun and challenging week of activities for all soccer players, beginner through advanced. Enhance your skills, learn something new and develop team concepts in a fun and friendly environment.
The Mounds Park Academy Athletics Department is conducting a survey regarding athletic participation for the 2018-2019 school year. We are specifically looking at Minnesota State High School League Sponsored Athletics and offerings provided by Mounds Park Academy. This survey takes approximately 5-10 minutes. Your responses to this survey will help us look at our current athletic model and determine if Mounds Park Academy is accommodating the athletic interests and needs of our students. 
Mounds Park Academy Basketball is excited to offer our annual Panther Summer Basketball Camp held Monday, June 11–Thursday, June 14, 2018 from 9 AM–12 PM in the Lansing Sports Center. Panther Basketball Camp is open to MPA and non-MPA students alike, who are entering grades 4-9 in Fall 2018. The cost of attending is $60 per camper and includes a camp t-shirt.
The 2018 MPA Varsity Boys Basketball Team is one game away from the State Tournament!
Mounds Park Academy Basketball is excited to offer our annual Panther Summer Basketball Camp held Monday, June 11–Thursday, June 14, 2018 from 9 AM–12 PM in the Lansing Sports Center. Panther Basketball Camp is open to MPA and non-MPA students alike, who are entering grades 4-9 in Fall 2018. The cost of attending is $60 per camper and includes a camp t-shirt.
It’s been an extremely exciting past week for Panther Athletics! We’ve summed up the top moments here so you can celebrate and cheer on our amazing students athletes with us!
MPA senior Blake Henke and the Minnesota Wild Sled Hockey Team won their entire tournament in Fort Wayne, Indiana last weekend! Back in November, the team brought home second place at the NHL Sled Hockey Classic. But with five games in two days, the spirit of the winter games was strong, ending the championship game with the Wild on top in an exciting shoot-out. Congratulations to Blake and his teammates!
Bring your Panther pride and cheer on MPA on Friday, February 9 as we take on IMAC rival St. Paul Academy for Spirit Night! Students, alumni, and families from all divisions are encouraged to pack the Lansing Sports Center for an evening of basketball and school spirit! The C and JV teams play at 4:15 PM, followed by the girls varsity at 6 PM, and boys varsity at 7:30 PM. Go Panthers!
MPA Nordic Ski is on fire! The boys team set a school record this season, and now the girls are taking home the 2017-2018 IMAC Conference Championship for the third year in a row over Blake, Breck, Heritage/Providence, and Minnehaha Academy. Middle School student Margo N. took third place at the Nordic Championship at Elm Creek and to help the team win the championship! Go Panthers!