Athletics

West Albany High School offers a full program of interscholastic athletics for all students.

Select the calendar link below for a complete listing of athletic events with times, locations, and directions to away games:

Academic Standards For Athletics and Activities (Band, Choir, Speech, Cheer, Dance)

Student-athletes are required to maintain at least a 2.0 accumulative GPA or be making continuous progress. Grades will be checked at 3-week intervals throughout the school year. Athletes who do not meet the requirements at the 6 week progress report will be on academic probation and must improve to a 2.0 to remain eligible. In addition, the OSAA requires students pass at least 5 classes the previous semester, be enrolled in and passing 5 classes at the time of competition, and be making satisfactory progress toward graduation. Any time athletes are found not passing 5 classes, they will be ineligible to compete until their grades improve. Grades will be checked and the athlete remains ineligible until they are found to be passing 5 classes. Individual coaches may require athletes to attend an athletic study hall if they are failing classes.

Athletic Participation

Athletic Participation Forms

Accident Insurance
Students involved in interscholastic activities, Rally, Hi-Steppers, or other physically demanding extra-curricular activities are required to carry personal medical or accident insurance. West Albany High School does not insure students for injuries which occur at school.

West Albany Athletic Code
Students participating in athletic programs will be expected to adhere to the Athletic Code. The Code includes:

Refraining from the use of drugs, alcohol & tobacco;
Maintaining proper respect for others & their property;
Exhibiting appropriate behavior as outlined in the Student’s Rights & Responsibilities Handbook.

The code is administered by the coaches within each sport and the athletic coordinator. Failure to comply with the code will result in disciplinary action which could involve temporary or permanent suspension from participation.

The West Albany Athletic Code prohibits:

Possession or use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco or performance enhancing drugs;
Being in the company of person(s) who possess or are using drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or performance-enhancing drugs. You are expected to leave the company of these person(s) within a reasonable amount of time.

Consequences

1st Offense:
Participant will be suspended from 30% of the total season’s competitions. (Ineligibility carries over to the next sports season.) The participant must attend practices and may be asked to meet with and be cleared, in writing, by an appropriate professional counselor prior to returning to practice. Failure to comply will be treated as a 2nd offense.

2nd Offense:
Participant will be suspended from 60% of the total season’s competitions. (Ineligibility carries over to the next sports season.) A mandatory meeting with an appropriate professional counselor will be required. The return to participation at a later date in any activity can occur only with written recommendation from the professional handling the situation.

3rd Offense:
Full suspension from all sports/activities for the remainder of the participant’s career.

Prior to an incident or investigation, an athlete may seek help by self-reporting with no penalty.

Policy is in effect all school year, 24 hours per day.

Athletic Fees
We are not currently assessing athletic fees for the 2024-25 school year.
The fee for participation in athletics is $150.00 per student per sport, with a maximum of $300.00 per student per year and a maximum of $450.00 per family per year. The fee is paid to the Student Services Center. Students must remain current with payment of fees; the school will not “carry over” accumulated debt. In addition to a hardship waiver signed by the principal, students may also request an opportunity to work or provide service to the school to pay fees. Apply with the athletic director for work service opportunities. The application form is available, at the top of this page, under “Athletic participation forms.”

Attendance
A student must attend ALL classes on a day in order to be eligible to participate in a performance or contest that day. The exception is a school-sponsored activity which requires the student to be away from school.

Fan Behavior
It is important for spectators to model the type of positive behaviors we are teaching our athletes. These behaviors include: showing respect for the opponent; showing respect for the officials and accepting their decisions; knowing and understanding the rules; maintaining self-control; refraining from making disrespectful remarks or booing. Our athletes are learning to compete to the limits of their ability and do so within the rules and with good sportsmanship. Positive fan support is important and appreciated. However, inappropriate fan behavior will not be tolerated. Fans acting inappropriately will be asked to leave. Please demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times and encourage those around you to do the same.

Lettering
To be eligible for an athletic letter award, the athlete must complete the requirements and receive the recommendation of the head coach of that sport.

Physical Examinations
All students participating in interscholastic athletics, Cheerleading, and Hi-Steppers are required to have a physical examination prior to participation of any kind or show proof of a recent examination. Take the Participation Permit form with you to the doctor’s office to be completed and signed. Physical examinations are only good for two years from the date of the examination. In case of serious injury, clearance from your doctor may be necessary before returning to participation in interscholastic athletics. The physical form is available, at the top of this page, under “Athletic participation forms.”

Team Rules
Athletes are expected to follow all team rules as determined by the coaching staff. Failure to follow the rules will result in disciplinary action which could involve temporary or permanent suspension from the team.

Coach Contact Info

Boys Baseball – M. Johnston
Basketball, Men’s – D. Halvorson
Basketball, Women’s – S. Stinson
Cheerleading – M. Wadlow
Clay Target Team – J. Luke
Cross Country – B. Grunwald
Football – B. Mehl
Golf, Women’s – K. Backer
Golf, Men’s – M. Boase
Hi-Steppers – H. Barrett
Lacrosse, Women’s – J. Rich
Lacrosse, Men’s – M. Cavendar
Soccer, Men’s – K. Branigan
Soccer, Women’s – E. Jamison
Softball – D. Duman
Swimming – B. Dickerson
Tennis, Men’s – E. Ihde
Tennis, Women’s – C. Harrington
Track, Men’s – B. Wadlow
Track, Women’s – G. Flores
Unified Sports – B. Barker
Volleyball – M. Wallace
Water Polo, Men’s & Women’s – B. Dickerson
Wrestling – C. Horn

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Try the Clubs & Activities page.

Concussion Protocol and Information

ImPACT Testing is recommended for all freshman and junior athletes. More information is available here. ImPACT Testing must be arranged through the WAHS Athletic Trainer, Amy Evilsizer.

WAHS Concussion Protocol