As part of JPS’ Strategic Plan, Goal 2 talks about creating an engaging and nurturing school environment both in and outside the classroom with opportunities to develop the whole child. Specifically, the goal ensures that Jamestown students have a wide range of opportunities to develop skills, talents and interests. As an integral part of this goal, athletics fits that bill for many students.

In the Jamestown Public Schools, there are over 900 student-athletes in seventh through 12th grades participating on 64 teams. JHS is a member of the Erie County Interscholastic Conference (ECIC) in most high school sports and the Chautauqua Cattaraugus Athletic Association (CCAA) for other high school sports (bowling, cross-country, golf and tennis) and modified sports. JHS athletic teams have won 42 championships at sectionals: and beyond: 14 for boys basketball, 12 for football, seven for girls basketball, four for golf, three for boys swimming, one for baseball and one for girls indoor track including, four state championships for football and nine individual state champions.

“I believe that athletics plays an essential role in the total development of the student,” said JPS Athletic Director Ben Drake. “In the academic classroom we provide students with the tools to succeed in a competitive society. The role of our coaches is no more or less important than any teacher. Both provide a service essential to our students’ later success. As an athletic administrator, my main role is to support this endeavor and ensure that they are providing the type of leadership that our district expects.”

The athletic office is the source for game schedules, practice schedules, athletic facility requests, directions, eligibility compliance, oversight of coaches, recruitment opportunities, and serves as a liaison between the leagues we are members of as well as the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. For a full athletic schedule, please visit www.jamestownpublicschools.org.