ATHLETICS

Distance running has been part of the Olympic Games since they were first held in ancient Greece. The dolichos, a race of approximately 3 to 5 kilometers (or longer), was a grueling endurance race and is considered a precursor to modern long-distance and cross country events. The Wolverine cross country program has earned state recognition within the NJSIAA Non-Public arena, including two state championship teams, and an individual state champion. The US Cross Country team has secured first place finishes at The Mercer County Tournament meet, while the MS Cross Country team has claimed first place at Stuart Country Day School's Invitational twice. Cross country builds student-athletes by developing cardiovascular endurance, mental toughness, and self-discipline; and several Wolverine runners have gone on to compete at the collegiate level. As with all sports at The Wilberforce School, athletes and coaches in the cross country program are committed to the common goals of developing disciples of Christ through the tool of athletics; training athletes toward the pursuit of victory in the arena, growing more virtuous in that pursuit; and competing in a manner worthy of the gospel.

Pre-Season: August 18 - August 29 (Monday-Friday 8:00-9:30am)
Season: September 3- October 31
 

Wayne Hailstone
Head Coach

Wayne has been teaching math at the Wilberforce School since 2016. For several of those years, he has coached MS Cross Country, MS Swim, and MS Track. He swam 4 years for his high school and ran 3 years for Cairn University's XC team. His most proud athletic achievement was completing a marathon after his last college season of XC. In all of the sports Wayne has participated in, he is passionate about reaching new goals, building up one another as a team, exercising for lifelong health, and developing good form. He believes middle school is an excellent time to discover new gifts and passions God has given students. These days Wayne takes advantage of the endurance he has built through running by hiking and biking with his wife and two kids.

Jessica Schellack
Assistant Coach

Jessica was a three-season athlete in high school. She ran outdoor track for four years and cross country for three years, being appointed Captain for all in her Jr. and Sr. years. She achieved varsity status in her sophomore year and was appointed Captain thereafter for cross country, and in her Junior year for indoor/outdoor. Throughout high school, she helped coach track for local municipal programs.

Jessica was introduced to running by her mother at the young age of 5! She grew to enjoy athletics and sports, appreciating its ability to build fitness, endurance, and character. She continued in college with the novice rowing team at the University of Michigan, receiving an Academic Achievement Award for Scholar Athletes her freshman year. For the remainder of college and graduate school, she would participate in various intramural sports, running road races until the pandemic.

Jessica is honored to return to The Wilberforce School athletics for a fifth season, hoping to mentor student athletes such that they find joy in sports and overall fitness and achieve their potential in competition for the glory of God. In between runs, she can be found brewing coffee and kombucha with her husband while learning more about Charlotte Mason's philosophy of education and attempting to run after their four delightful children and flock of ducks.

Soccer (or "football") traces its roots back to ancient civilizations, including those in Greece and South America. Today, it is the world's most popular sport and a tool for developing student-athletes by promoting endurance, coordination, teamwork, and strategic thinking. As with all sports at The Wilberforce School, athletes and coaches in the soccer program are committed to the common goals of developing disciples of Christ through the tool of athletics; training athletes toward the pursuit of victory in the arena, growin ,lpg more virtuous in that pursuit; and competing in a manner worthy of the gospel. Both the Middle and Upper School Soccer teams compete with local area private and public school programs. In 2024, the US Boys soccer team made its first appearance in the NJSIAA Non-Public Boys soccer tournament, beating the #2 seed in the first round and advancing to the quarterfinal round - a first in school history.

Pre-Season: August 18 - August 29 (Monday-Friday 8:00-10:00am)
Season: September 3- October 31

Steve McLean
Head Coach

Steve is an avid athlete, coach, and sports fan. He stays fit playing soccer, tennis, basketball, golf, table tennis, backyard football, and whatever else involves a ball. Steve is the assistant coach of the middle school soccer teams (mainly the girls’, but also the boys’ team), for which two of his children play. Steve played soccer and tennis for Ramapo High School (Franklin Lakes, NJ), which has perennially been one of New Jersey’s most successful high school sports programs. In addition to coaching at Wilberforce, Steve coaches for Princeton Little League, with experience from tee ball (4-6 years old) through intermediate (11-13 years old). During his off hours, Steve can be found with his family, cheering for the Yankees, Giants, Rangers,Knicks, and, recently, Inter Miami CF. Steve delights in seeing his teams play with a strong competitive spirit while honoring God through their sportsmanship and sacrificial commitment to teammates. Steve and his wife Sarah have four children at the school.

Mike Cottone
Assistant Coach

Mike serves as the assistant coach of the middle school boys soccer team at Wilberforce. He played soccer in his younger years, then baseball and football through high school, and continues to enjoy the thrill of competitive sports. He stays active playing tennis, skiing, and mountain biking, and enjoys watching a wide variety of live sporting events. Mike values the opportunity to invest in the lives of his players as they grow both in skill and character as young Christian men. He and his wife, Taryn, have two children at the school.

Soccer (or "football") traces its roots back to ancient civilizations, including those in Greece and South America. Today, it is the world's most popular sport and a tool for developing student-athletes by promoting endurance, coordination, teamwork, and strategic thinking. As with all sports at The Wilberforce School, athletes and coaches in the soccer program are committed to the common goals of developing disciples of Christ through the tool of athletics; training athletes toward the pursuit of victory in the arena, growin ,lpg more virtuous in that pursuit; and competing in a manner worthy of the gospel. Both the Middle and Upper School Soccer teams compete with local area private and public school programs. In 2024, the US Boys soccer team made its first appearance in the NJSIAA Non-Public Boys soccer tournament, beating the #2 seed in the first round and advancing to the quarterfinal round - a first in school history.

Pre-Season: August 18 - August 29 (Monday-Friday 8:00-10:00am)
Season: September 3- October 31

Anna Greco
Head Coach

Soccer has always been a big part of Anna's story. She played soccer competitively throughout her childhood, and played all 4 years of her college career on scholarship. She also served/competed with Athletes in Action, coached at numerous soccer camps for all ages, was the varsity girl's Head Coach of Calvary Academy, Assistant Coach of girl's varsity at The Lawrenceville School, and coached K-8th graders with Robbinsville Soccer Association. She is currently the Lower School PE Teacher.  

Distance running has been part of the Olympic Games since they were first held in ancient Greece. The dolichos, a race of approximately 3 to 5 kilometers (or longer), was a grueling endurance race and is considered a precursor to modern long-distance and cross country events. The Wolverine cross-country program has earned state recognition within the NJSIAA Non-Public arena, including two state championship teams, and an individual state champion. The US Cross Country team has secured first place finishes at The Mercer County Tournament meet, while the MS Cross Country team has claimed first place at Stuart Country Day School's Invitational twice. Cross country builds student-athletes by developing cardiovascular endurance, mental toughness, and self-discipline; and several Wolverine runners have gone on to compete at the collegiate level. As with all sports at The Wilberforce School, athletes and coaches in the cross country program are committed to the common goals of developing disciples of Christ through the tool of athletics; training athletes toward the pursuit of victory in the arena, growing more virtuous in that pursuit; and competing in a manner worthy of the gospel.

Pre-Season: August 18 - August 29 (Monday-Friday 8:00-10:00am)
Season: September 3- October 31

Lois Szeliga
Head Coach

Lois grew up in Watchung, NJ where she began running competitively at age 9 by participating in the Jr. Olympics program. After 4 years of running cross country and track for her high school, Lois continued to run all 4 years of college for Rutgers University (cross-country, 800m, and 1500m). Throughout her running career, Lois’ (high-school sweetheart) husband Dan could be seen trailside and trackside with signs of “Go Lois”. Following a successful career in pharmaceutical sales, Lois was thrilled to stay home to care for her 6 children, Danny, Nate, Eve, Aaron, Josie, and Gabby. She is grateful to give back to a school and a sport that has given her so much. She knows firsthand the value of lessons learned for life and for faith through running.

Soccer (or "football") traces its roots back to ancient civilizations, including those in Greece and South America. Today, it is the world's most popular sport and a tool for developing student-athletes by promoting endurance, coordination, teamwork, and strategic thinking. As with all sports at The Wilberforce School, athletes and coaches in the soccer program are committed to the common goals of developing disciples of Christ through the tool of athletics; training athletes toward the pursuit of victory in the arena, growing more virtuous in that pursuit; and competing in a manner worthy of the gospel. Both the Middle and Upper School Soccer teams compete with local area private and public school programs. In 2024, the US Boys soccer team made its first appearance in the NJSIAA Non-Public Boys soccer tournament, beating the #2 seed in the first round and advancing to the quarterfinal round - a first in school history.

Pre-Season: August 18 - August 29 (Monday-Friday 8:00-10:00am)
Season: September 3- October 31

Alcides Quintana
Head Coach

Alcides Quintana was born in Cuba. He came to the United States at the age of 14. He has played and coached soccer for over 35 years, including coaching his own kids through the Millstone United program until they graduated. For the past two years, Al has been coaching U9-U11 boys and younger age groups within recreation and travel programs. He is also a certified USSF referee (travel soccer) as well NFHS referee (High School).

Al looks forward to sharing his experiences, knowledge, passion and love for the game with the athletes. At the same time, he strives to develop each athlete as a player and as a person under a fun and healthy environment.

Eddie Tam
Assistant Coach

Eddie's soccer journey began in his hometown of Hong Kong during his elementary school years. Throughout middle and high school, he served as the team captain and led his school to victory in numerous interscholastic championships. Eddie's dedication was further recognized when he was chosen to represent the Hong Kong National Youth Team during his sophomore year of high school.

Upon arriving in the United States for college, Eddie continued to pursue his passion for soccer by joining the NYU varsity team, where he competed in the NCAA UAA conference. Today, he remains an active player in soccer, competing in a local amateur league in West Windsor.

Eddie wants to share with the team that God has given us the blessings to be able to play the beautiful game of soccer. He believes that through these blessings, they are not only able to play but to learn, grow, and cherish the experience of being a team united by the joy of soccer.

Soccer (or "football") traces its roots back to ancient civilizations, including those in Greece and South America. Today, it is the world's most popular sport and a tool for developing student-athletes by promoting endurance, coordination, teamwork, and strategic thinking. As with all sports at The Wilberforce School, athletes and coaches in the soccer program are committed to the common goals of developing disciples of Christ through the tool of athletics; training athletes toward the pursuit of victory in the arena, growing more virtuous in that pursuit; and competing in a manner worthy of the gospel. Both the Middle and Upper School Soccer teams compete with local area private and public school programs. In 2024, the US Boys soccer team made its first appearance in the NJSIAA Non-Public Boys soccer tournament, beating the #2 seed in the first round and advancing to the quarterfinal round - a first in school history.

Pre-Season: August 18 - August 29 (Monday-Friday 8:00-10:00am)
Season: September 3- October 31

Kristen Yonkman
Head Coach

Kristen began running when she was 13 months old and just hasn’t stopped. Raised in Encinitas, California, she played soccer and ran track through high school. She won league championships in the 100, 200, long jump, and high jump and competed in the CIF San Diego Section Finals in high jump each year. Kristen attended Calvin College where she double-majored in art and philosophy. She played four years of soccer, earning All- MIAA First Team honors as a defender. In track and field she trained under Coach Kim, a two-time Olympian and three-time NCAA Coach of the Year.Kristen competed in heptathlon before shifting her focus back to sprints and jumps. She became an NCAA All-American in the 4x100 m relay her sophomore season. While attending Westminster Seminary California, Kristen coached high school track and field and soccer at a nearby Christian school. After moving East, she continued to coach while working as a personal trainer specializing in sports performance, injury prevention, and sports nutrition.

Kristen teaches MS/US art at Wilberforce. She values every chance to encourage and challenge students in their faith in Jesus Christ and enjoys the unique opportunities presented in the art room and through athletics. She lives in Hamilton, NJ with her husband and two children. She is still up for a challenge and enjoys running fast and strength training as well as backpacking and water sports.

Students will learn how to safely train in the weight room and also train outdoors. We will improve flexibility, strength, speed, agility, and endurance. This program is for serious athletes who really want to get stronger and faster. Participating in a strength and conditioning program requires maturity and a good work ethic.

Season: September 5- October 31

Richard Carlson
Head Coach

Rich grew up in a Navy family and has lived all across the country. He and his wife, Sheri, relocated from Encinitas, California, to Morrisville, Pennsylvania, in 2020. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Rich played rugby, competed in powerlifting, and served as a cadet assistant in the Academy’s Physical Reconditioning program. In addition to coaching and training, he loves outdoor adventures and travel.

Rich is a certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and also serves as a Strength Coach. He works with individuals of all ages—from teens to senior adults—whether their goals are sports performance, cardio fitness, strength building, weight loss, or improved mobility and balance. In addition to his work at The Wilberforce School, Rich is a personal trainer and Wellness Coach at the YMCA in Hamilton, New Jersey.

All middle school students may participate. Boys and girls practice and compete separately. Teams compete against area schools. The goal of the program is to develop skills for players of all levels. Beginners are needed and are encouraged to play. Boys are required to provide their own pads, and all students need to provide their own equipment.

Season: March 4 - May 26
Practice: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 3:15 - 4:45pm

All middle school students may participate, as well as Grades 9 and 10 for Girls Lacrosse. Boys and girls practice and compete separately. Teams compete against area schools. The goal of the program is to develop skills for players of all levels. Beginners are needed and are encouraged to play. All students need to provide their own equipment.

Season: March 6 - May 26
Practice: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 3:15 - 4:45pm
Coach: Lauren Fillebrown

All students in Class 6 through Class 8 may participate. Boys and girls practice together. Students will participate in local and regional track and field competitions.

Season: March 4 - May 26
Practice: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 3:15 - 4:45pm
Coaches: Jessica Schellack, Wayne Hailstone

All upper school students may participate. Boys and girls practice and compete separately. Teams compete against area schools. The goal of the program is to develop skills for players of all levels. Beginners are needed and are encouraged to play. All students need to provide their own equipment.

Season: March 16 - May 26
Practice: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 3:15 - 4:45pm

Boys and girls practice together. Students from Grades 9-12 may participate in local and regional track and field competitions. The track team plans to participate in regional and statewide track meets.

Season: March 18 - May 26

Post-Season:

Practice: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 3:15 - 4:45pm