Archdiocese of Baltimore Youth Bowl competitors run with bright spirit despite damp conditions

Rain-soaked uniforms and a wet track and field could not dampen the spirit of some 400 middle school athletes from K-8 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and area independent schools, as they competed in the 31st Youth Bowl May 4 at Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore.

It was thought to be the sixth year overall for the event at the Curley campus, not including a break during the COVID pandemic and campus renovations.

Sarah Smith, a student at St. Joseph School in Fullerton who will attend The Catholic High School in the fall, clears 4 feet, 1 inches in the high jump. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

Founded originally in 1989 by the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Knights of Columbus and held at Chesapeake High School in Essex, the event includes the 50- and 100-meter dashes, shot put, long-distance runs and relays, long jump and high jump, along with soccer kicks and football and softball throws.

The more than three-decades old event was organized by physical education teachers from 11 participating schools from Baltimore City and Baltimore County, and from as far away as Anne Arundel County.

Parents volunteers acted as starters, distance measuring, race timers and chaperones.

Sarah Smith, an eighth grader at St. Joseph School in Fullerton, recorded a leading 4-foot-1-inch high jump in her age group.

“It’s more about having fun … to see my competition and to see what my competition will be like in high school,” Smith said.

The incoming freshman at The Catholic High School in Baltimore added that competing gave her good adrenaline. She was happy meeting new people and cheering on fellow athletes from other schools, she said.

“Curley loves having this event. It’s a chance to show community … it’s about faith and coming together as one,” said Ken Pipken, assistant principal for academics at Curley and a parent of one of the athletes.

He added, “Just for this one day … rain … shine … sleet or hail … they’re (the athletes) are like the post office … they come out for this event.”

Curley is glad to allow these students, parents and schools the opportunity to showcase their time and talent, he said, and also recognized Curley’s current freshman and sophomores who were once Youth Bowl participants.

St. Francis of Assisi School parent Nichole Glenn and her eighth grader, Kennedy Glenn, were also part of the day’s events.

“This is a nice introduction to athletics through Catholic schools and to see what formal and traditional athletics is about for those who are new to athletics,” Glenn said.

Glenn added her daughter, who will also be attending Catholic High in the fall, plans to participate in track and field and volleyball.

Some 200 awards and medals were presented to the athletes at the end of the competition, according to a Archbishop Curley High School social media post.

Email Kevin J. Parks at kparks@CatholicReview.org.

To view or purchase photos from the event, visit: https://catholicreview.smugmug.com/Youth-Bowl-Archbishop-Curley

To view photos from the event taken by Catholic Review staff photographer Kevin J. Parks, click through the slideshow below: