Spartan Athletics
Sayre athletic programs offer a unique opportunity for student athletes who choose to compete for their school. In a time where most sports are becoming increasingly specialized and require year-round commitments from athletes at younger and younger ages, we recognize the inherent value of participation and embrace the multi-sport athlete model. 68% of our Upper School students play on at least one school-sponsored team and many take full advantage of their opportunities to play and excel in multiple sports.
Our coaching staff embraces a positive approach to coaching, and they work tirelessly to cultivate skill, confidence and the will to win. Coupled with our educationally based athletic model, our student athletes are pushed to reach their full potential, and our teams learn to achieve and win at a level not often associated with smaller schools.
At Sayre, Spartan pride runs deep. Our student athletes are continually challenged to make their mark in everything they do and athletics are no exception.
Discover our approach to athletics that is uniquely Sayre. We are Spartan strong!
Sayre Coaching and the Student-Athlete
Richard Little
Director of Athletics
rlittle@sayreschool.org
O. (859) 254-1361, ext. 221
C. (859) 213-0703
Why Sayre Athletics?
- Athletic Program Mission - At Sayre, playing a sport goes well beyond wins, losses and the accumulation of skills or recognition. We understand the potential that athletic participation has to teach invaluable life lessons. In addition to reaching ones potential as an athlete, we also work to cultivate positive values, meaningful character development, teamwork, time management, resiliency and the value of sacrifice and commitment. Through both success and failure, and along with the myriad other meaningful challenges that athletes face, our student athletes can expect a rich and rewarding experience.
- Open Participation - We encourage every student that attends Sayre to play at least one sport. Any student with the desire to play and a willingness to make the necessary commitment to a team is welcome regardless of experience or skill level. At Sayre, we do not routinely hold try outs or make cuts unless a team or program has space or other limitations that necessitate limiting numbers.
- The Ability to Play Multiple Sports - Playing more than one sport is commonplace at Sayre and as a result, we are able to offer our students a wide array of competitive athletic options. Even with the demanding academic and athletic schedules, our students routinely manage to excel both in the classroom and with their respective teams. In fact, many of our student athletes would tell you that their grades actually improve when they are playing a sport. The reason? Improved focus and time management skills are honed and exercised during any competitive season.
- Competition - Our teams play in competitive leagues and routinely test themselves against some of the best teams in the state of Kentucky. Rarely do our teams square off against a smaller schools and yet our current and past athletic success is something we pride ourselves in. Our teams train hard, are well coached and expect success.
- Resources - Our training and athletic facilities are first rate and offer our student athletes every opportunity to excel in their chosen sport.
- The Next Level - Many of our student athletes have athletic aspirations that extend beyond High School. At Sayre, our athletes have a tremendous track record and often go on to compete for colleges across the country. In 2022, 13% of the senior class signed letters of intent to compete athletically at the next level.
Spartan Programs
What We Offer
- Numerous athletic programs in Lower School, Middle School and Upper School
- Competitive opportunities in multiple leagues and tournaments throughout the year
- Opportunities for meaningful character development and personal transformations
- Talented and dedicated coaching staff who are committed to helping athletes reach their potential and learn to achieve both on and off the field
Lower School Programs
Our lower school athletic programs are centered around participation, skill development and cultivating a joy for sports. In soccer and basketball, Sayre enters teams (grades 3-5) into the local YMCA league in the winter (basketball) and in the spring (soccer). Both Y-League programs are co-ed. Future Spartans basketball offers a unique opportunity for younger athletes to work with closely with Upper School students in a fun, participatory environment. Teams play in the winter months and are comprised of 1st – 5th grade Sayre girls and boys. Our Multi Sports Camps and Future Spartans Lacrosse Camp are instructional and take place in the fall. Girls On The Run (GOTR) and our USTA tennis clinics are after school programs that take place 1-2 times per week.
Middle School Programs
In Middle School our athletic programs shifts to an interscholastic model. In Basketball we compete in the Bluegrass Athletic Conference which culminates in a tournament each year and we also play a limited at large schedule with MS teams from other regional schools. Boys and girls soccer compete in our local private school league which culminates in a post season tournament and also play a limited at large schedule. Lacrosse competes in the Lexington Youth Lacrosse League which includes local private and public MS lacrosse teams. The lacrosse season likewise culminates in a post season tournament. Beginning in 7th grade, with approval from the coach and Director of Athletics, athletes may have the opportunity to compete at the high school level in x-country, golf, basketball, swimming, diving, track, and baseball.
Upper School Programs
Sayre Upper School is a member of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) and as such competes on the District, Regional and State level in X-Country, Golf, Soccer, Basketball, Swimming, Diving, Tennis, Track and Baseball. In addition, Soccer, Basketball and Golf compete in the “All A” which is a mid-season statewide tournament of smaller “A” sized schools. Many of our teams also compete in the Bluegrass Conference which is made up of regional schools of similar size. Basketball, volleyball, baseball, track, x-country and swimming all compete in the Bluegrass Conference. Our US Boys Lacrosse program competes in the statewide Kentucky Lacrosse Association High School League and statewide post season tournament.
Spartan Teams
- Boys Freshman Basketball
- Girls Freshman Basketball
- Boys JV Basketball
- Girls JV Basketball
- Boys 5th/6th Grade Basketball
- Boys 7th/8th Grade (Spartan) Basketball
- Boys Middle School Basketball
- Girls Middle School Basketball
- Girls Middle School Volleyball
- Swimming and Diving
- Boys Varsity Basketball
- Girls Varsity Basketball
Spartan Coaches
Brad Carter
JV Boys Basketball
Northern Kentucky University '02
Kevin Clary
V Baseball
BS Transylvania University '88
MA University of Kentucky '90
M Ed Eastern Kentucky University '02
Anna Cook
JV/V Girls Lacrosse
BA Washington & Jefferson '16
Rob Goodman '89
V Boys Basketball
V Boys Golf
BA University of Kentucky '97
Robbie Goodman '17
MS Boys Soccer
Eric Kinder
JV/V Girls Basketball
BS University of Kentucky
MS University of Kentucky
Lauren King
MS Girls Lacrosse
BA University of North Florida
Charles Matthews
Tennis
BS University of Kentucky '06
Richard Little
Director of Athletics
BA West Virginia University '93
M Ed University of Virginia '99
Mike McKinney
V Girls Soccer
BA Eastern Kentucky University '89
MD University of Kentucky '93
Residency Wright State University '97
Griffin Miller '11
V Boys Soccer
BA University of the South, Sewanee '15
MA University of Kentucky '22
Rollie Mills '16
Swimming
BS University of Kentucky '20
Brad Nahra '98
MS Boys Basketball (5th/6th)
Jason Nahra '96
MS Boys Basketball (7th/8th)
BA University of Kentucky '01
Leigh Nahra
US Volleyball
BA Eastern Kentucky University '98
Jamie Palumbo
Diving
University of Kentucky
Chad Pennington
Director of Football
BA Marshall University '99
Adam Reel
V Boys Lacrosse
Naval Academy '04
Jon Simon
MS Boys Lacrosse
Wittenberg University '02
Stewart Stevens
Cross Country
Track
Greg Tabor
MS Girls Soccer
Ron Wetzel
V Girls Golf
University of Charleston
Greg Young
Freshman/JV Baseball
Spartan Facilities
Sayre Athletic Complex
The Sayre Athletic Complex (SAC) is located on a 50-acre site, 15 minutes from the main campus, and includes four soccer and lacrosse fields, baseball and softball diamonds, 10 tennis courts, and a cross country course.
300 Canebrake Drive
Lexington, KY 40509
FROM DOWNTOWN LEXINGTON:
Start out going east on Main St. Main St becomes Richmond Rd. Continue on Richmond Rd past Jacobson Park and the Exit 104 interchange of I-75. Turn left onto Canebrake Drive between Days Inn and Red Roof Inn. Continue down the hill and proceed .1 mile past the tobacco barn. The entrance to the Sayre Athletic Fields is on your right.
FROM I-75:
Take Exit 104 towards Athens. Turn left onto Canebrake Drive between Days Inn and Red Roof Inn.
Sayre School Campus
If traveling north on I-75, headed to Lexington - Take exit 104 (Lexington-Athens-Boonesboro exit). Turn left onto Athens-Boonesboro Road, which then becomes Richmond Road. Richmond Road leads into downtown Lexington and becomes Main Street. At the intersection of Main Street and N. Limestone, turn right. The school is three blocks up on the right.
If traveling south on I-75, headed to Lexington - Take exit 113 (Lexington-Paris). - Turn right onto Paris Pike/Broadway. At the intersection of Broadway and Short Street, (approx. 1 1/2-2 miles, shortly after passing Transylvania University) turn left onto Short St. At the end of Short St, turn left onto Limestone. The school is one block up on the right.
If traveling east on I-64, headed to Lexington - Take exit 113 (Lexington-Paris)
(same as above)
If traveling west on I-64, headed to Lexington - Take exit 113 (Lexington-Paris)
(same as above)
From Nicholasville Road - Nicholasville Road becomes Limestone as it proceeds toward downtown. After crossing Main Street, the school is three blocks up on the right.
From Harrodsburg Road - Harrodsburg Road becomes Broadway as it proceeds toward downtown. After crossing Main Street, turn right onto Short Street. At the end of Short Street, turn left onto Limestone. The school is one block up on the right.
Other Practice Facilities
Champions
2061 Lexington Road
Nicholasville, KY 40356
The Yard
117 Westhampton Drive
Lexington, KY 405011
Next Level
340 Richmond Avenue
Lexington, KY 40502
Centenary United Methodist Church
2800 Tates Creek Road
Lexington, KY 40502
Calvary Baptist Church
150 East High Street
Lexington, KY 40507
Tower Hill
404 Sporting Court
Lexington, KY 40503
Transylvania Natatorium
361 North Broadway
Lexington, KY 40508
Transylvania Athletic Complex
555 West 4th Street
Lexington, KY 40508
Resources
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