Biomedical Sciences

Yes, wins and losses matter, but New AD John Bertken sees many opportunities for non-athletes to participate in SJND’s storied program.

What drew you to Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School?

Having grown up in the Bay Area and my dad living in Alameda for the last 30 years, it was difficult not to notice the great traditions of Saint Joseph Notre Dame. SJND has always been respected as an outstanding program in a tight knit community. After spending the last 10 years at international schools in India and Korea, my wife and I have missed that type of environment. So, by the grace of God, the opportunity presented itself to join the SJND community when we returned, and there was no hesitation in making my decision. 

What role do you see athletics playing in the high school experience, not just for athletes but for the greater SJND community?  

It was American author James Michener who said that sport is a microcosm of society, in as much that it not only benefits the individual but the society as a whole. This cannot be more true than in a school setting where identity is so important. When the team representing a community is doing well, the entire community feels that sense of pride.

Another aspect of school image is from the time the athletes get off of the bus. People are paying attention to not just that school’s competitive nature but their character as they represent not just themselves, but their whole school community. It is important for these ambassadors to represent SJND in the community in the best possible way.

I see the athletic department‘s role as providing opportunities to students that go beyond just being a player on a team. There are valuable roles in sports in addition to that of the player. Take a look at the current sports industry and its career offerings in marketing, sports management, and sports medicine; all these aspects of sport are growing and it’s our responsibility to provide opportunities to experience these areas, as well. One of my first objectives is to create student-led teams in management, media, and athletic training as well as more participation on our athletic teams.
 

“One of my first objectives is to create student-led teams in management, media, and athletic training as well as more participation on our athletic teams.”

You have had experience in overseeing athletics programs on an international basis. How do you think that experience will help you at SJND?

Coaching and administering a sports program internationally posed some very unique challenges. By listening and understanding what is important in different cultures, you learn that parents from all over the world operate from the same motivation - that is their love for their child. Similarly, working with the international athletes reminded me of the basic benefits that young people get from playing sports. The level of skill and athleticism was generally not as high as we have here in the U.S., which meant that instead of managing skilled and experienced players, coaches spent more time teaching the basics. The genuine appreciation when a young person learns that they are capable of achieving something new or on a higher level generates a true enthusiasm and feeling of self-pride, and this was greatly apparent in an international school setting.

What are your goals for athletics at SJND?

SJND has so many positive aspects to its community and to have a sports program that delivers excellence during competition as well as excellence in community building will help promote what an outstanding school SJND is. Specifically, some goals are to have full participation in every sport we offer, especially for our girls’ teams. The experience of playing sports is beneficial to all students, but I have been impressed with the level of appreciation girls have with the overall experience. It’s not uncommon to see that boys often dominate the spaces on the fields or courts, but it doesn’t have to be that way.  The confidence one gains through the experience of playing sport is just as valuable to any gender. I want to see all of our girls programs as populated as the boys.

What do you see as the opportunities to make a positive impact on athletics at SJND?

The opportunity for student leadership is the first impact I’m looking to make on athletics. When students are allowed to participate in the ownership of the sports program, the entire program takes on a new level of enthusiasm. After all, this is their program so they should have some say. It’s also a great way to recruit more students to participate in sports. The participation and enthusiasm generated by the students fuels the enthusiasm for the rest of the SJND community. There is already much to celebrate, however, we should always be trying to take it to the next level, and we should be producing student leaders to show the way.
 

Plans for SJND’s "Raising the Bar," renovation and expansion of its weight room in Kelly Gymnasium have been approved by the Oakland Diocese and the school continues to raise funds for this much anticipated project.

“Raising the Bar" will update and expand the antiquated 525-square-foot weight room by 30 percent. Floor-to-ceiling windows will replace two concrete walls to allow for natural light. The adjoining outside area will be repurposed and utilized for core and agility fitness activities, and the gymnasium stage area will be home to cardio and floor exercises. The school plans to bring in new and modern equipment to inspire more physical activity and will allow sports teams to train together. The new cohesive space will not only accommodate more students, but faculty and staff will also have access to the improved facility and equipment.
 

“Raising the Bar" will update and expand the antiquated 525-square-foot weight room by 30 percent.

"We can’t wait to finally break ground and give these deserving students a prideful space that will enhance our school's curricular and co-curricular programs in support of wellbeing and mental health,” said Director of Advancement Lucy Lopez.

"Raising the Bar is raising our school," says Men's Varsity Basketball Coach Don Lippi, a member of the California Coaches Association Hall of Fame. "Lives are changed in that small room. Students learn how to improve their bodies, improve their diet, and improve their vision of themselves. Comradery is infectious  if done right in that room, as each student needs a spotter who protects them from injury. Seeing improvement is the gift you get by working hard. I think we can come up with enough funds to turn this garage into a great workout room for athletes, dancers, our teachers, and our alumni."    

To support “Raising the Bar," please contact Lucy Lopez at (510) 995-9456 or llopez@sjnd.org, or to make a gift online visit https://www.sjnd.org/support-sjnd/donate-online and choose “Raising the Bar” from the pulldown menu.