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As morning breaks over northwestern Connecticut, the Salisbury School campus springs to life. Young men bustle about the 725-acre campus headed to classes. By afternoon, these same students will transform the pristine athletic fields and state-of-the-art facilities into arenas of competition and character building. In the evening, students and faculty alike await the red light in the Cupola that signals a Crimson Knight Varsity victory.
Such is a day in the life of Salisbury School, Connecticut's premier all-boys college preparatory boarding school, where athletic excellence complements rigorous academics and expansive arts and media programs in a formula that has produced generations of accomplished graduates.
Connected by “Sarum”—a concept that embodies a Salisbury Crimson Knight’s sense of brotherhood, honor and loyalty—the champions on the Hilltop share a unique bond. This bond is integral to why Salisbury consistently produces well-rounded men of character built to succeed in university, career, and beyond. As Chris Phelps, Salisbury Football Head Coach, always says, “Respect is given and it is up to the person you are giving it to, to keep it.”
One of many qualities that distinguishes Salisbury is its unwavering commitment to athletic excellence. The school has become one of the most prestigious athletic boarding schools in Connecticut by treating academics and athletics with equal seriousness.
“On the Hilltop, we have a rich tradition of athletic competition dating back to the School’s founding in 1901,” says Tim Sinclair '91, Director Of Athletics. “Our founding headmaster, George E. Quaile, believed it was just as important for boys to develop their bodies as it was to develop their minds.”
Salisbury's athletic reputation has become a compelling draw for families seeking pathways to prestigious universities. Among many athletics of distinction, the school's exceptional programs in lacrosse, crew, baseball, and ice hockey have produced numerous collegiate athletes and even Olympians and professional players.
The ice hockey program exemplifies this tradition of excellence, with recent success including multiple victories against premier prep schools and appearances in the prestigious NEPSAC Elite 8 tournament. The program has sent numerous alumni to NCAA Division I programs and professional careers, including Mark Arcobello '06 (U.S. Olympic Team), Paul Carey '07 (New York Rangers, NHL), and Alex Biega '06 (Vancouver Canucks, NHL). Recent NHL draftee Salsibury Alumni include Hobey Baker Award nominee Justin Hryckowian '20 (Dallas Stars), Ryan Walsh '22 (Boston Bruins), Luke Krys '19 (Dallas Stars) and Jacob Quillan '20 (Toronto Maple Leafs).
Similarly, the school's lacrosse program has established itself as a powerhouse, regularly competing against the nation's top prep school programs. Last year alone, nine former Knights were members of NCAA Division 1 semifinal teams. Alumni like Brodie Merrill '01—a four-time Gold Medalist and one of the most decorated lacrosse players to ever play the game—have gone on to professional careers in Major League Lacrosse. Recent victories over Thayer Academy, Loomis Chaffee, and Avon Old Farms highlight the program's competitive strength.
The baseball program has enjoyed similar success, with the 2024 season culminating in winning the WNEPBL Championship for the third season in a row. These achievements reflect not just athletic talent but the school's comprehensive approach to player development.
Perhaps most distinctive is Salisbury's renowned crew program, which has produced multiple Olympic oarsmen, including Porter Collins '93 (U.S. Olympic team 1996/2000, three-time World Champion), Elliot Hovey '02 (U.S. Olympic team 2008/2012), and Thomas Kiefer '76 (U.S. Olympic Silver Medalist).
SPONSORED BY SALISBURY SCHOOL
-Bobby Wynne '22 (Hon.), P'19, Associate Head of School
Sponsored by Salisbury School
Becoming a Knight:
How Salisbury School Athletics Is Foundational to Its Success—and Yours!
Athletic Excellence as a Cornerstone: Sarum in Action
“Through athletic competition, our students develop the qualities of commitment, self-confidence, self-discipline, perseverance and sportsmanship.”
Powerhouse Programs That Open Doors
Character First, Championships Second
By Monica Vanover on April 14, 2025
All boys participate as three-season athletes—a school requirement that reflects Salisbury's belief in the elemental connection between physical and intellectual development. With more than 30 interscholastic sports offered at various competitive levels, including football, crew, baseball, hockey, basketball, golf and lacrosse—every student finds opportunities to challenge himself, develop teamwork skills, and cultivate the personal character qualities necessary for success.
“At Salisbury, organized and competitive sports are an integral part of the overall educational experience,” says Associate Head of School Bobby Wynne '22 (Hon.), P'19. “Through athletic competition, our students develop the qualities of commitment, self-confidence, self-discipline, perseverance and sportsmanship.”
Sarum—a combination of camaraderie, school pride and brotherhood—drives Salisbury’s culture of character. Whether it be fans running the length of the football field waving flags and beating drums to pump up their brothers on the field or symbolic ceremonies, being a Knight means something deeper than a participation trophy. It’s a cornerstone of a young man’s identity he can build upon as he continues growing in life.
The concept of Sarum reflects a deeper, closely held value at Salisbury. While championship banners hang proudly in Salisbury's athletic facilities, the school measures success by more than trophies. The athletic program operates within the framework of the school's honor code and commitment to character-based education.
“Through determination, maturation and strong coaching our junior varsity and thirds level players continue to improve and earn opportunities on varsity teams and later at the college level,” says Director of Athletics Tim Sinclair '91. “Fostering this growth mindset among our student-athletes ultimately leads to a positive experience on The Hilltop and cultivates an optimism and confidence important for success throughout life.”
This philosophy resonates with parents who understand that sports at Salisbury aren't merely activities but vehicles for developing discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, humility, and respect for others—values that inspire graduates to lead rewarding and active lives long after their days on the Hilltop.
Behind these successful programs are Salisbury's extraordinary facilities. As one of the best-equipped sports boarding schools in Connecticut, the campus features state-of-the-art athletic centers, competition fields, and training facilities that rival many small colleges. Consider Chandler Range, the school’s expansive golf facilities. Given by visionary donors and named for Salisbury’s legendary seventh Headmaster Chisom S. Chandler, the Chandler Range offers a sanctuary students and community members alike to hone their skills in a place of picturesque natural beauty.
Equally important is the caliber of coaching. What makes Salisbury's athletic program truly special is that faculty members serve as coaches—creating mentoring relationships that extend beyond classrooms and playing fields. Celebrated lacrosse Head Coach Bobby Wynne '22 (Hon.), P'19 led the lacrosse team for nearly 20 years, guiding them to eight Championships, all while serving the School in various capacities from English teacher to Director of College Counseling to Associate Head of School. Today, Wynne is the Associate Head of School. Scot Beattie, Head Coach of Salisbury’s Soccer program, is also the Chair of the Math Department. These coach-teachers understand both the academic and athletic challenges their students face and provide guidance that supports holistic development.
World-Class Facilities, Exceptional Coaching
“Fostering this growth mindset among our student-athletes ultimately leads to a positive experience on The Hilltop and cultivates an optimism and confidence important for success throughout life.”
-Tim Sinclair '91, Director of Athletics
Founded in 1901 by Reverend George E. Quaile, Salisbury School has established itself as an institution that understands boys and how they learn best. The school's traditional curriculum is specifically designed to prepare young men for the demands of college while instilling values that will serve them throughout life.
As one of the top private schools in the Northeast, Salisbury offers a curriculum that teaches students to write and read well while developing independent thinking skills essential to achieving their full potential. The school's unique and inspiring campus life plus its single-sex environment foster confidence that empowers students to take intellectual risks across various academic subjects.
For parents seeking an educational environment where boys thrive academically, athletically, and personally, Salisbury School offers a unique combination of traditional values and forward-thinking preparation for college and beyond.
For more information about Salisbury School's programs or to schedule a campus visit, contact Salisbury Admissions or learn more at salisburyschool.org.
A Tradition of Excellence
