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Stella Maris Academy reached a milestone this week, announcing it has been accepted into the Polar League while preparing to celebrate community and tradition with its Fall Flannel Fest on Saturday.
The Polar League brings together schools in northeastern Minnesota in boys and girls basketball, cross country, track, volleyball, baseball and softball. For Stella Maris, the move cements its place in the region’s competitive landscape.
“Being accepted into this conference offers our team and student athletes the opportunity to earn all-conference recognition and the ability to compete in conference-sponsored events and competitions,” said activities director Chris Lemke. “From an activities director's perspective, this gives us a built-in local schedule for many of our sports and really legitimizes what we have been building for the last four years.”
The news comes as the academy gears up for Saturday’s Fall Flannel Fest, highlighted by the first-ever Father Ben 5K. The festival, which doubles as the school’s activities fundraiser, begins at 9 a.m. with the race on a brand-new 5K continuous-loop trail.
The event honors Father Ben Hadrich, the school’s chaplain during its first two years and a familiar presence at games and student events.
“Father Ben was an avid runner and just loved to be around kids,” Lemke said. “He was our Stella Maris Academy high school chaplain for our first two years. His health has not allowed Father to be active with the school.”
At 10:30 a.m., the academy will recognize Hadrich, along with sponsors and the top finishers in the race. Organizers expect more than 200 runners — 180 already pre-registered — for the 5K, and more than 300 participants overall for the festival.
The celebration continues from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with food, hayrides and sports challenges designed for families.
For Stella Maris, both the Polar League invitation and the Flannel Fest reflect the momentum of a young high school preparing to graduate its first senior class this spring. “Enrollment at the high school campus is pushing 200 — so things are going really well,” Lemke said.
This fall, the academy has student-athletes competing in cross country, trap shooting, girls swimming and tennis, with soccer and football offered through a cooperative agreement with Proctor. Winter and spring activities include basketball, skiing, cheer, theater, softball, baseball, track and golf.
Lemke said the Father Ben 5K is designed to grow into a tradition that extends beyond campus. “This event is open to the community,” he said. “You are invited to attend as well.”
More information, including Father Ben 5K registration, is available at sentinelactivities.academy/flannelfest.
