JR POPES
LET'S GO POPES! LET'S GO POPES! LET'S GO POPES! LET'S GO POPES! LET'S GO POPES! LET'S GO POPES! LET'S GO POPES! LET'S GO POPES! LET'S GO POPES! LET'S GO POPES! LET'S GO POPES! LET'S GO POPES! LET'S GO POPES! LET'S GO POPES!
Go Popes!
JR Popes Basketball Program
Mission Statement:
Junior Popes Basketball provides an opportunity for young people to grow as basketball players in a fun and safe environment centered on skill development, teamwork, and positive coaching.
Program Goal:
To enhance each player's love for the game of basketball through the building of fundamental skills and confidence, fueled by enthusiastic and positive coaches.
Program Overview:
Pius XI Catholic High School Boys Basketball program invites 3rd through 8th grade boys interested in attending Pius XI Catholic High School, to tryout for the Junior Popes Basketball program.
Due to our teams having limited numbers of spots, the Junior Popes Basketball program utilizes the tryout process to build teams each year, and therefore not all registrants make a team. This program is highly competitive and requires a great deal of commitment.
4th to 8th grade teams play in the Wisconsin Youth Basketball League (WYBL) every other Sunday in a two-game/day format. 3rd grade teams play in the OAW League in New Berlin every other weekend. League games start the first week of November and run through February/early March.
Practices will start mid-October. Practice dates, times and locations will vary based on Pius XI Catholic High School Fieldhouse and area gym availability.
Boys Basketball
Links & Contact
Program Director: Matt Pape (mbpape5@gmail.com)
Pius XI Varsity Coach: Dan Carey (dcarey@piusxi.org)
BOYS BASKETBALL REGISTRATION
Junior Popes Girls Basketball
The Pius Girls Basketball Program a storied one with a great history and national recognition. Learn more about our youth program and join today.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Junior Girls Basketball Program is to provide student-athletes in grades 3-8 with a positive, supportive, and competitive environment where they can develop basketball skills, build confidence, and grow as individuals. Through quality coaching and meaningful experiences, we strive to instill the values of teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, leadership, and perseverance that will benefit our athletes both on and off the court.
Program Goal
Our goal is to foster a love for the game of basketball while helping each player reach her full potential. We are committed to teaching fundamental skills, encouraging personal growth, and promoting a team-first mentality. By emphasizing effort, accountability, and continuous improvement, we aim to prepare our athletes for future success in basketball and in life.
Program Overview
The Junior Popes Girls Basketball Program is designed for girls in grades 3-8 who are interested in learning, developing, and competing in the sport of basketball. The program welcomes athletes of all skill levels and provides age-appropriate instruction focused on individual skill development, teamwork, game strategy, and sportsmanship.
Throughout the season, players will participate in structured practices, competitive games, and team-building experiences that promote confidence, resilience, and a strong work ethic. Our coaches are dedicated to creating a positive learning environment where athletes are encouraged to challenge themselves, support their teammates, and take pride in representing our program and community. The Junior Girls Basketball Program serves as an important foundation for future athletic opportunities while creating lasting memories and friendships along the way.
Pius XI Athletics not only focuses on improving overall athleticism, skill, strength, and speed, but also bettering the athlete as a person.
JR Popes Football
Football Information
Grades: 5th-8th
As preparations begins for the upcoming Jr. Pope Football season, we are excited to welcome returning families and new participants to another year of growth, competition, and community involvement. Jr. Pope Football has long been committed to providing young athletes with a positive environment where they can develop fundamental football skills, build confidence, and learn the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication. Our coaches and volunteers work tirelessly to create an experience that helps players succeed both on the field and in everyday life.
The upcoming season promises to be another chapter in the proud tradition of Jr. Pope Football. Through practices, games, and team activities, our athletes will have the opportunity to challenge themselves, form lasting friendships, and represent our community with pride. We look forward to seeing players, families, and supporters come together to create an encouraging atmosphere that makes youth football such a rewarding experience. Thank you for being a part of our program, and we look forward to an exciting season ahead!
Program Director: Seth Cocroft (scocroft@piusxi.org) Phone: 414-526-4729
Pius XI Varsity Football Coach: Jesse Stewart (jstewart@piusxi.org)
Teams: 5th/6th & 7th/8th
Season: August-October
Practices: Dyer Field (7830 W Fairview Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53213) | Days and times TBD
League: Greater Metro Milwaukee Youth Football League
Fee: $250
Questions? Email or call our program director.
Registration Information
Click here to register for the 2026 Jr. Popes Football Season.
All parents/guardians are required to volunteer this season. At the beginning of the season, you will be required to pay a volunteer fee of $100. If you volunteer your time during the season, this will be given back to you at the end of the season. If you do not volunteer or choose not to volunteer, the money will be donated to Jr. Popes Football.
JR Popes Cross Country
Cross Country Information
Grades: 5th-8th
Mission Statement
The mission of the Junior Cross Country Program is to provide young athletes with a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment where they can develop a love for running, improve their physical fitness, and build character through participation in competitive athletics. We strive to teach the values of hard work, perseverance, sportsmanship, and personal responsibility while fostering confidence and lifelong healthy habits.
Program Goal
Our goal is to help each athlete reach their individual potential by promoting consistent effort, personal growth, and teamwork. Through age-appropriate training, encouragement, and competition, we aim to develop strong runners and even stronger individuals. We believe success is measured not only by race results, but also by the dedication, resilience, and positive attitude our athletes demonstrate throughout the season.
Program Overview
The Junior Cross Country Program is designed for student-athletes who are interested in developing their running abilities while being part of a supportive team environment. Athletes of all experience levels are welcome, whether they are new to the sport or looking to further develop their skills. Participants will engage in structured practices focused on endurance, technique, conditioning, and race preparation while learning the fundamentals of cross country competition.
Practices will begin in late-August through 1st week of October. A few practices each week and Two (maybe Three) meets! All practices will be at Pius Xi Catholic High School from 6:15-7:15pm. Practice dates and meet info will be out soon!
Program Director: Mary Riegert (mriegert@wi.rr.com). Phone: 414-708-0743
Fee: $45 (plus fees)
Season: Late August-September
Practices: Greenfield Park & Pius XI | Days and times TBD
Register for Jr. Popes Cross Country Now!
