Athletics
Welcome
Minnesota State Academy for the Blind Athletics Department provides students with meaningful opportunities to compete, grow, and build a strong sense of teamwork, confidence, respect, integrity, and sportsmanship. Through athletics, our student-athletes develop essential life skills that foster independence, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to health and wellness.
At MSAB, all students are encouraged to participate in athletics as an integral part of their educational experience. Whether through intramural games, adaptive sports, or regional competitions, our athletic program celebrates inclusion, determination, and the power of teamwork.
Beyond regular season play, our teams proudly compete in and host regional tournaments that bring together student-athletes from other schools for friendly competition and shared learning.
To our student-athletes, nothing compares to the pride of representing the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind, where every game is a chance to challenge yourself, uplift your team, and show the true spirit of MSAB!
Track & Field
Season: August - September
Track and Field at the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind provides students with an exciting opportunity to develop strength, speed, and coordination while competing in both standard and adapted events.
Athletes participate in running, jumping, and throwing events within three competition classes based on visual acuity. Meets are held on weekends and often include out-of-state travel with overnight stays at host schools, allowing students to connect and compete with other visually impaired athletes across the region.
The season concludes with the North Central Association of Schools for the Blind (NCASB) Conference Track and Field Championships end of September, where athletes come together to demonstrate their skills, teamwork, and school pride.
Track and Field at MSAB encourages students to set goals, challenge themselves, and celebrate achievement through effort, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
Goal Ball
Season: September - December
Goalball is one of the most popular and inclusive sports at the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind. It’s a fast-paced team sport designed specifically for athletes who are blind or visually impaired and emphasizes strategy, communication, and trust.
Students compete in three-person teams using a ball that contains bells. All players wear blindfolds, ensuring equal competition regardless of individual vision levels. Athletes rely entirely on hearing and spatial awareness to track, block, and throw the ball to score points while defending their own goal line.
MSAB’s goalball teams compete against local community youth and other schools for the visually impaired across the region. The season offers students a unique opportunity to build athletic skills, teamwork, and confidence while participating in friendly and challenging competitions.
Goalball is more than a sport—it’s a community experience that teaches perseverance, teamwork, and focus, while celebrating the strength and spirit of MSAB athletes.
Wrestling
Season: December – January
Wrestling at the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind offers students a challenging and rewarding athletic experience that builds strength, confidence, and discipline.
Athletes compete in thirteen classes determined by weight, ensuring fair and balanced matches. Scrimmages may be held with neighboring public schools to encourage broader athletic engagement and skill development.
Weekend meets are scheduled against other schools in the North Central Association of Schools for the Blind (NCASB) Conference, often involving out-of-state travel and overnight stays at host schools. The season culminates with the NCASB Conference Championship in mid-January, where MSAB athletes proudly represent their school with determination and sportsmanship.
Wrestling at MSAB encourages teamwork, perseverance, and a strong sense of achievement both on and off the mat.
Swimming
Season: March – April
Swimming at the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind offers students the opportunity to develop strength, endurance, and confidence through both individual and team competition.
Athletes compete in various individual and relay events against students from other schools for the blind and visually impaired. Swim meets are typically held on weekends and often include out-of-state travel with overnight stays at host schools, creating memorable experiences and lasting friendships.
The season concludes with the North Central Association of Schools for the Blind (NCASB) Conference Swimming and Forensics Meet in April, where student-athletes showcase their dedication and growth throughout the season.
Participants are required to bring a practice swimsuit, swim cap, and optional swim goggles for training and meets.
Swimming at MSAB encourages every student to challenge themselves, support their teammates, and take pride in representing their school in and out of the pool.
