Bishop O'Connell has named Eighmey Zeeck the head coach of the field hockey program. Coach Zeeck hails from Colorado. She attended Randolph-Macon Woman's College (now Randolph College) where she was a four-year starter for the WildCats field hockey team as a left mid. Eighmey earned her Master of Public Health degree from George Washington University.

Zeeck began coaching while an undergraduate where she was an assistant girls lacrosse coach at Virginia Episcopal for two seasons. She has also been a volunteer lacrosse coach for a local U7 program. She is the current head girls lacrosse coach at JEB Stuart High School and is excited to get involved with field hockey again. In her free time she plays pick up games with the Washington Field Hockey Association.

"We are excited to welcome Coach Zeeck to our school's coaching team," said Athletic Director Joe Wootten. "Her approach to coaching young athletes fits perfectly with the high standards and process-oriented approach that our Play Like a Champion program emphasizes.

There will be a meet and greet/informational meeting on Wednesday, June 1 at 5 p.m. in the school library for all interested students (including incoming 9^th graders) and their parents.

If you have any questions, please contact Coach Wootten at jwootten@bishopoconnell.org.

Dust off your running shoes and grab your friends, neighbors and family members! Join us on Saturday, April 9 for the first-ever Bishop O'Connell 5K and Kids' Fun Run! Registration is now open at www.bishopoconnell.org/5K.

Register before Mar. 20 to guarantee your preferred T-shirt size.

Check out the preview of the course, register to run, or simply offer your support as an armchair participant if you are out of town or unable to train. Be a part of a new O'Connell tradition! Questions? Email lfriel@bishopoconnell.org.

Bishop O'Connell has named Eighmey Zeeck the head coach of the field hockey program. Coach Zeeck hails from Colorado. She attended Randolph-Macon Woman's College (now Randolph College) where she was a four-year starter for the WildCats field hockey team as a left mid. Eighmey earned her Master of Public Health degree from George Washington University.

Zeeck began coaching while an undergraduate where she was an assistant girls lacrosse coach at Virginia Episcopal for two seasons. She has also been a volunteer lacrosse coach for a local U7 program. She is the current head girls lacrosse coach at JEB Stuart High School and is excited to get involved with field hockey again. In her free time she plays pick up games with the Washington Field Hockey Association.

"We are excited to welcome Coach Zeeck to our school's coaching team," said Athletic Director Joe Wootten. "Her approach to coaching young athletes fits perfectly with the high standards and process-oriented approach that our Play Like a Champion program emphasizes.

There will be a meet and greet/informational meeting on Wednesday, June 1 at 5 p.m. in the school library for all interested students (including incoming 9^th graders) and their parents.

If you have any questions, please contact Coach Wootten at jwootten@bishopoconnell.org.

Bishop O'Connell has named Alex Vergara as the new head coach of the school's wrestling program. Coach Vergara has served the Northern Virginia area as a technical instructor for a number of programs since 2010. He is an active volunteer assistant coach for the Gunston Wrestling Club located in Alexandria, VA and frequently works with wrestlers from all over the region during the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Over the course of five winter seasons, he has helped produce a total of 12 conference champions, 4 regional champions, 14 state medalists, and 2 state champions.

Coach Vergara comes to Bishop O'Connell after completing his fourth season with the Edison Eagles (Alexandria, VA) where he worked alongside his former high school coach, Scott Racek. In just his second season with the Eagles, he was named Assistant Coach of the Year for Conference 13. Vergara left the Eagles on a high note with two Conference 13 titles, three top-10 finishes at the 5A Northern Regional tournament; and two top-10 finishes at 5A States.

Before joining the Edison Eagles, Vergara debuted his coaching career in the 2011-12 season with the St. Stephens & St. Agnes School Saints (Alexandria, VA). He was an integral part of the program as he oversaw the technical development of each wrestler as they steadily climbed the ranks in the VISAA. In just one season, he helped lead the Saints to a 17-3 dual record, a City of Alexandria dual championship title, an IAC runner-up finish, and a 6th place team trophy finish at VIS States- the highest finish in a decade.

Vergara competed for the Longwood University Lancers in the NCWA (National Collegiate Wrestling Association). The Lancers were members of the Mid-Atlantic Conference. He finished in 3rd, 5th, and 5th in the MAC Championships at 133 lbs between his sophomore and senior year. He completed his career as a 3x NCWA National qualifier- a program best. He is a Bishop Ireton Cardinals alumnus and was a two-time varsity starter. His accolades include two 3rd place finishes in the WCAC and a 6th place finish at VIS States.

On Saturday, Sep. 10, 2016, 26 O'Connell rowers, parents, coaches and supporters joined over 3,000 other participants in the 15th annual Arlington Police, Fire and Sheriff 9/11 5K race. The Knights crew team finished seventh overall among 74 open teams with a time of 22:42. Team scores were based on the average of the four fastest times. The four fastest times came from the men's varsity rowers -- Lucas Gaitan, Austin Berry, Andy Oudkirk and Harrison McBride – all posting times in the top 12 for the men's 15-19 age group. Lucas Gaitan was the top O'Connell finisher, with the fifth fastest time in his age group.

Congratulations, and thanks for representing DJO in this important community event!

On Friday, Oct. 21, members of the Bishop O'Connell community gathered at Gerald Phelan Hall at Marymount University to recognize an outstanding group of alumni. This year's Alumni Awards Dinner honored the following graduates:

H. Joel Schmidt, M.D. '76
Distinguished Alumni Award
Dr. Schmidt is a pediatric pulmonologist who has dedicated his career to focus on cystic fibrosis (CF). His medical career spanned 26 years in the U.S. Army before joining the Division of Pulmonary Medicine at Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU. He is now the CF Care Center's Pediatric Program Director.

Sister Catherine Hill, I.H.M. '66
Knights Service Award
Sister Catherine has been serving students in Catholic schools for her entire career. She began teaching middle school in the Philadelphia area, before becoming a high school chemistry teacher and later an administrator. She returned to Bishop O'Connell in 2005 and currently serves as the school's Dean of Academics.

Erin Blakely '00
Catherine Blakely '02
Allie Blakely
"The Pie Sisters"
Young Alumni Award
Successful entrepreneurs, Erin, Catherine and Allie Blakely created the Pie Sisters of Georgetown bakery in the fall of 2010. Their sweet (and savory) treats have been featured in local and national media.

Brian Drury '80
Athletic Hall of Fame – Football and Basketball

Dana Bredice Smith '81
Athletic Hall of Fame – Cross Country and Track

Ray Williams '91
Athletic Hall of Fame – Football

Natalie Price '96
Athletic Hall of Fame – Softball

Kate Ziegler '06
Athletic Hall of Fame – Swimming

1996 Softball Team
Athletic Hall of Fame
Jennifer Bell, Amanda Blizzard, Margaret Byram, Kristen Crawford, Amanda Gallen Eager, Rosie Ortiz Frimpong, Lisa Sandoval Fucci, Amy Gadell, Terry Brant Garvert, Megan Moynihan Houtz, Katie Lacrois, Andrea Mournighan, Jessie Scott Mydlinski, Natalie Price, Claudia Hickey Thompson, Emily Wilkinson, Jessica Wimmer. Coaches: Tommy Orndorff, Tony Hyde, Heiskell Gray (d.)

For more information, visit our Alumni page.

THE WEEK THAT WAS - Sports Blog by Tommy Orndorff

A Friday "White Out"

O'Connell Pride. It was on full display on Friday night, as a steady stream of O'Connell students flowed into the Paul VI stadium making their way to the far end zone's sideline. The "White Out" was quite the spectacle, and, to say the least, impressive. As was the enthusiasm. And, to their credit, they made their presence known from the very beginning – exchanging cheers with PVI's Sixth Man following. Friday Night Lights at its best.

There's pride. Then there's Pride, as is To'ren Pride.

The host Panthers pretty much dominated the opening quarter, but had just three points to show for it – a 27-yard field goal with 53 seconds remaining in the first period. But old mo was about to change.

Pride, as in To'ren Pride, took the ensuing kickoff at the one-yard-line and electrified the crowd with a 99-yard kick return – staking the Knights to a 6-3 lead that they never relinquished the rest of the way en route to a decisive 40-3 win over their long-time rivals from Fairfax.

Shortly thereafter, Pride took another one to the house – returning a punt probably 60 yards as the sidelines and O'Connell student section erupted in celebration. The rout was on, or so it seemed. But the Knights were called for a penalty on the play, nullifying Pride's burst to pay dirt. Score or no score, his exploits had the sidelines buzzing...the crowd was into it. The energy along the sidelines was unreal. One could just feel it – and, to be sure, it felt great.

By halftime, Coach Colin Disch's charges owned a 13-3 advantage and was now controlling both lines of scrimmage. Their quickness and physicality was beginning to take its toll on Paul VI. A 27-point fourth quarter put the finishing touches to this one, with Pride once again igniting his teammates and the student section – scoring on a 32-yard TD jaunt. No flags this time. Much to the delight of the "White Out" student section, the rout was on.

The fleet-footed Pride was amazing. His totals for the game were amazing. All-purpose yards: 211. That's right, 211 all-purpose yards. Add to that, two touchdowns and a third which was called back. His exploits electrified the crowd right to the final whistle.

A Saturday "Blue Out"

And, somewhat surprisingly, that same spirit and enthusiasm carried over to Saturday night: a "Blue Out" at St. John's College High School for the WCAC Volleyball championship game. Once again, the O'Connell student section made their presence known from the outset. They were into it. As were the two teams, Holy Cross and O'Connell.

It was, indeed, a championship setting. The gym oozed with intensity, with two of the DMV's top teams squaring off. Each serve, each volley, each point magnified by its importance because of all that was at stake. It was an awesome atmosphere. And, at the same time, nerve-wracking.

Holy Cross took the first set, 25-10. Coach Mehdi El Alaoui's team appeared uptight, overwhelmed by the moment and all the pressure that comes with it. We were not ourselves. We were in trouble.

Somehow, someway, we gathered ourselves – and suddenly began playing our game. It was a thing of beauty to watch. Maxine Friedman was on her game, showing everyone why she was selected the WCAC Player of the Year by the conference's coaches. "Max" is the complete player, both at the net and on the backline – and it was all on display on this night. "Max" came to play, and her teammates rallied behind her.

Game Two: 25-21, O'Connell. We were back in it!

This one was going to go the distance as two well-coached, highly-skilled teams competed at a very high level of play. It had to be the best volleyball game that I have witnessed in my 32 years here at O'Connell.

Set Three went to the Tartans, 25-16. But, the Knights were not done yet as the O'Connell girls overcame a slow start to draw even, finishing on a 5-1 run behind the serving of Sarah Lawler – prevailing 25-20 and knotting the score at two games apiece.

Digs. Dives. Sets. Kills. Blocks. It was all on display on this night.

The tension in the gym was beyond belief. Sr. Tracy was praying the rosary at one end of the gym while the packed-house gymnasium was engaged with every point throughout. It was Game Five, and the season was on the line. Two teams who have worked day-in, day-out since the middle of August to get to this point: the final set of the WCAC championship game. The pressure was intense. It was an awesome setting.

Game. Set. Match. Bring it on!

Holy Cross did, jumping out to a 7-1 advantage – exchanging points the rest of the way in claiming a 15-8 win and, with it, their fifth straight WCAC Championship.

In the end, the Knights had no answer for #1 (senior Emily Ryan, a UCLA commit). She dominated along the frontline, hammering home kills with authority. She was outstanding...just outstanding. Kudos to Ryan and Holy Cross! It was a great game, a great atmosphere...made all the better by the two student sections.

On this night, I was proud to be a Knight. In oh-so many ways, I was proud to be a Knight. What an atmosphere! Ditto for Friday night at PVI!

What a weekend it was! Go Knights!

This is Tommy Orndorff, and that was The Week That Was.

Girls Cross Country

On Friday, Nov. 11, the Bishop O'Connell girls cross country team topped off their 2016 season by capturing the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association (VISAA) title. Running on a course at Fork Union Military Academy, senior Isabell Baltimore crossed the finish line in 2^nd place with a time of 19:44. She was followed closely by teammate, sophomore Maddie Fleenor, who finished 5^th with a time of 20:11. Sophomore Maggi Flood and junior Grace Pulliam finished in just over 21 minutes, and all four had times that qualified them for All-State recognition.

The Lady Knights finished 31 points ahead of 2^nd place team, Collegiate School from Richmond. O'Connell was missing their #3 and #5 runners, who were both sidelined with injuries.

"They ran their hearts out," said head coach Cindy Walls, who was recognized at the meet as the winningest girls cross country coach in the state meet's history. She has coached seven O'Connell teams to the championship.

Read more about the cross country win from the Arlington Sun Gazette.

Volleyball

The next day, O'Connell's volleyball team capped off their season by winning the VISAA title in a 3-1 game over Flint Hill. The championship game was played in Petersburg, Va., with the Lady Knights winning the first two sets, before dropping a close third set, 27-25. The fourth set was a nail-biter, with the Knights prevailing, 28-27, and giving O'Connell the victory over the #1 seed Huskies.

The Knights earned their way to the championship game by defeating St. Anne's – Belfield (3-0) in the quarterfinals, and then Bishop Ireton (3-0) in the semifinals.

Extra reasons for celebration came during the state tournament when seniors Maxine Friedman and Sarah Lawler each reached their 1000^th kill in their high school careers. Maxine's came during the semifinal game on Friday, while Sarah's was reached on Saturday in the third set of the championship game.

"Winning the state championship has been this team's goal all year," said Head Coach Mehdi El Alaoui. "They knew it wouldn't be easy to beat Flint Hill, but everyone was focused on making it happen."

Read more and see photos from the VISAA volleyball championship from the Arlington Sun Gazette.

The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) has recognized the 2016 Bishop O'Connell High School softball team for its excellence in the classroom for the 2015-16 academic school year. O'Connell ranks 15^th nationally among the NFCA's High School (Weighted) All-Academic Teams, with a grade point average of 3.978.

Long recognized as one of the country's premiere softball programs, this recognition speaks volumes about the softball team's success both on the playing field and in the classroom. Only one other school in the state of Virginia – St. Catherine's School in Richmond – is listed in the Top 41 posted by the NFCA on their website in the weighted grade point average category.

In individual accolades, 14 O'Connell players were named NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes: Angela Cottini, Olivia Giaquinto, Leah Hammes, Elizabeth Hoeymans, Mary Catherine Hurley, Lyndsay Flippin, Julia Jones, Caitlin Jorae, Patty Maye Ohanian, Sophia Rzonca, Amanda Saffelle, Kathryn Sandercock, Jenna Spille and Cora Wack. Each of these student-athletes achieved this distinction by compiling 3.5 GPAs or better in the classroom.

Also, this past summer, the team had three players named to the NFCA All-South Region Team: Olivia Giaquinto, Patty Maye Ohanian and Kathryn Sandercock – the first step towards gaining All-American recognition on the national level.

The Knights had two players named All-Americans by the NFCA, with Patty Maye Ohanian earning NFCA 2^nd Team All-American distinction and Kathryn Sandercock garnering NFCA 3^rd Team accolades. Ohanian was a 3^rd Team All-American honoree in 2015.

"The Week That Was," Sports Blog by Coach Tommy Orndorff

Some of the more popular blogs through the years have been Q&A sit-downs with our coaches. That noted, this week's The Week That Was is a Q&A session with second-year varsity football head coach Colin Disch.

THE WEEK THAT WAS: A great finish, my friend. Especially so down the stretch, when we put three in a row in the win column. Looking back on the 2016-17 campaign, what are your thoughts? Share with us your observations on the season itself, from Day One at tryouts in August to the final whistle in that 40-3 victory at Paul VI in the season finale.

COACH DISCH: Our team had to become familiar with each other on all aspects. We had 10 new starters on offense and seven new starters on defense, many of whom were sophomores. In addition, we had 14 new coaches and only two returning at the Varsity level. We all had to gel together. Our team continued to improve throughout the course of the season. Our coaches did a great job of preaching fundamentals and putting our players in the best positions to be successful. Our offense evolved over the course of the year, but we really found our identity over the last three games of the season. We were going to run the football, play good defense and win special teams. It was great to see all the kids believing and playing for one another.

TWTW: That season finale at Paul VI was amazing. Early on, Paul VI seemed to have their way with us in the first quarter. Then, To'ren Pride broke one, and "ole mo" was with the Knights the rest of the way. Never have we looked better! Talk to me about that game specifically, addressing the positives and why the game unfolded the way that it did.

COACH DISCH: PVI controlled the ball the entire first quarter and only came away with three points. They moved the ball, but I really think when we held them to a field goal in our red zone, that was a difference maker. Then we took the kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, which gave us all the momentum. Defensively, we knew they were going to complete passes and pick up yards, but our plan was to keep everything in front of us and make them earn every "blade of grass." They did a great job of executing the game plan. Offensively, we wanted to run the football. Our offensive line was gaining confidence, and we have multiple running backs who present different challenges to a defense. We gained over 300 yards on the ground and controlled both sides of the line of scrimmage. This has been our goal since Day One, to dominate up front. If you can control the line of scrimmage, you'll be successful at any level of football.

TWTW: Any season has some highs and lows. Give me some of the team's highlights for the year, areas where we demonstrated the most improvement. Also address any adversity that we might have had to overcome along the way.

COACH DISCH: Our home opener against Bishop Ireton was a tremendous win with all of the circumstances that took place. We lost our starting quarterback on Friday and played the next day with sophomore Vince Pizzano as the starter. He had had limited reps with the varsity team. The game was played in 100-degree heat. Vince had a big touchdown throw to (Bradley) Magee and, more importantly, didn't turn the ball over all day. In the second half, we had six starters go down with heat cramps and players had to shift and play positions they were not accustomed to playing. I was very proud that every single player on this team stepped up, and it was a complete team effort.

Another game was Trinity Episcopal. They jumped out on us 14-0 at half. We played bad football up to this point. In the second half, our team really showed grit and perseverance. We ended up winning, 23-14. It was a tale of two halves. But those are important games to pull out when you're learning how to win.

TWTW: Who were our top players, and why were they so? Address their individual skills and abilities and, at the same time, what they brought to the team. On both sides of the ball, offensively and defensively. Also special teams. Any stats or anything like that would be nice, as well.

COACH DISCH: Our punter/kicker, Ethan Torres (pictured left), was a big part of our success. He's a defense's best friend. He was one of our most consistent players on our team and, on multiple occasions, pinned an offense inside their own 20-yard-line. He had a 40-yard average punting, and the opponents had an average starting position on the 24-yard-line. In addition, he had 22 touchbacks on kickoffs.

Stacey Watts (pictured below) was our quiet leader that all the players and coaches highly respect. He played both running back and defensive back and finished his career with his best game of the season against Paul VI with 175 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He practiced as hard as he played in the games and did anything a coach would ask for the betterment of the team.

Amari Johnson was our most versatile player in many ways. He played inside linebacker and defensive line and was our anchor on defense. In addition, he was a good blocking tight end and long snapped. He led the team in tackles with 77.

To'ren Pride (pictured top) was a key part of our team in all three phases. He played wide receiver and wildcat quarterback. On defense, he played our rover position, which requires someone to be very athletic and be able to cover and support in the run game. He also had multiple TD returns as a punt and kickoff returner. He had over 800 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns.

TWTW: From where I sit, there have been a lot of changes the past 12 months. Most telling, I suppose, the school's decision to play an Independent schedule rather than compete in the WCAC in football. Also, a revamped coaching staff on your part. In your estimation, how did all that work out for you?

COACH DISCH: We brought in a great group of coaches, who spent a lot of time working on the fundamentals with the players. I was very pleased with how our coaches continued to find ways to help the players improve, and it really showed up in the last three games. We had a very challenging and competitive schedule this year. We were disappointed not to make the playoffs, because we really thought by the end of the year we were one of the top four teams. Our players and coaches handled it very well, and the state playoffs will be a significant goal for us heading into the off-season.

TWTW: We just completed Year Two in the Colin Disch era. Talk to us about your program and where we are right now, sharing with us your goals for the program, both short-term and long-term.

COACH DISCH: I have a bit of an old-school mentality as a former college inside linebacker. We want to create a physical brand of football which thrives on dominating the trenches. To give you an idea, we went full pads every day in practice, even in walk-throughs. This is the mindset we want to create. It all starts up front in my eyes. That toughness from the O line and D line resonates through the rest of our team.

I think we've created a good foundation and some momentum heading into the off-season. We need to retain our great coaches and continue to bring in coaches who can help enhance the program. We are all about the development of the individual. Every player that is involved in our program, we are seeking to help them improve month-to-month. This starts in the off-season and continues throughout the summer and into the season.

TWTW: Anything else that you would like to add?

COACH DISCH: We all should be very proud of this senior class. They endured many ups and downs in their four years at O'Connell. Through coaching and conferences changes, they stuck together and were loyal to O'Connell through it all. I believe much of our success at the end of the season came from the lessons we learned and acknowledged last season. I couldn't be more happy for our seniors to finish on a high note. Well deserved.

This is Tommy Orndorff, and that was The Week That Was.

"THE WEEK THAT WAS" - SPORTS BLOG BY TOMMY ORNDORFF

Some of the more popular blogs through the years have been Q&A sit-downs with our coaches. That noted, this week's The Week That Was continues that recent trend – a Q&A session with girls tennis head coach Eric Parson.

THE WEEK THAT WAS: Talk to me about your season, both the regular season and the WCAC Championship Tournament. During our talks this fall, it seems like this is a very young team with those younger players also very, very good. Your thoughts on the season and our future with these young players.

COACH PARSON: The coaching team approached the 2016 season wholly optimistic with hopeful hearts and open minds. Having graduated four seniors from last year's squad – our top four seeds, each of which were spirited leaders, we were left with a great deal of open opportunity. We have a young team rich in spirit and talent, if perhaps a bit a short on confidence and competitive experience. We would be a team in transition, and there was much to be discovered. And "discovery" would be my main message and mantra for our players throughout the season. As Aristotle said: "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom."

TWTW: Who are our top players – and why are they so? In our earlier conversations, you were really high on your sophomores...what do each of 'em bring to the table that makes 'em special?

COACH PARSON: Emerging as this year's #1 player was sophomore Ola Barrettt (pictured above). Ola is a transfer student, and this is her first season with the team. She proved to be a vital addition. I am continually impressed by her adaptable and thoughtful approach during play. Grit and guile are her greatest assets. She works hard during the point, plays to her strengths, and looks to exploit her opponents' vulnerabilities. That's high praise for the tennis player.

At #2 is sophomore Jen Gulley(pictured right). Jen is a talented true all-court player. She is blessed with a beautiful service motion, and when it's on, it is a serious weapon. Consistency in her service game is key to her confidence and success. Within the point, she is at her best in attack and transition play, ripping the approach and looking to finish at the net.

Sophomore Annie Clerici plays at #3. Annie is a pure power player, hammering her serve and pounding the ball with prodigious pop off both wings. She is particularly strong off of her blistering back-hand side. She is most successful when dictating play and keeping the points short and sweet.

Playing at #4 is junior Sarah Tran. Sarah has a great deal of talent and potential. She has ability to control play with a big serve and heavy ground strokes. Harnessing and channeling her talents is Sarah's challenge as she continues to grow in confidence.

At #5, junior Shalyn Roscoe-Dunton is a highly athletic and spirited competitor. She is our team cheerleader, figuratively and literally, as we share her with the DJO cheerleading squad.

Rounding out our top seeds at #6 is sophomore Corrine Reusch. Quite contrary to her off-court demeanor, Corrine has a quiet intensity on court. She is tenacious in her efforts and a driven competitor. Practice and patience are paramount to the continued improvement in her competitive play.

Our #1 doubles team pairs Ola and Jen, at #2 is Annie and Sarah, and Shalyn and Corrine play at #3.

Our roster also includes senior Karol Calvimontes, sophomore Annemarie Cake, and freshmen Abril Brea, Abby Kinsella and Valencia McIntosh. Each make significant contributions to our team culture and perform positively in ISL, exhibition and seeded play.

TWTW: What was our overall record and WCAC record? Where did we finish in standings?

We closed the season at a solid 5-8, 4-4 in conference play, and a fifth-place finish at the WCAC Tournament.

TWTW: Anything else that you would like to add... topic, point, anything?

COACH PARSON: This year's campaign was an enriching and rewarding experience for the coaching staff, team and our tennis family. We embraced our challenges and now have a greater understanding of ourselves as players and as people. We look forward to the future, wiser and bettered by our experience.

Also of important note...

The girls and boys varsity tennis teams came together this fall for a service project, hosting the first of what we hope to be an annual Bishop O'Connell/CYO Tennis Clinic. Our players engaged with over 50 youth tennis players, sharing their experience and love for the game by practicing drills and playing games. It was truly a compassionate venture and great success.

The Week That Was - Sports Blog by Tommy Orndorff

Some of the more popular blogs through the years have been Q&A sit-downs with our coaches. That noted, this week's The Week That Was continues that recent trend with a Q&A session with boys soccer head coach Chris Jennings.

THE WEEK THAT WAS: First and foremost, congrats on another tremendous season. Talk to me about both the regular season and the postseason. For a second straight year, we were ranked in The Washington Post Top 10 poll – suggesting your program now has some name recognition and is ready to challenge for top honors in the WCAC each and every year. Ditto for the State playoffs, where we held down the #2 rating in the State poll almost all year long. Give us some insight to this year's team and their accomplishments during the course of the fall campaign, which included a 16-game unbeaten string en route to a 10-3-6 record overall.

COACH JENNINGS: This year's team was as talented as any side in the area. We returned a youthful, but talented group and promoted some players from within our own ranks. Despite graduating 12 seniors from the 2015 state finalists, we had veteran players returning to the spine of our team. The players stayed true to the principles and values that have become paramount to our success as a program – keep possession of the ball, create chances and work tirelessly to get the ball back if we lose it.

As you mentioned, we went through a string of 16 games unbeaten and were able to once again get into The Washington Post Top 10. This group also had one other massive achievement – going unbeaten in the rigorous WCAC. I don't know the last time an O'Connell team went unbeaten in the league, but for me, that is a big deal. The quality of the WCAC is pretty remarkable when you consider the Virginia, Maryland and D.C. state championships are likely to be won by a school in our league. To go through the entire campaign without a loss was something we were proud of and speaks to the quality of our program.

TWTW: Certainly we had more than our fair share of adversity, especially near the season's end when injuries decimated any hopes of a post-season run similar to a year ago. I am interested in your assessment of the season and our play throughout the fall campaign.

COACH JENNINGS: As I alluded to previously, we pride ourselves on playing an attractive, possession-based game with creative tendencies in the attack and pressing defensively. We like our players to take responsibility for the tempo of the game and to be in charge in possession as well as without the ball. For the most part, we did that this year for long stretches of time. Keep in mind that many of our players are also juggling demanding club team schedules as well. To ask them to perform at a high level for three, four games per week is quite challenging, but they were up for the task.

We opened the season with an unlucky 1-0 defeat to eventual Virginia state champ St. Christopher's. We created plenty of chances in the game and couldn't quite find the back of the net. The lone goal of the game came from an odd handball and penalty decision against us - and the run of play.

After dropping the opening fixture, we rebounded to make a run in our non-conference schedule. We went 4-0-2 while scoring 20 goals and conceding five – highlighted by an 8-0 win at Trinity Christian and 4-0 win vs Episcopal.

We entered WCAC play on a roll and continued through league play with a 5-0-4 record while scoring 27 goals and conceding eight.

Unfortunately, we did suffer a couple injuries toward the end of the regular season that derailed our playoff hopes. During our 2-1 victory at Gonzaga, our starting goalkeeper – Marcelo Flores (a sophomore, pictured right) – tore his ACL while making a routine save. Our backups did an excellent job stepping in, but Marcelo was a huge loss for our group as he is also one of the team captains. Another sophomore contributor, forward Matthew Cantisani, broke his collarbone late in the season playing for his club team. Senior captain Juan Benavides missed time and most training sessions while battling an ankle injury and our other senior captain, Andres Garcia (pictured top), suffered a concussion late in the year as well. With the injuries and knocks on our group – along with a short bench, we weren't able to muster as long of a postseason run as we would have liked.

TWTW: Who were our top players – and why were they so? Address their individual skills and abilities and, at the same time, what they brought to the team. Any stats or anything like that would be nice, as well.

COACH JENNINGS: The Knights were led by returning midfielders Juan Benavides and Andres Garcia. Both players earned All-State honors last year as juniors and looked to continue their good form for their senior season. Andres led the group in goals (13) and assists (6). He also earned WCAC Co-Player of the Year honors along with All-South Region, 1^st Team All-State, 1^st Team All-WCAC and team Most Outstanding Player. Juan made an early-season position change to more of a defensive midfielder and performed amazingly. From his deeper midfield role, he still managed to drive the team forward and scored seven goals – many of them in big WCAC games late in the season. He also chipped in with four assists while also earning 1^st Team All-State, 1^st Team All-WCAC and team Most Valuable Player.

There were a host of other players who stepped up and led the group this season as well – headlined by a couple of up-and-coming sophomores, Marcelo Flores and Victor Montero (pictured left). Marcelo anchored our defensive unit from the goalkeeper position and performed admirably all season until his ACL injury. Flores earned 1^st Team All-State, 2^nd Team All-WCAC and was named a team captain. The Knights will look to Flores for his on-field abilities and leadership for years to come. Juniors Nick Barahona, Jason Nunez and Alex Abril were key to the success of the back four unit, while senior Luis Ochoa (pictured below) made a position change to secure the left back position. Luis' move from midfield to left back proved to be pivotal as he solidified an area of need for the team. He went on to earn WCAC Honorable Mention and the team's Coaches Award. Barahona and Abril were also named WCAC Honorable Mentions.

Sophomore forward Victor Montero also had an outstanding campaign. He led all underclassmen with seven goals, five assists and won a handful of penalty kicks throughout the year. His service from corners and dead-ball situations proved to be a great attacking weapon for the team. Montero earned 1^st Team All-State and 2^nd Team All-WCAC. Rounding out the midfield and attack were juniors Aidan O'Connell, Chris Ho and Diego Solano. O'Connell chipped in six goals, while Solano added four goals along with four assists.

TWTW: Despite the loss of 12 seniors from a year ago, we were once again ranked among the DMV's elite. That speaks well of your program. It appears not only has your program arrived, but it is here to stay. Share with us what you, Chris Jennings, have done to make it so in your five years here at O'Connell. Why are we who we are?

COACH JENNINGS: The growth and emergence of the boys soccer program has been phenomenal. We have been blessed to have the support of the school administration, athletic department and, most importantly, we have had some great student/athletes come into the program. We have not only attracted talented players to the program, but great young men who have worked very hard to take it to new heights. We also take great honor in trying to play the game in an attractive, possession-based and attacking way.

Our coaching staff works tirelessly to help the players achieve their personal and team goals while standing by our core beliefs. We feel the game is best played – and more players develop to a higher level – when we teach our players HOW to think and make decisions...not WHAT to think and give them the answers. Our training methods are geared toward giving our players habits to allow them to see what's going on around them, analyze space and make quick, creative decisions. The end result is an attractive product on the field, positive results for the team and the development of creative, talented players.

TWTW: Anything else that you would like to add?

COACH JENNINGS: We look forward to the continued success of the program. For the better part of my time here, we have been at the top of the state, recognized in the region and even gained national recognition in a Top 25 poll. The growth and development of the players has been fantastic to witness, and we are anxious to continue to work hard to improve.

For 2017, we return some talented juniors who we are expecting will mature into a quality senior class. Coming back will also be two All-State sophomores in Montero and Flores, while we expect others to develop and step into more prominent roles as well. There is plenty of hard work to put in this off-season in order to achieve another successful year come next Fall – and we are confident the players are up for the challenge once again.

This is Tommy Orndorff and that was The Week That Was.

Congratulations to the Bishop O'Connell Royalette Dance Team! The team came away with multiple honors from this weekend's AmeriDance Eastern Virginia State Dance Classic, earning first place awards in the lyrical/contemporary and the variety categories. Their pom routine earned them a third place and an innovative choreography award.

Individual dancers also earned awards:

Erika Williams - 1st Place Senior Solo
Haley Breaux - 2nd Place Senior Solo
Erika Williams/Haley Breaux - 2nd Place Duo/Trio
Haley Breaux/Jada Fields/Janeé Burch - 3rd Place Duo/Trio
Dancer of the Year Nomination - Erika Williams (Senior Solo)
Honorable Mentions - Margaret O'Connor (solo), Victoria Siegfried (solo), Jada Fields (solo), Janeé Burch (solo), Gaby Dominguez (solo), Leyla Berdut (solo), Margaret O'Connor/Victoria Siegfried (duo)

The O'Connell parents, family and fans even received recognition, taking home the "Sweet Escape" Show Your Spirit Award.

."It was a great event for the Royalettes program," said head coach Chrissy Salvador. "These young women have really come together as a team and their hard work is paying off."

In addition to performances at home boys and girls varsity basketball games, the dance team has two more regional competitions and the National Dance Team Championship in Orlando, Florida early next year.

Find out more about the Royalette Dance Team...