The pool building was rocking on Friday night when the Yorktown Patriots traveled down the road to face their cross-county rival, the Washington-Lee Generals, in the final dual meet of the season. Energy and enthusiasm were plentiful, seniors were recognized, and both schools left with a victory. The W-L boys claimed a long-sought victory over the Patriots by a 103-83 score. The Yorktown girls completed an undefeated dual meet season by defeating the Generals 132-54.
The boys’ meet started off with the 200 medley relay and it was a photo finish with the top three finishers separated by less than one second. The W-L team took first by 0.04 seconds and Yorktown finished second and third. This staked W-L to a two-point lead that they never relinquished. The Yorktown boys hung tough and never fell far behind, but an inspired Generals team met the challenge, took nine firsts, and won the meet. Yorktown event winners included Scott Benoit (50 free), Matt Essig (100 free), and Andrew Leach (500 free). The boys completed the dual meet season with a 5-2 overall record and a 5-1 record in the National District.
The Yorktown girls also started off the meet with a 200 medley relay victory and totaled nine first place finishes with four sweeps (diving, 50 free, 100 free, and 100 back). Individual event winners for Yorktown were Maren Taylor (diving, 50 free), Lydia Carpenter (100 free), Annemarie Wamsted (500 free), Kaitlin Wolla (100 back), and Abigail Ortmayer (100 breast). The winning relays were the 200 medley (Andrea Oaxaca, Ortmayer, Hilary Stetekluh, and Taylor), the 200 free (Ann Carpenter, Lydia Carpenter, Stetekluh, and Taylor), and the 400 free (Molly Merkel, Ortmayer, and the Carpenter twins). The 132-54 victory capped an undefeated dual meet season for the Yorktown girls (7-0 overall, 6-0 National District).
The Patriots move on to the National District Swim & Dive Championship Meet to held at Providence Rec Center. Diving events are held on Thursday 2/5/09 beginning at 6 pm. Swimming prelims are Friday 2/6/09 with a 5:30 pm start. Swim finals begin at 5:30 pm on Saturday 2/7/09. The boys finished a close second to Edison last year and another close meet is expected with several teams in the running. The Yorktown girls have never lost the National District meet and hope to continue that streak.
<b>Arlington Basketball Tournament Registration</b>
The Arlington County Chapter of the American Red Cross, in partnership with FitArlington, is hosting the March Mania Community Basketball Tournament, Mar. 7 and 8 at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 S. 2nd St., Arlington. The event is free to the public and will include activities for all ages. All proceeds benefit the Arlington County Red Cross. Team registration is open through Feb. 13 and sponsors are welcome.
Teams will compete in two divisions: competitive and recreational. 24 teams are expected to compete and are guaranteed at least three games in the pool play format tournament. Arlington County Board member Walter J. Tejada, is the Honorary Chair of March Mania and will participate in the opening ceremonies.
Children can expect a visit from the Red Cross Mascot, Ready Dog, as well as activities such as a moon bounce and face painting. There will be door prizes, a make-your-own first aid kit station, a silent auction and a 3-on-3 exhibition game by the NOVA United Senior Women's Basketball Association.
Team registration deadline is Fri., Feb. 13. The cost is $600 for a team of 10. Tournament play begins at 9 a.m. and continues all day. Registration and sponsorship information is available at http://www.arlingtonredcross.org or by calling the chapter office at 703-527-3010 (ext. 737).