For the Bishop Ireton Crew team, the 2009 season has been its most successful to date. With three championship titles from the recent Washington Metropolitan Interscholastic Rowing Championship (WMIRA), two team trophies at the earlier Baltimore Championship Regatta and at least two boats slated to attend the Scholastic Rowing Association (SRA) national championships, the Cardinal crew proved this season that it is an up-and-coming team.
In the recent 13-team WMIRA championship, Ireton took home seven medals and three titles in front of more than 1,000 spectators lining the Anacostia riverfront. The women’s varsity four took home the silver medal, missing the championship title by nine seconds. The boat consisted of Madeline Milani, Mandy Howells, Clara Candalor, Sara Woodruff and Cecilia Baxter. Due to its high standing at this and other regattas, this boat will also compete in the SRA Nationals. The women’s third varsity four also took home a second place silver in a very competitive race.
These impressive wins allowed the B.I. Women’s team to claim the Catholic League Championship Cup by scoring the most overall points among other Catholic schools in the league.
The men’s varsity 8 also had a fine showing at this regatta. After edging out Walt Whitman to place second in the qualifying heat, the Cardinal men finished in third place in the regatta’s main event.
“The Men’s 8 really came together in the past couple of weeks. They are rowing the best they have all season. When you row in the grand final at the championships with Gonzaga, you know the progress the men have made is outstanding,” said Austin Middleton, Men’s Varsity Coach.
<b>Youth Gymnastics State Meet</b>
The Arlington Aerials Gymnastics Team, which includes several Alexandria residents had strong showings at State Competitions during the last two weeks. The Level 7 Team received the seventh-place team award at their State Championships held at Hampton University on May 2. The Level 7 team had two all-around state champions, five individual event state champions and 25 other medals won during the competition.
The Level 6 Team competed in their state championship on May 3 also held at Hampton University. One All-Around medal was received and eight individual event medals were won. Also on May 3 the Aerials had four competitors at Level 8 Regionals in Waldorf, Md. which included gymnasts from Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Aerial gymnast Abby Neuberger placed eighth on balance beam at the competition.
The Level 5 Team had their state championship May 10 – 11 at Averett University in Danville. The team had one Individual event state champion, two all-around medals and 16 other medals received at the competition. The Arlington Aerials finish up their 2009 competitive season this weekend with the Level 4 State Championship held at Boo Williams Sports Complex in Hampton. The Arlington Aerials practice at Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center and for more information you can go to their Web site at www.arlingtonaerials.org.
<b>Lacrosse Leagues</b>
In its 12th year of existence, the Alexandria Summer and Fall Lacrosse league is now taking registrations. The league is separated into two groups by age and skill level with games played every Sunday beginning June 14 at Woodley Hills Elementary School. College players and coaches will instruct and participate in play as well. The cost is just $60. Goalies are half price. For more information, contact coach Dale Nalls at 703-203-7357 or email him at majorslax@cox.net
For area high school varsity players there is also Alexandria Travel Lacrosse, which will be holding tryouts June 7 and June 8 beginning at 5 p.m. The purpose of this team is to provide an opportunity to compete against the best players in the country and in front of college coaches. For more information, check the team’s website: mysite.verizon.net/vzeprvxa/.