Swim-

During the cold winter months, the last thing most people think about is jumping into a cold pool, but for the FCHS swim and dive team, it is something they live for. The team works day after day to bring home the points. When asked about their success in the season so far, Coach Feda Morton replied, “It’s going awesome, I think the entire team is doing an outstanding job.” With practices at Fork Union Military Academy every night in the school week, their work is paying off. For example, junior Fefe Nardone recently qualified for States in the 100 Fly. Others were close in relays and individual events.

Despite grueling practices, most team members involved agree that the team is a fun experience with many great benefits. “I joined the swim team to condition for soccer and stay in shape during the offseason,” said junior Anna Charlton. Working above and beyond, the team also meets some mornings in the wrestling room for another chance to train. “My favorite part about swim is all the hard workouts. I love to test and better myself,” said sophomore Anthony Cruz.

The team owes their success to none other than the coaches themselves. The girls are led by Morton, while the boys are led by history teacher Jimmy Small. Both coaches have a long history of being in the water. Morton has been a water safety instructor, and has taught swim lessons and Senior Life Saving classes. She is also a scuba diver, so she knows a thing or two about the water. “My favorite part of coaching is watching the athletes improve. It is very motivating to see that I can help make a difference in the skill of athlete,” she said. “Coaching is a very rewarding career.”

Meanwhile, Small has coached swim for about ten years. Although his high school did not have a swim team, he participated in a local swim team as a teen and he brings that experience to FCHS. “My favorite part of being a coach is working with the swimmers and divers,” he said.

As the season advances, swimmers’ times are continuing to drop and more state cuts are being met. “Last year we set the bar pretty high with two relays and three individual events competing at States. This year we hope to do even better,” said sophomore Caylyn McNaul.  With a Conference tournament the first week in February, and the state meet just around the corner, the Flucos appear to be on their way to concluding another successful season.

Indoor Track & Field-

This year’s 2016 Indoor Track and Field team has had much success with many new faces on the team. The team is led by long-time coaches Tom Casto and Rose Brogan. “The team has done pretty well this season considering 12 out of 13 events are conference-qualified and 7 out of 13 are state-qualified,” said Brogan.

Following are the state-qualified girls and events; Matasha Martin in the 55m hurdles, 55m sprint, long jump, and high jump;  4x800m relay consisting of Saige Haney, Bridget Bossong, Jackie Rodriguez, and Kristen Cabrera; Avery Haslip and Erin Blackburn in pole vault; and Cabrera in the 1600m run. On the boys’ side, there are several boys qualified for the conference meet, but with the new 3A region it gets more difficult to qualify for the bigger championship meets such as states.  

Although students say the workouts are brutal, most appear to enjoy the feeling of satisfaction after a hard workout. All of that hard work is definitely working out for sophomore and state qualifier Saige Haney. “Yes, the workouts are brutal, but the team has so much positive, fun energy and that makes me look forward to going to practice and getting better each day,” said Haney. In fact, when surveyed to see which they prefered, a track workout or a long run, the majority of the team chose a long run. “Long runs help to build endurance for when I get tired in the longer races and it’s fun to talk and laugh about the stupidest things in the middle of a run with your friends,” said freshman Ashlee Pieno. Exceptions are the sprinters, who prefer working on their field events and taking quick, 100m sprints.

The Jefferson District meet was held at FUMA on Jan. 28. The boys team placed 6th overall in the district and the following received all-district honors: Andy Guess and Andy Riddler (Boys 1600 Meter Run); Jack Rice (Boys 1600m Run and Boys 3200m Run), Jake Morris and Craig Russo (Boys Shot Put); Keegan Campanelli, John Bossong, Andy Guess, and Jakob Graff (Boys 4 x 800m Run);  DeAndre Lewis, Katriel Smith, Keegan Campanelli and Jakob Graff (Boys 4 x 200m Run); and Jakob Rocklien (Pole Vault).  Keegan Campanelli was the Jefferson District Pole Vault Champion.

The girls’ team placed 3rd overall in the district, with these athletes receiving all-district honors: Matasha Martin (55 m Dash, 300m Dash, Girls High Jump, Girls Long Jump); Kristen Cabrera and Saige Haney (1000 m Run); Saige Haney (1600 m Run); Matasha Martin and LaMaya Lacy (55 Meter Hurdles); Bridget Bossong, Camryn Frederick, Libbey Hartung, and Jackie Rodriguez (4 x 800m Relay); Avery Haislip and Erin Blackburn (Girls Pole Vault); Madison Brown (Girls Triple Jump); and Brooklyn Duenas (Girls Shot Put).

The indoor track conference championship will be held at FUMA on Feb. 3.