Fluco winter sports are well underway for the season, despite some hiccups due to four unexpected snow days Dec. 5-10. Here is a recap of where the teams stand so far this season.

Boys and girls basketball

The boys and girls varsity basketball teams had their first official games of the season on Dec. 2 against Chancellor. The girls’ team played at home, and the boys played away. The boys’ team lost 55-59, while the girls’ team lost 21-27. Girls varsity also took on Heritage on Dec. 4 and lost 42-61.

Girls’ basketball is coached by Josh McElheny for varsity and Allison Fields for JV. Boys’ basketball is coached by Heath Bralley for varsity and Brandon Townes for JV.

“We look to improve on our record this year. We may lack height, but we intend to make up for it with our speed, our execution of our style of play, and our team chemistry. I’m very optimistic that this group will put in the work, see the results of that work, and deliver a successful season for Fluvanna County High School and the entire Fluco community,” said Bralley.

Girls and boys JV will play at Monticello on Dec. 11, while both varsity teams will take on Monticello at home on Dec. 12.

Cheer

Usually, for winter cheer, Coach Kirsen Pillow hosts tryouts. Not this season. With a total of 50 cheerleaders altogether for JV and varsity, there wasn’t a high demand for tryouts, so everyone made the teams.

“We still have a full team of athletes for the winter season, and we’re really excited to continue building our skills. Despite the fact that we have 14 seniors, they are committed to helping their underclassmen teammates get better all around. We’ll be super busy with our games and practice schedule this season, but we’re excited to support both girls and boys basketball while we hone our skills for next season,” said Head Coach Kirsen Pillow.

Wrestling

The wrestling team has already started its season under the direction of long-time coach Craig Conner.

“I am excited to wrestle this year because I get to spend one last year working hard with my teammates and striving to achieve my goals,” said senior Cassidy Reylea, who hopes to place at States this season.

The team’s first meet will be Dec. 13 at West Memorial, followed by a match at Buffalo Gap on Dec. 20.

Indoor track

Under the direction of Head Coach Melanie Kennedy, the indoor track team began their season practices on Nov. 2.

Junior Caroline Mozingo decided to participate in indoor track for the first time as a Fluco.

“I’m really excited for this season and all of the potential the team has. I love the environment track has, and all of the friendships I gain every season. I’m really excited for the meets. That is my favorite part of the sport because it’s a different experience every meet, and fun at the same time. I want to improve my stamina and self-discipline to just overall get better and help prepare me for the upcoming outdoor season, too,” said Mozingo.

Their first meet, scheduled for Dec. 6 at Liberty High School, was postponed due to snow. Their first meet of the season is now on Dec. 11 at FUMA.

Swim

With returning coaches Mike Difazio and Mitchell Pace, the swim team meets from 7 pm-8:45 pm every Monday-Thursday.

“Despite the freezing cold pool, I always love the team atmosphere swim provides. I can’t say it is my favorite sport, but the coaches and teammates make the seasons so worthwhile. I’ve made so many core memories from swimming, and I am a bit sad to know this is my final year with such a great group,” said senior Savannah Peterson.

Their first meet, originally scheduled for Dec. 6, was postponed due to snow. Their first meet will be Dec. 13 away at FUMA. Their Dec. 9 match was postponed to Dec. 15.

Ace and Debate

This year’s ACE team has had much improvement over the previous season, as they’re currently 3-0, with their first victory being against Albemarle County High School. The team has also been 4th in the region for two years in a row.

Hosted by Luke Divine, the team beat Charlottesville 220-190 at their competition on Dec. 3. They had a Scholastic Bowl scheduled at Orange on Dec. 10, but it was cancelled due to snow. Their next match will be on Dec. 17 at Goochland.

Divine said he is looking for students to join both his ACE and Debate teams. Underclassmen interested in joining and willing to learn new things can find him in Room 4613, or can email him @[email protected].