Wakefield Country Day School Fall Athletic Results
by Mike Costello, WCDS Athletic Director
After thirteen players graduated last spring, our Varsity Soccer team started the new year with a limited roster. Rainy weather and poor field conditions allowed us to play only two games in the month of September, but the team persevered with two DAC wins over Saint Michael’s, a 10-2 win over Tandem Friends, and a 3-3 draw with Tandem. The Owls also had a shutout victory, 4-0, over Saint Michael’s and earned non-conference victories over Eukarya Academy (5-2) and Massanutten Military Academy (7-1). For the year WCDS finished 5-4-1.
The boys entered the DAC tournament as the number two seed but were bounced by Tandem, 2-3, in the semi-finals. Porter Gilliam and John Mullins both earned First Team ALL-DAC Division II via votes by all the coaches, and Griffin Landis, Martin O’Heir and Cole Romine were voted Second Team ALL-DAC. Senior Porter Gilliam, who has played varsity soccer at WCDS for his entire high school career, will be greatly missed next fall. As a first-year coach, Jeff Day provided leadership and expertise. Congratulations to him and his team.
Varsity Cross Country was coached again this year by Casey Carter. There were no girls as members of the team this season, but the Owls had enthusiasm with eight boys running and improving their times. WCDS was well represented at the VISAA Division II State Championship race with all of our runners qualifying to compete in the race. Congratulations to the team and coaches for a season of hard work, improved times, and valuable experience gained by all.
Varsity Volleyball improved their record and had their first winning season in three years. The girls defeated Quantico MS/HS twice, Randolph-Macon twice and Saint Michael’s twice in DAC play. They also won a tough 3-2 road match over Tandem Friends on 10/16/18. Non-conference wins included those games played against Eukarya Christian Academy and Massanutten Military Academy. Senior captains Lucy Clark and Anna Schuster along with fellow senior Rachel Cieplak who have all played for the Lady Owls throughout their high school careers will be missed. The team finished 10-6 on the season.
The girls won their home DAC tournament quarter-final match over Saint Michael’s with a 3-0 sweep but were knocked out of the tournament in their semi-final match against number two seed Tandem Friends. Lucy Clark, Anna Schuster and Mari Tisera were all voted First Team ALL-DAC by the conference coaches, and the team received votes in three of the VISAAA Division III State Polls. Congratulations to the team and Coach Zylonis for a great season with a winning record.
The Junior Varsity Volleyball team had a tough fall. After going 0-6 the previous season, they earned victories over Front Royal Christian School, Massanutten Military Academy and Chelsea Academy twice. The team was small, so everyone contributed to the season. Playing independently, they finished with a record of 4-1. Congratulations to Coach Zylonis and the team for a winning season of growth.
The Middle School Soccer team had a small roster, and therefore any injuries or illness impacted game play. In VMSC play, the boys beat Fresta Valley. In non-conference play, the boys went 1-0-1 with a tie and win against Eukarya Academy. Congratulations to Coach Adkins and the team for navigating the schedule with a young and small roster.
The Middle School Volleyball team finished the season with a winning record of 9-5. The girls defeated Chelsea Academy, Fresta Valley, Mountain View Christian and R-MA in the Valley Middle School Conference regular season. Non-conference victories included Front Royal Christian, Wakefield School and Highland School. In VMSC tournament play, the team eliminated Saint Joseph’s on the road in the semi-finals with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory. The girls faced Sacred Heart in the VMSC finals but fell 0-2. Congratulations to Coach Pankow and the team for an exciting and winning season.
The Middle School Cross Country team was a determined group. The team was young and energetic and was led by new and energetic coach Nicole Wyant. All of the runners improved their times throughout the fall. Congratulations to the team and Coach Wyant for a great season.
Remarks by Athletic Director, Mike Costello, CAA:
“We knew entering this fall that it would be a growing year for several of our young teams. But who could have known how much rainfall would delay the start of the season and impact so many games? Our strong and sportsmanlike WCDS spirit was always on display with the result that we had eight of our student-athletes voted to ALL-DAC teams. Another highlight of the fall was the Varsity Volleyball Team finishing with a winning DAC record and overall record with improved play and determination. In addition, the MS Volleyball team advanced to the VMSC Championship game winning nine games along the way. What a great achievement! I am pleased that we continually have successful people leading our teams who care about their responsibility to build character, leadership and citizenship. Our coaches and our student-athletes deserve a great deal of credit for the heart and effort they displayed while representing WCDS.”