<b>T.C. Boys Hockey Coach Sasy Team is Improving</b>
After a winless 2008-09 season, one victory and a core of young players has T.C. Williams boys hockey coach Matt Seney saying things are looking up for the Titans.
T.C. Williams, which partners with Washington-Lee, defeated Osbourn 8-5 on Dec. 11 and is attempting to make up a game with Oakton which was postponed due to inclement weather. The Titans compete in the junior varsity division of the NVSHL.
"We were a lot more competitive in pretty much all our games," Seney said. "It was a young group of players. … I think we have a very good core of players that will come back next year. … I think we’ll continue to see [improvement]."
Ben Bilodeau, a junior, leads the Titans with 17 points, scoring 12 goals and dishing out five assists.
"Ben is just a great all-around player," Seney said. "He’s been playing hockey for awhile and has excellent athleticism on the ice."
Kelsey Satterfield made the transition from forward to defenseman. Seney said the sophomore’s offensive ability helped him add an extra dimension to his new position.
"He did a great job taking one for the team," the coach said. "You don’t get a lot of glory playing defense."
Seney also mentioned senior Chris Green and sophomore goaltender Grant Stewart as athletes who give max effort to get better. Stewart volunteered to play goaltender for the first time last season and this campaign was the first time Green played hockey.
<b>Local Martial Artists Perform on NBA Stage</b>
The Jan. 30 snowstorm didn’t keep Seichou Karate’s Little Ninjas of Alexandria from kicking up the halftime show in the Wizards 106-96 victory over the New York Knicks.
After the first half, the Wizards ceded the court to 25 pint-size karate students ranging from 4 years of age. The youths thrilled the Verizon Center audience with lightning punches, whirlwind kicks and razor-sharp movements.
Under the direction of Seichou Karate Master Instructor Richard Romero, his students took the NBA basketball court and performed like seasoned professionals without a hint of stage fright.
When they’re not kicking up half-time at the Verizon Center, Little Ninjas study Japanese karate, language and calligraphy for physical fitness, self-defense, intellectual and cultural stimulation.
Seichou Karate’s Little Ninjas come from diverse cultural backgrounds but share good manners, respect for themselves and for others, and a desire to achieve ambitious goals.
Parents can learn how their children can become Little Ninjas at AlexandriaKarate.com or by calling 571-257-5401.
<b>Local Wrestler Androus Wins Championship</b>
Thanos Androus, 8, of Alexandria placed first at the 2010 Northern Virginia Wrestling Federation (NVWF) Championship Finals and won the gold medal for the 74-pound weight class. He won the final match by a score of 13-1. His record for the season was 15-2.
Thanos is a second grader at Charles Barrett Elementary and a member of the Alexandria Junior Titans wrestling team. The Alexandria Junior Titans are a part of the Alexandria Youth Wrestling Club which competes in the NVWF.
The NVWF has over 1,700 wrestlers from 38 teams from 12 different cities and towns in 10 Virginia counties.
To learn more about Alexandria Youth Wrestling, please visit www.aywc.net or send an e-mail to info@aywc.net.
<b>AAU Basketball Tryouts</b>
Tryouts for PRIDE AAU will be held in the first two weeks of March. Girls divisions are: 12U, 14U, 15U and 16U. Boys divisions are: 12U, 14U, 15/16U and 17U. Check the Web site arlingtonpride.com for more information.