The T.C. Williams girls cross country team placed fourth at the Patriot District championship meet on Oct. 28 at Burke Lake Park, earning the Titans their third consecutive trip to regionals. TC scored scored 100 points, 32 better than fifth-place South County. The top four teams advance to the regional meet.
Junior Shannon Smythe led the way for TC, placing sixth with a time of 18 minutes, 54 seconds. It was her third straight top 15 finish at districts.
"She’s the backbone of the team," TC head coach Michael Hughes said. "She’s both the spark of the team and a positive influence. … The girls look to her for leading the team in the race."
TC’s Adugna Desalegn finished 11th with a time of 19:11. Sydney Schaedel (19:27) was 18th, Lisa Toledo (20:28) finished 28th and Kate Snow (20:51) placed 37th.
West Potomac won the meet with 42 points, followed by Lake Braddock (52) and West Springfield (68). Lake Braddock’s Sophie Chase won the individual title with a time of 17:42.
The TC boys finished seventh out of eight teams with 169 points. West Potomac finished first with 56 points, followed by Lake Braddock (61), West Springfield (94) and Woodson (113).
Darren Foreman was the lone TC boy to advance to regionals, placing 13th with a time of 16:03.
"Darren’s actually a half-miler and not a distance runner," Hughes said. "He’s really doing that off of talent."
The Northern Region meet is Nov. 4 at Burke Lake Park.
— Jon Roetman
<b>Lil’ Titans Youth Flag Football Begins Season</b>
The Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities’ Sports Office began its inaugural Lil’ Titans flag football season on Oct. 17 at the George Washington Middle School athletic fields. The Lil' Titans program has 72 girls and boys, between the ages of 5 and 6 years old participating in this developmental program. Each of the six teams (Titans - Gold, Yellow, Black, Red, White and Blue), will play a five-game season on Saturdays through Nov. 13 at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. For a schedule of the games, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation or call the Youth Sports Office at 703-746-5402.
<b>Coaches Needed</b>
The Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities is currently seeking volunteers to coach youth Basketball, Cheerleading, Baseball and Softball. Criminal history background checks are required. Interested persons should call the Youth Sports Office at 703-746-5402 or e-mail mac.slover@alexandriava.gov or tamika.coleman@alexandriava.gov.
<b>Youth Basketball Registration</b>
The Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities is currently accepting registrations for the Winter Youth Basketball League for boys and girls ages 7 - 17. Registration fee is $30 per child and is available to city residents only. Registration deadline is Nov. 15. Registration forms are available at all neighborhood recreation centers, public libraries and the Department of Recreation Administrative office. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation or call the Youth Sports Office at 703-746-5402.
<b>Lil’ Slammers Basketball Camp</b>
The Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities is now accepting registrations for the Youth Basketball Fundamentals School for boys and girls ages 5-6. The school will run Saturdays, Nov. 6-Dec. 4 at the Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center. The session will not be held on Nov. 27. Participants will learn the fundamentals of ball handling, shooting, passing and dribbling. Registration cost is $50 per child. The registration space is limited and will be open until the session is filled. Registration forms are available at all neighborhood recreation centers, public libraries and the Department of Recreation Administrative office. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation or call the Youth Sports Office at 703-746-5402.
<b>Youth Fundamentals Basketball School</b>
The Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities is accepting registrations for the Youth Basketball Fundamentals School for boys and girls ages 7-12. The school will run Saturdays, Nov. 6-Dec. 18 at Francis Hammond Middle School. Sessions will not be held on Nov. 27. Participants will learn the fundamentals of ball handling, shooting, offense, defense, passing, dribbling and rebounding. Registration cost is $50 per child. The registration is open until the sessions are filled. Registration forms are available at all neighborhood recreation centers, public libraries and the Department of Recreation Administrative office. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation or call the Youth Sports Office at 703-746-5402.
<b>MVHS 5K Moved to Nov. 20</b>
The Mount Vernon High School 5K Turkey Trot and Wellness Walk will take place on Nov. 20 rain or shine. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. and the race starts at 8:30 a.m. General registration fee is $35. Teachers or students with a valid ID card can participate for $25. The race begins at the Rock entrance of MVHS. The race benefits the MVHS Cares Emergency Fun, to help provide education-related assistance and incentives for MVHS students.
<b>Running Club on Sundays</b>
The Mount Vernon Milers running club meets at 8 a.m. on Sundays. The group usually meets along the Potomac River, but the exact location is listed in an e-mail sent every Wednesday for the coming week. Distances vary but runners can expect between four and eight miles.
To join the Mount Vernon Milers, send Lee Britton an e-mail at lbritton7@yahoo.com to be put on the e-mail list.