The Connection

Members of the Mount Vernon field hockey team scurried into position as the final 20 seconds of their Oct. 7 contest against Yorktown ticked away. The Majors, facing a one-goal deficit, had a corner opportunity and this was likely their final scoring chance.

Mount Vernon passed the ball near the top of the circle, but the team’s final shot attempt was disrupted and the contest came to a close. The Majors suffered their second 1-0 loss in National District play, dropping their district mark to 3-2.

"The play went where it was supposed to go," Mount Vernon head coach Jessica Hebel said, "but the shot was missed. It happens. It’s frustrating."

Mount Vernon is the defending district champion, but the Majors are a much different team in 2010 after graduating five seniors who earned first- or second-team all-district honors. Junior forward Allie Schray, Mount Vernon’s leading scorer as a sophomore last season, has stepped up as a leader and team captain.

"I’ve definitely had to take on a lot more responsibility, both me and [senior captain] Bailey [Braun]. We both had to bring the team together and, since we’ve been playing the longest, be the moms of the team."

Sophomore midfielder Jane Heller is also a captain.

Mount Vernon concludes the regular season on the road against Stuart at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 15.

— Jon Roetman

<b>MV Football Suffers First District Loss</b>

The Mount Vernon football team lost to Hayfield, 14-10, on Oct. 8, dropping the Majors to 2-4, 2-1 in the National District. Mount Vernon is tied for second with Washington-Lee, one game behind 3-0 Yorktown.

The Majors will travel to face W-L at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 15.

<b>MVHS 5K</b>

The Mount Vernon High School 5K Turkey Trot and Wellness Walk will take place on Nov. 13 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.

<b>Fort Hunt Basketball Registration</b>

Registration is open for the Fort Hunt Youth Athletic Association winter basketball season. Those interested may register at www.fhyaa.org. The league is for boys and girls ages 6-18. All players must be properly registered and have paid to play.

Registration fee is $75 with a $15 discount for a second basketball player in the family and a $20 discount for a third player. There is a $5.50 Fairfax County field use fee per registrant. A $40 late fee will be assessed to anyone registering after Nov. 1 (except high school age).

Contact Catherine Gorham at gorhamca@aol.com or more information.