This winter has been another outstanding season for the undefeated Madison High boys’ swim and dive team, the defending Liberty District champion which is well on its way to perhaps claiming another crown this winter.
And while the Madison boys remain unbeaten at a perfect 5-0, the Madison girls’ team is also having a successful season thus far, posting a 4-1 record as the regular season begins to wind down.
“We’re having a very successful season so far,” said Madison head coach Andrew Foos, of both his boys’ and girls’ squads.
The Madison boys have been dominant in their win margins. Last Friday evening, the Warhawks, in a meet held at Oak Marr Recreation Center, handily defeated the Langley Saxons, 200-115.
Prior wins for the Madison boys have come over South Lakes, 223-83, in their season opening competition on Dec. 3 at Providence Recreation Center; Thomas Jefferson, 223-92, on Dec. 10 at Audrey Moore Recreation Center; McLean, 204-111, on Dec. 17 at Oak Marr; and Stone Bridge, 212-74, a day later on Dec. 18 at Ida Lee Recreation Center.
“Our men have put together very convincing wins in each of our regular season meets so far,” said Foos. “We are building toward our ultimate goal of repeating as Liberty District Champions.”
Numerous contributors have come from the boys’ side, including senior David Fallavollita (50-free and 100-butterfly), sophomore Evan Owens (200-IM and 100-free), sophomore Howe Wang (200-IM and 500-free) and senior Austin Chute (100-back and 100-fly). Meanwhile, diver Ryan Fox, an All-American, has been spectacular with six school-record dives thus far on the season.
Along with its standouts on the boys’ side, Madison has outstanding talent all across its boys’ roster as well.
“We have a number of other great swimmers who provide us with more depth than any other team in the district,” said Foos.
The Madison girls, meanwhile, have been led by such talented team members as sophomore Laura Kellan, junior Sami Fletcher, and senior Bev Dobrenz. And dive team member Kelly Corish, an All-American like Fox of the boys’ team, has put together a wonderful season with six school-record dives of her own.
The Warhawk girls’ wins thus far have come over South Lakes, 211-101; Jefferson, 176-138; McLean, 161-153; and Stone Bridge, 162.5-94.5. The team’s only loss came last Friday to Langley, 207-108.
<B>SEVERAL NEW MEMBERS</B> to the Madison swim program this season have been instrumental to both the girls’ and boys’ team’s stellar showings thus far. Taylor Smith, a transfer student from cross-town Oakton High School, has been a solid contributor on the girls’ side.
“One of our nice surprises this season is the addition of Taylor,” said Foos. “She instantly fit in with the team and continues to provide a spark for our women’s team.”
The Madison boys have especially benefited from newcomer freshmen swimmers Grayson Smith and Peter Kinton, the latter a transfer student from the Richmond area.
Foos, the Madison coach, has been quite pleased with both his teams’ efforts throughout the season.
“Overall, we’re having a solid season in and out of the pool,” said Foos. “The kids are getting faster and developing into strong leaders and teammates. I couldn’t be prouder of them and the steps they’ve taken this season. As the championship season comes closer we continue to demonstrate the kind of hard work and tenacity that have marked Madison teams in the past.”
Madison’s boys’ and girls’ teams will meet Fairfax High this Friday night at 8:30 at Audrey Moore. The following Friday, Jan. 21, will cap off the regular season schedule with a meet versus Marshall High at Spring Hill Recreation Center.
The district championships are set to take place the weekend of Jan. 28-29 at Audrey Moore.