06/02/2011 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE Class leaders reflect on high school’s end > page 2

Volume 57, Number 21 • June 2, 2011

School Budget vote delayed until May 31 By Ken Odor and Jim Fields jodor@goochlandgazette.com

Editor’s Note: Look for an updated report of the May 31 meeting on the Gazette web site.

Photo by Ken Odor

American Legion Post 215 Ladies Auxiliary members Jenna Nelson, left and Mary Ligon lay the memorial wreath at the Veterans Monument at Monday’s Memorial Day Ceremony on the Courthouse Green.

Goochland commemorates the fallen By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

“Memorial Day is the day we pause to give thanks to the people who fought for the things we have,” said Guest of Honor Brig. General

INDEX

Calendar 12 Classifieds 13-15 Letters 6 Local Exchange B1

Joel McKean, USAF (ret) in his Memorial Day address at the annual ceremony on the Courthouse Green in Goochland. Recalling a visit to Bethesda Naval Hospital, McKean remembered what Justin, a recovering

Obituaries Opinion Sports TV Listings

7 6 9 10-12

Marine told him when asked what message he had for the people on Memorial Day. “Remember that many fought and bled so that you could enjoy see Memorial Day > page 3

Strong criticism of proposed teacher cuts and other budget reductions threw a monkey wrench into what was expected to be the end of the school budget process May 24. After more than 20 speakers addressed the board in the public comment period, School Board Chairman Ivan Mattox called for a break. When the meeting resumed at about 8:30 p.m., Mattox announced that the board would not vote on the budget that evening but would wait until May 31when the recessed meeting would be reconvened. “We decided to take another stab at the legitimate concerns of the speakers,” said Mattox Wednesday morning. “We needed to look at this thing again,” he said. Earlier, Mattox addressed misunderstandings concerning the budget, assuring the audience that mandated transportation of Special Education students would be provided but that it was a separate issue from the decision not to transport students to Maggie Walker Governors’ School, which is not

mandated. Mattox also stated that reductions in force had been carried out in accordance with code and policy requirements and that the superintendent had received no pay increase since 2008. Mattox then announced that two adjustments had been made to the revised budget. A .4 Art Teacher position formerly slated to be reduced had been added back, he said and golf, swimming and gymnastics would be retained at Goochland High School. The announcement of the retention of the art position was met with applause. But when the public hearing began, so did the criticisms, as speaker after speaker came to the microphone with their concerns. “Money needs to be allocated to instruction first,” said the first speaker, Heather Wilkins, who called the path followed by the schools a road “leading us nowhere but to destruction.” Jane Christie asked that the board not approve the budget and urged the board to adjourn and reconsider, after questioning how instruction could be cut when the Goochland Board of Supervisors had specified $100,000 more for instruction than requested by the School Board. Several speakers asked that money

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Alvis and Doody head class of 2011 By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

They haven’t started working on their speeches, but both Callie Alvis, Goochland High School’s 2011 Valedictorian and Salutatorian Casey Doody are already reflecting on what the end of high school means. In an interview last week, the two, who are close friends, talked about how it feels to be leaving the comfortable environs of GHS for the world beyond. “It’s bittersweet, sad to leave the friends you’ve known forever,” said Alvis, the daughter of Dennis and Betsy Alvis, who leads the class with a 4.76 GPA. She’ll be attending Virginia Tech this fall and plans to major in Biology. Doody, nipping at Alvis’s heels with a 4.72 GPA, is the daughter of Daniel and Sherry Doody. She’ll be attending the University of Virginia, also as a Biology major. Alvis said her top spot didn’t come easy. “I have to study a lot – school doesn’t come easy to me,” she said. Doody, who attended Catholic school until transferring to GHS in the ninth grade, said school came a little easier for her. But the diversity of the student body made the switch

from the more academically rigorous private school worth it. Both students’ records are filled with academic honors. Each is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Math Honor Society. Alvis made all A’s on the Honor Roll from 2007 to 2010. Doody was accepted into the Blue Ridge Virtual Governor’s School, as was Alvis. Both will receive diplomas reflecting their participation in the governor’s school. Athletics has played a big role in each student’s high school years. Alvis played softball all four years and volleyball for three, serving as volleyball team captain in 2010. Doody was a standout on the girls cross country and track teams, holding the 5k and 3 mile school records in cross country and the school 2 mile record in track. Extra curricular and community service activities also played a big role in each student’s high school years. Alvis is a member of the Key Club, Spanish Club and Young Life She also is a 4-H member and served as Animal Science Club President, Vice President and Treasurer in various years. Alvis also is a member of Goochland Baptist Youth and went on a number of mission trips. Doody is a YMCA volunteer and a math tutor and a member of Young Life, a Christian oriented youth group, as is Alvis. Both students called Young Life one of the high points of their high school memories. “Young Life was huge part of my high school experience,”

Photo by Ken Odor

Casey Doody, left, GHS Salutatorian, and her close friend Callie Alvis, Valedictorian, reflected on their days at GHS in a recent interview.

said Doody. Alvis said one of fondest memories is when the volleyball ball team won the district title in her sophomore year. Both girls said school went by so fast they wished they had taken advantage of more opportunities. But now it’s on to graduation. And those speeches. Perhaps reflecting their different personalities, Alvis

already had an outline of what she would say. “I’m more organized,” said Alvis. “I’m a list maker.” Doody said she was still brainstorming. “It’s more in my head.” We’ll hear what they have to say at the Goochland High School Class of 2011 graduation ceremony, scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday, June 3 at the Arthur Ashe Center in Richmond.

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

June 2, 2011

Local school wins foundation’s grand prize Salem Christian School, Crozier, has been named a 2011 Red Robin Foundation “U-ACT Champion Award of Excellence School” for bringing kindness into their school and community throughout the school year. To honor its hard work in promoting kind acts, Salem Christian School was awarded the national grand prize of a $15,000 grant. The U-ACT Program – sponsored by the Red Robin Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity – is designed to promote the elimination of negative, bullying behavior and establishing positive social behaviors in schools. The program was created as a way to share with communities across the country an integral part of Red Robin’s culture – Unbridled Acts – which occur when Red Robin team members perform spontaneous random acts of kindness to help restaurant guests and fellow team members. “It was a year-long program,” said Salem Christian School Administrator Todd Brooking. “We had to keep a binder documenting our acts of kindness, and it was at least eight inches thick when we submitted it.” Over the course of the school year, Salem Christian School implemented programs inside and outside the school that demonstrated how they are bringing Red Robin’s ‘Unbridled’ philosophy to life. “We had many different projects,” Brookings added. “We collected coats for and fed the homeless. The kids helped an elderly lady who has since passed away. We had some in school projects, and the kids were encouraged to do individual projects on their own.” Salem Christian School was

named a “U-ACT School” by implementing U-Act challenge, which is a point based system to reward students for individual acts of kindness. In addition to the grant, Salem Christian School will receive $250 for a party for the students to celebrate their award. “We would like to thank the Red Robin Foundation for recognizing our efforts throughout the school year to promote a positive school community,” said Brooking. “We plan to use the grant money to continue to offer a quality Christian education as we move forward to a new facility.” For the U-ACT Program, the Red Robin Foundation named one national grand prize-winning “U-ACT

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

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Memorial Day continued from > page 1 these privileges,” said Justin. “And oh yes, he did not say this with a grudge,” recalled McKean, “but with the pride of a wounded warrior.” McKean spoke at the annual ceremony sponsored by American Legion Post 215 in a ceremony featuring the Marine Veterans Color Guard and a wreath laying by members of the Post 215 Ladies Auxiliary. Called “a genuine man of all seasons” by First Vice Commander Joe Wadle in his introduction, McKean had a long and distinguished career, during which he was a Titan II missile commander and taught at the United States Air Force Academy. He was also assigned to the U.S. Strategic Arms Limitation Talks delegation and was Military Advisor to the Director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. After retirement in 1988, he was President of Bethany College and ELCA College in Lindsborg, Kansas. “We are acutely aware that our lives are better for their dedication to the cause of freedom,” said McKean of those who served and sac-

Photos by Ken Odor

Guest of Honor Brig. General Joel M. McKean speaks to the crowd gathered on the Courthouse Green Monday at the annual Memorial Day ceremony sponsored by American Legion Post 215. Above, a young visitor, like many others, brought his own U. S. flag to the ceremony.

rificed, and reminded the crowd that last year 710 servicemen and women died. McKean noted that today’s military personnel serve in the environment of the 24 hour news cycle, where their actions may be analyzed before all the facts are known. “Yet still we have young

men and women who are willing to serve,” he said. And he noted that the battle for free expression continues even at home, mentioning Medal of Honor Col. Van Thomas Barfoot’s campaign to have the right to fly the flag at his Henrico home. “We obviously have battles to fight in the backyards

of this nation,” observed McKean, who also urged his listeners to let their representatives and senators know they support the preservation of current pay and benefits for servicemen and veterans. Before the guest speaker arose, the crowd was treated to a medley of patriot-

ic music by the Dockside Harmony Quartet, who also sang the National Anthem earlier in the program, in a rendition that McKean said caused “chills up and down my spine” for its traditional rendering. As they did last year, the quartet sang the song of each service, and invited veter-

ans to stand when theirs was played. After the ceremony Roger Rickman took photos of the POW-MIA banner. A U.S. Navy vet, Rickman said he had an uncle killed in WWII and an uncle missing in action in Korea. Rickman said he comes to the ceremony regularly.

School Board

explained why he called for her resignation. “Over the last four-to-five years, she has shown a consistent disregard for the students,” he said. “There comes a time when administrative cuts need to be made to maintain classroom ratios, and if you look at the trends over the last few years, there have been no administrative cuts. John Wright, a declared candidate for School Board in District 5, said he was “speaking from the heart,” as he addressed the board. He noted that the board doesn’t seem to be listening. “We aren’t the silent minor-

ity here,” Wright said. “We are the vocal majority, and the board doesn’t seem to be listening. “We have unfilled administrative positions where we could get money to save these teaching positions,” he noted. “Instead of doing that, they are filling them and shifting people into instructional positions and taking away teaching jobs.” Wright noted after the meeting that the county exceeds state guidelines for the number of days required to make up a school year. “You have to have 180 instructional days or 990 instructional hours in a school year,” he noted. “From an

instructional hour standpoint, Goochland has 28 extra school days. By eliminating some of those, the county could save money that could be used in other areas.” Mattox said the next morning that there likely would be no public comment period at the contination of the meeting, set for May 31 meeting at GHS, set for 7 p.m., since the gathering would be a continuation of the recessed May 24 workshop meeting. But later the school board announced a 30-minute public comment period from 7 - 7:30 would be added, with a threeminute limit per speaker.

continued from > page 1

NOW ACCEPTING SUMMER CONSIGNMENTS

for transportation of Goochland students to Maggie Walker Governors’ School be restored. Beth Hardy called cutting the Maggie Walker transportation funds “unacceptable.” Board of Supervisors member Ned Creasey, who emphasized he was speaking as an individual and a grandfather, lamented what he called a “total failure of leadership.” Michael McDermott ended his comments with a call for the resignation of the superintendent. During a break McDermott

Thursday

Director of Elementary Education hired, new GES principal named By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

The Goochland School Board has approved the appointment of Dr. Stephen Geyer as Director of Elementary Education and Title 1. The board made the decision at their closed session Tuesday evening. At the same meeting the board picked Tina McCay to be the new principal of Goochland Elementary School. Each appointment begins July 1. Geyer leaves his position in Clarke County as principal of Berryville Primary and D.G. Cooley Elementary Schools. Geyer has a B.A. in English and Education from James Madison University and earned his M.Ed and Ed.D in administration and supervision from the University of Virginia. He

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Goochland High School Cheerleaders are having a cheerleading clinic June 6-8 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. in the GHS gymnasium. Open to girls ages 5-12 interested in exploring the fundamentals of cheerleading. The camp will be led by Coach Gordon with the assistance of Coach Curfman as well as the GHS Varsity and J.V. Cheerleaders. Cost of the clinic is $25 if you sign up by June 1. After June 1, the fee is $30. All campers will receive a tshirt. Checks made payable to Goochland High School. Please drop off or mail your completed application to GES care of Bethany Gordon at 3150 River Road West, Goochland, VA 23063. Applications can be printed off at http://blogs. glnd.k12.va.us/teachers/ ghscheer.

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

June 2, 2011

has also served as adjunct faculty for the University of Virginia Educational Leadership program. His salary will be $98,304 annually. McCay has been employed by the Goochland County Public Schools since 1999 as a teacher at Goochland Elementary School, Interim Elementary and Title I Specialist, and Title I Parent Involvement and Elementary Specialist. She has served as Lead Teacher, Summer School Principal, and School-based Gifted Coordinator, and chair of the School Improvement Planning Team. McCay was

named Goochland County Teacher of the Year in 2004. McCay will earn $66,951 in her new position per year. Geyer’s and McCay’s appointments come in the midst of finalizing the Goochland School Division’s budget, during which some have suggested leaving vacant the Director of Elementary Education post and transferring an assistant principal from GHS to the GES job. But Goochland Superintendent of Schools Linda Underwood said Friday that Geyer’s position is critical to the system. Underwood said it was

essential to have someone in Geyer’s position to work with principals and staff at the county’s three elementary schools to make sure that each schools’ programs are adequate. “Some one has got to be in that role,” she said. “Without it we could end up with uneven and inequitable math and literacy curricula.”

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OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

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Memorialize their sacrifice by preserving what they fought for What struck this observer at Monday’s annual Memorial Day Service, sponsored as it has been for some years now on the Courthouse Green by American Legion Post 215, is how similar each year’s ceremony is. And I mean that in a good way. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and respect, a solemn, somber ceremony of commemoration. And there’s something very comforting in knowing that each year one can count on the members of the Post to put together a simple, dignified program, always featuring an interesting guest speaker, to honor the men and women who have given their lives in defense of the nation. This year’s ceremony, about an hour in length or perhaps a bit shorter, was again well attended. Once again a military color guard presented the colors at the beginning of the program. Once again the Dockside Harmony Quartet provided patriotic music. Once again the POW-MIA flag was laid in memory of those unaccounted for. Once again the Ladies Auxiliary laid a wreath at the courthouse monument. And once again, a distinguished speaker reminded the considerable crowd who braved the heat that we owe those who sacrificed a debt. It’s a debt best repaid by doing the very things they fought and died to preserve, that is exercising

our rights as free citizens in a free country, taking part in the civic discourse on public policy, speaking out to government at all levels when we have concerns and voting in each and every election. Citizens of many nations don’t have these rights. That we do is a tribute to the authors of the founding documents, The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution and its various amendments. We must never let the exercise of these rights atrophy, for if we should, no memorial service, however flashy or showy, could do justice to those who sacrificed so that we might enjoy them. So perhaps, in the midst of what promises to be an active, perhaps rather contentious election season, Memorial Day is one occasion around which all can unite to affirm the fundamental character of the nation and acknowledge how fortunate we are to be its citizens. And so it’s comforting to attend the ceremony each year. The continuity of its structure and its simple dignity are all that’s needed to remind us to do our duty as free citizens and carry on with the exercise of the rights the fallen fought to preserve. We’re the lucky ones – thanks to them.

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or the latest sale at the new car Memorial Day is about thanking a Viet Nam veteran forty years dealership. It is about remembering and later, who never was thanked for thanking those who have given his service. American’s take the promise of their all to protect the freedoms life, liberty and the pursuit of hapsee Letters > page 7 that we enjoy. piness for granted. The very fact that I can type these words and distribute them is testimony to the freedoms each of us have as individuals to say what The Gazette welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of interest to we think in a free society. Goochland residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone Memorial Day weekend has number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter become trivialized as the joyous received will be published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers and start to summer and while it is a not The Goochland Gazette. great thing to celebrate the end of the grip of rain and cold as we Send letters to: look forward to warm days and The Goochland Gazette, 6400 Mechanicsville Turnpike, nights, the three--day weekend is Mechanicsville, VA 23111 not about barbecues and picnics, Fax: 730-0476 E-mail: jodor@goochlandgazette.com

Memorial Day is more than picnics

Letters to the Editor

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Guest Column

Thursday

OBITUARIES: Death Notices

June 2, 2011

Letters continued from > page 6

cue, please remember those who are in some dusty hole in a place far away dodging enemy fire. Remember those who marched through rice paddies under fire from an unseen enemy. Remember those who stormed the beaches of Omaha, Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal. Remember those who fought the forgotten war in Korea. It is these brave men, who have made it possible for us to stand today as the greatest country in the history of the world. Let us never forget them, and pray to God that we continue to protect what they gave so much to give us. On this Memorial Day, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remember that America is worth fighting for.

Memorial Day is about sending a card of thanks to Walter Reid Medical Center, the Naval Medical Center in San Diego or any local veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hospital in your state that thanks someone you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even know for their sacrifice. Memorial Day is about taking your kids to a veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cemetery and laying flowers on the grave site of someone which may not have been visited for a dozen years as a thank you, and take that opportunity to share the sacrifices made for freedom with the next generation. Right now, hundreds of thousands of U.S. servicemen and women are away from their families in far flung places around the earth standing - Rick Manning guard for our freedom to disagree openly over the direction Rick Manning is the of our great nation. Every one Communications Director of them is putting their lives at of Americans for Limited risk for each of our freedom. Government Memorial Day is the one day a year, where Americans say thank you. As you fire up the barbe-

Burton Harry Tucker Burton Jr., died May 25, 2011. He is survived by his sister, Joyce Miller (Charlie); three nephews, Chuck, Keith and Brian Miller; two great-nephews; and a devoted friend, Betsy. Remains rest at the Norman Funeral Home, Goochland, Va., where family received friends on Friday, May 27, 2011. Graveside services were held on Saturday, May 28, 2011 at Westhampton Memorial Park, Richmond, Va. Haynes Ambrit Virginia Haynes, 87, departed this life May 15, 2011. She retired from the Special Education Department in Henrico County after working there for 30 years. She is survived by her extended family of two nieces, one devoted, Mabel Cayruth of Richmond

and Florence Young of New Jersey; three nephews, cousins; one devoted, Michael Hollis (Gail) of South Carolina; a foster-son, Lee Vane Boyd (Brenda); several devoted friends, including Rev. and Mrs. Junious W. Wright Jr. and son, Koshawn L. Thomas, Lynette Roberts, Dea. Wilton Washington, the Glover and Daniels families of Goochland, Va.; and many other neighbors and friends. Her remains rest at the W.S. Watkins & Son Funeral Home, 2700 North Ave. Services were held at Second Baptist Church, 1400 Idlewood Ave., on Saturday, May 21, 2011. Graveside services were held at Riverview Cemetery.

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June 2, 2011

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

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The Virginia Fire Chiefs Association (VFCA) announced that Goochland County FireRescue has been selected as one of 20 departments in Virginia to participate in a federally-funded program to develop a first-ofits-kind model to achieve and sustain adequate levels of fire and emergency service volunteer staffing. The Volunteer Workforce Solutions (VWS) program is being led by the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, who identified the need for departments in Virginia to seek new solutions to address continuing downward trends in volunteer staffing levels. The VFCA secured the funding from a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant. Research and data collected by the VFCA since 2004 has shown that staffing issues in volunteer fire departments in

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consistently the #1 issue facing fire departments in Virginia. A 2010 Virginia Fire Service Needs Assessment Survey conducted by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, found that 67% of all survey respondents reported the need for more volunteer firefighters. The VWS program will work to identify and address recruitment and retention challenges facing volunteer fire departments while helping the departments and elected officials in effectively planning their future emergency response systems. “Over the last several years, it has been very tough for many fire departments throughout Virginia to recruit and retain volunteers for a variety of reasons,” said Chief Jack Jones, VFCA President. “Most volunteer fire departments are constantly struggling to bolster their volunteer workforce in order to provide the optimum level of protection for residents. The participating departments - and their commu-

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Darius Alphonso Athey Apirl 12,1990 to May 31, 2009

A love that is so Strong A love that will never die Missed by so many Forever Loved and Never forgotten Love Mom, Grandma and Shelby

nities – are really stepping up to provide leadership on this issue, not just for Virginia, but for volunteer fire departments throughout the nation.” Fire-Rescue Chief William MacKay said “We are excited and pleased that Goochland County was chosen to participate in this unique venture. At the end of this process we hope to have the tools that will assist us in recruiting and retaining men and women who want to continue the long standing tradition of providing service to their community.” A total of 20 departments were selected by the VFCA to participate in the year-long effort based on geographic information, population, fire department statistics, and an interest to participate by the community. Ten departments will engage in a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Segmentation study which will use technology to take a deeper look at the community’s characteristics and create a future

roadmap for recruiting and retention. The other ten departments will serve in a control group engaging in a traditional recruitment campaign. Goochland County FireRescue is one of ten departments selected to work with the VFCA in the GIS Segmentation study which will measure demographic, cultural, and economic data to predict the best way to recruit and maintain a volunteer emergency response workforce. The basis of these studies is that, like people, communities have “personalities” that can be analyzed to identify the characteristics and traits that will attract a viable and sustainable volunteer firefighter workforce. It is intended that these studies will provide a roadmap for the individual community to show the current state of each area and suggest recommendations that can further advance the recruitment and sustainability of volunteers.

Obituaries

Abbey in Goochland, Va. Hundreds have strengthened their faith and walked closer to God because of His work through her. Family received friends at the Bliley’s-Central Chapel, 3801 Augusta Ave, Monday, May 30, 2011 and where a Christian Wake service was held. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at St. Anthony’s Maronite Catholic Church, 4611 Sadler Rd, Glen Allen, Va., Graveside services were held in Westhampton Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Camboni Missionary Sisters, 1307 Lakeside Ave. Richmond, Va., 23228-4710, Saint Anthony’s Maronite Catholic Church Scholarship Fund, 4611 Sadler Rd, Glen Allen, Va. 23060-6108, or The Little Sisters of the Poor, 1503 Michaels Rd., Richmond, Va. 23229-4899.

continued from > page 7 John Joseph and Gada H. Shaia of Chappaqua, N.Y.; also of Richmond, her siblings and their families Patrick M. and Deborah Gibrall, George M. and Brenda Gibrall, Mary G. and William Fallen, and Philip M., Jr. and Mary Gibrall. She was blessed with 20 grandchildren. Margaret graduated from St. Patrick’s Catholic School in 1954 and the Medical College of Virginia in 1958. She was a licensed pharmacist. She married in 1959. She devoted her whole life to our Lord, her husband and their children, working tirelessly to do God’s will. She helped bring Christians closer to God by her faith and her life and in 1996 by facilitating the establishment of The Adoration Chapel at Mary, Mother of the Church

Thursday

June 2, 2011

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Hard work starts early at the Abbey BY JIM RIDOLPHI Special Correspondent

Most coaches agree that preparation is the key to success on the football field. Last week, the weight room at the Abbey in Goochland was abuzz with activity, and the sound of clanking weights echoed through the back of the facility. Members of the Benedictine football team, past and present, were busy conditioning for the upcoming season. Senior Kendall Squire mingled with the group of rising seniors, juniors and sophomores, and showed the same dedication that landed him a scholarship to Robert Morris in Pittsburgh where he reports for duty this July. The defensive back said he wants to show up in the best shape possible when he joins the emerging program that qualified for FCS playoffs last year. “I picked Robert Morris because of their academics, but I’m looking forward to playing football,” Squire said. “They

Photo by Jim Ridolphi

Benedictine football players Kendall Squire, left, and Nigel Williams are seeing payoff for the hard work they’ve put in with the Cadets.

said they need defensive backs, so if I work hard I can get in the rotation,” he added. Squire played three years of

varsity football for the Cadets, been great, everything about it. and Squire credits that expe- It taught me how to be a man.” rience with allowing him to He plans to major in busipursue a collegiate career. “It’s ness at the prestigious school. “I

Bulldogs come close in JD final, head to regionals BY JIM RIDOLPHI Special Correspondent

The Goochland girls’ softball team didn’t win the Jefferson District Tournament, but they came about as close as you can get. The efforts will earn the team a slot in this week’s regional play. After playing a marathon game against Louisa in the opener, which the Bulldogs won in 11 innings, the team lost to Orange, 2-1, in another extra inning game. Facing Louisa for the third

time this season, the Bulldogs played catch up after an unusual defensive performance. “Our defense was not the best against Louisa. We had “heart” and kept coming back each time Louisa got the lead,” Bulldog coach Amy Henneberger said. The Bulldogs tenacity paid off and they finally captured a 12-11 victory to gain a slot in the finals against number one Orange, who lost only one game all year. Rachel Jones was 3 for 6 against the Lions with a double and four RBI’s. Chakiryn Jackson went 3-6, scored twice

and recorded two RBIs. Ericka Spence was 2-6 with a triple and an RBI. Goochland let one slip away against Orange. The Bulldogs scored a run in the first inning and made it stand up through six innings. Orange loaded the bases in the seventh and scored a run to send the game to extra innings. The district champs scored in the ninth to capture the JD title, 2-1. Jesse Leroy scored the Bulldog run, and Jackson was 2-4 with an RBI. Pitcher Kaytlyn Jones recorded seven strikeouts

against a powerful offensive roster. “Kaytlyn Jones pitched a strong game against the number one team in the district,” Henneberger said. After 20 innings of softball, the Bulldogs regroup for a meeting with Brentsville to open the first round of regionals. Henneberger, named this year’s Jefferson District coach of the year, thinks this teams “never say quit” attitude will serve them well in the tournament. “I am really proud of the girls and how they never give up. They battle till the very last out of the game.”

want to run my own business one day,” Squire said. The talented back said his mother, Crystal Stovall, with motivating him to improve his grades and maintain a good work ethic on the field. “She’s been my inspiration,” he said. Cadet coach Greg Lilly said Squire is only one of many success stories for the Cadets. “We are sad to see Kendall graduate but we are excited about his future at Robert Morris and proud of his accomplishments at Benedictine,” Lilly said. “Kendall showed great work ethic and perseverance in his four years with us. He improved academically and athletically every year, truly becoming a better studentathlete and a more disciplined young man in his time at Benedictine. He has earned the opportunity to play for Robert Morris, a great academic institution with a rising football program,” Lilly added. Junior Nigel Williams was also busy with the weights last week. The talented defensive tackle/tight end has entertained more than a dozen Division 1 scholarship offers, but said he’s more focused on the immediate task at hand — this year’s season. “We have some unfinished business here,” he said. “I’m trying to narrow down my choices for college, but I’m focused on a state championship here first,” Williams added. After a disappointing season last year, Williams said the team is poised to assume its leadership role. “I think this could be one of our strongest years. We’ve all been out here working hard to make ourselves better, stronger and faster,” he added. Williams’ future academic goals will also influence his decision where to play college football. He plans to study

architectural engineering, and is serious about his studies. Lilly said Williams is a wellrounded Cadet, with honor roll grades and amazing talents in one package. “Nigel Williams is a great young man that we are proud to have in our Cadet Corps. He will serve as an officer in our Cadet Corps next year and has been an honor roll student every marking period in his first three years at Benedictine. He is also a very talented athlete and football player who has received over a dozen Division I football scholarship offers to date,” Lilly said. The coach also said the accolades and attention have not changed the standout football player. “The most impressive thing about Nigel is that as these scholarships have been offered or he has received post season awards, he has not become complacent or satisfied. In fact, he has worked even harder setting a great example for his teammates and fellow Cadets,” Lilly said. He’s excited about a talented group of seniors returning for this year’s campaign, and said he’s seen a revitalized sense of dedication in his players. “This is the best off season that we have had in my six years at Benedictine. We did not finish last season as we would have liked and we, as a program, realized that we need to dedicate ourselves to improving in the off season,” Lilly said. “The rising seniors, led by Nigel Williams, Charley Meyer, Nic Ortiz, John Mosier, and others have set the example by working very hard to improve their strength, speed, and conditioning. I truly believe that our Cadets are beginning to acknowledge, appreciate, and enjoy the sacrifices you have to make to be a part of a great team.”

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June 2, 2011

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