News: Potomac Falls Honors Olympic Gold Medal Swimmer Matt McLean

 All photos courtesy of Potomac Falls High School senior Heather Stewart
(Aug. 31, 2012) - The Potomac Falls High School football team opened the 2012 season with a 23-7 loss to Liberty last Friday but the Panthers had plenty to celebrate about as they honored Panther alum and London Games Olympic Gold swimming medalist Matt McLean.

During the pregame, McLean conducted the coin toss. At halftime, he received standing ovations from both the Liberty-Bealeton crowd and the proud Panther crowd as he took a 'victory lap' in the Olympicmobile/Gator, driven by current Potomac Falls swim coach Neil Costello, who was instrumental in getting Matt and his family to attend the football game.

The crowd exceeded expectations for a non-district game, played before school had begun. Over 150 people waited in line on the track to shake hands with, have their picture taken with, or get the autograph of the 2006 PFHS graduate, who became the first-ever Loudoun Gold Medalist as a member of the men's 4x200 relay squad.

For over two hours, McLean smiled and met with his admirers (young and old, but mostly young!) whom he allowed to hold his gold medal if they asked. An appreciative McLean indicated that he was excited by the support he received (especially from his neighborhood swim club, the Cascade Rapids) and that he hoped to be back in four years following the Rio Olympics in Brazil.

And during the game, the Panthers leading rusher was, naturally, named McLean as Daniel McLean -- no relation to the Olympic swimmer -- rushed for 72 yards on nine carries and the Panthers lone touchdown. Potomac Falls' defense held a tough Liberty team to 23 points int he loss.

Tonight, Potomac Falls faces a tough task as they go on the road to face growing AA powerhouse Kettle Run.