College Corner: Loudoun County Grad Showalter Joins Liberty Track and Field Program from CNU

College Corner with Dan Sousa

(July 4, 2013) - Loudoun County High School grad Josh Showalter has transferred from Christopher Newport University to Liberty University, according to the Flames track and field program.

Showalter joins the Liberty distance squad after spending his freshman season at CNU. He was named USA South Rookie of the Year after placing third at the USA South Cross Country Championship. The 2013 Mason-Dixon Conference indoor 5K runner-up notched track times of 9:38.30 in the steeplechase and 15:36.69 in the 5K. Showalter clocked a 9:33.53 in the 3,200 as a senior at Loudoun County High School in 2012. He also helped his team finish third at the Virginia Group AA state cross country meet in 2010 and fourth in 2011.

Softball: Dominion SR Claire Drew to Play at Christopher Newport

(May 8, 2013) - Dominion High School 4-year starting pitcher Claire Drew has committed to playing softball next year at NCAA Division III Christopher Newport.

Drew has been a standout at Dominion since her freshman year when she became the first pitcher in program history to throw a no-hitter (the Titans had a combined no-hitter by two pitchers in 2007)  and set a team mark with 17 strikeouts. She was named second team All-Dulles District after her freshman and junior campaigns.

College Corner: Loudoun County Track Grads Do Well -- CNU's Showalter Quaulifies for Junior Nationals in Steeple Chase; Tech's Curtin Wins ACC 5,000 Meters

CNU's Josh Showalter (photo courtesy CNU)

College Corner with Dan Sousa

(April 22, 2013) - Loudoun County High School track and field coach Courtney Campbell reports that former Raiders are doing great in college this spring with Josh Showalter, a freshman at Christopher Newport, qualifying for Junior Nationals in the steeple chase and Tommy Curtin, a sophomore, at Virginia Tech, coming from behind to win the ACC outdoor 5,000 meters with his fist sub-14 time at 13:57. Curtin also won the ACC 5,000 meters indoor title in the winter.

Virginia Tech's Tommy Curtin (photo courtesy VT)

Girls Soccer: Broad Run Trio Celebrates College Signings -- Cassie Smith to Play at EKU; Haley Casanova, Samantha Rabinek at CNU

See 28 more photos from this college signing

Ashburn (March 19, 2013) - Broad Run High School’s girls soccer program held a college signing for three seniors, the latest talent to come through the Spartans accomplished girls soccer program. Cassie Smith will play at NCAA Division I Eastern Kentucky and Haley Casanova and Samantha Rabinek will continue their careers at NCAA Division III Christopher Newport.

Football: Tuscarora SR Drew Davidson to Play at Christopher Newport

(Feb. 14, 2014) - Tuscarora High School senior Drew Davidson, who helped the Huskies to back-to-back playoff appearances has committed to play football next year at NCAA Division III Christopher Newport University. See highlights of the 6-foot-2, 210-pound linebacker.

Viva Loudoun's College Choice Chart for Class of 2013 is now up to 95 athletes.

Girls Soccer: Woodgrove to Celebrate Eight Seniors Headed to College Ranks with Ceremony on Jan. 29

Purcellville (Jan. 24, 2013) - Defending VHSL AA girls soccer state champion Woodgrove High School has eight seniors that will play at the college level next year and the Wolverines will celebrate the talented group with a ceremony on Jan. 29 at 4 p.m. in the school's library.

Six of the seniors will sign their National Letter of Intent on Feb. 1 to play NCAA Division I soccer:

• Brittany Basinger (Penn State)
• Ashley Bonner (American)
• Maggie Buxton (James Madison)
• Bergen Elkjer (Indiana State)
• Sarah Hardison (George Mason)
• Ashley Tilly (Coastal Carolina)

And two of the seniors have committed to play at the NCAA Division III level next year:

• Victoria Perry (Christopher Newport)
• Samantha Winkler (Eastern Mennonite)

Boys Lacrosse: Briar Woods Senior Patrick Fleming to Play Next Year at Christopher Newport University

Ashburn (Sept. 5, 2012) - The fourth straight year a Briar Woods High School boys lacrosse athlete has committed to play in college as senior Patrick Fleming verbally committed to play at Christopher Newport University next year. 

Fleming at attack has helped the Falcons captured the last two Dulles District regular-season and tournament championships. The Christopher Newport 2012 men's lacrosse roster included five players from Loudoun: Griffin Donovan (Heritage), Zakary Burkhard (Heritage), Hunter Conrath (Loudoun Valley), Michael Mabry (Broad Run) and Ricky Reyes (Stone Bridge).

 

College Corner: Loudoun County Grad Josh Showalter, Briar Woods Grad Melissa Rizor Named USA South XC Rookies of the Week

College Update with Dan Sousa

Melissa Rizor

(Sept. 3, 2012) - Loudoun County High School graduate Josh Showalter and Briar Woods High School freshman Melissa Rizor, both freshmen at Christopher Newport University, have been named USA South Athletic Conference Cross Country Rookie of the Week.

Both Showalter and Rizor kicked off their post high school careers in flying fashion at the CNU/VWC Opener at Bells Mill Park. Showalter was second in a field of 43 competitors on the men's side, posting a 20:24.92 in the 6K race, trailing only teammate Ray Gamache, who ran a 20:24.36 and was named USA South Runner of the Week.

Josh Showalter

Rizor led the Captains and second overall with a 19:56.78 in the field of 46 runners. Her performance topped all other freshmen in the 5K meet. The Captains won both the women and men's team titles at the meet.

CNU has three other local runners: FR Lydia Cromwell (Woodgrove), FR Karissa Love (Tuscarora), and SO Elizabeth Stephens (Freedom)

Men's Results: 1, CNU 17. 2, Ohio Valley 52. 3, Virginia Wesleyan 71.
Women's Results: 1, CNU 22. 2, Virginia Wesleyan 56. 3, Mary Baldwin 77.

Track: Woodgrove Celebrates the College Commitments of Lydia Cromwell, Anna Harpster, Audrey Houghton

Purcellville (May 4, 2012) - Woodgrove High School held a ceremony Thursday evening to recognize several senior track and field athletes who will be continuing on to compete at the collegiate level in track & field: Lydia Cromwell (Christopher Newport), Anna Harpster (James Madison) and Audrey Houghton (Penn State).

Track and Field: Woodgrove to Hold Signing Ceremony May 3 for Lydia Cromwell, Anna Harpster and Audrey Houghton

Purcellville (May 1, 2012) - Woodgrove High School will hold a ceremony on May 3 to recognize several senior track and field athletes who will be continuing on to compete at the collegiate level in track & field: Lydia Cromwell (Christopher Newport), Anna Harpster (James Madison) and Audrey Houghton (Penn State).

Cromwell has been a major contributor in both cross country and track as a middle distance runner. She has committed to run at Christopher Newport University.

Harpster has been a major contributor in sprints, hurdles, relays and jumping events. She has committed to attend James Madison University.

Houghton has been a force in both cross-country and track where she has been a top middle distance runner and an anchor of two relays. She has committed to Penn State University.

Woodgrove will be having a special ceremony to celebrate their commitments to compete at the next level on Thursday night at 7 p.m. in the school's library.

Cross Country/Track and Field: Loudoun County SR Showalter to Run at Christopher Newport

Leesburg (April 27, 2012) - Josh Showalter, senior distance runner at Loudoun County High School, has committed to continue his track and cross country career at Christopher Newport University.

Showalter is a two-time All Dulles District performer in Cross Country and has also run the fourth fastest 3200 meters in school history on the track this year. He was an integral part of the 2010 Raider cross country team that placed third in the AA state championships.

Boys Lacrosse: Eight Local Players Headed to NCAA D3 Ranks

(April 20, 2012) Eight local boys lacrosse players are headed to the NCAA Division III ranks, according to laxpower.com.

Newly added to the Viva Loudoun College Choice Chart are three players from Middleburg Academy: Tav Hafner (Haversford College), Jake Windle (Christopher Newport) and Ryan Quick (Stevenson). Also added are two players from Loudoun Valley: Will Geise (Christopher Newport) and David Dimoff (Saint Vincent College).

Other new additions are from Briar Woods -- Nathan Dominique (Lynchburg), Dominion -- Derek Bullock (Lynchubrg) and Stone Bridge -- Anthony Giachinta (Christopher Newport).

Class of 2012 now has 140 athletes listed.

Baseball: Fantastic Five! Freedom Quintet to Play in College Next Year

South Riding (April 17, 2012) - They have been outstanding on the field and last week they were recognized on the Freedom High School baseball field as a group of five Eagle seniors have all committed to play next year at the NCAA Division II and III level.

Honored by teammates, coaches, family and peers were:

*Matt Malacane will be playing baseball for the Griffins at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA.
*Joey Plesce will be playing baseball for the Captains of Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA.
*Nick Plesce will be playing baseball for the Bisons of Bethany College in Bethany, WV.
*Garrett Schneider will also be playing baseball for the Bisons of Bethany College in Bethany, WV.
*Dylan Teal will be playing baseball for the Monarchs of Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC.

Football: Freedom Duo Cook and Fuller to Play at Christopher Newport, Shenandoah

Chris Cook is surrounded by his teammates

(March 31, 2012) - Freedom High School announced Friday that senior football players Chris Cook and Garrison Fuller will be playing at the college level next year with Cook committed to Christopher Newport University in Newport News and Fuller committed to play football at Shenandoah University in Winchester.

Boys Lacrosse: Loudoun County's A.J. Smith to Play at Christopher Newport

Leesburg (Feb. 23, 2012) - Loudoun County High School senior A.J. Smith verbally committed to play lacrosse for coach Todd Boward at NCAA Division III Christopher Newport University in the fall.

Smith has played with Fuze Lacrosse Club for the past five years and with Western Loudoun Lacrosse for the five prior years. In 2011, he was recognized as first team All-Dulles District, and 2nd Team All-Region II.

As Loudoun County's defensive captain and Defensive MVP, he helped lead the Raiders to their first regional playoff run in more than a decade.

Latest VivaLoudoun College Choice Chart ... if we don't have your favorite prep athlete listed, please give us a shout out (dan.sousa@vivaloudoun.com)

College Corner: Freedom Grad Perrett Earns Rookie of the Week Honors, Makes USA South Honorable Mention All Conference

Sarah Perrett
(photo courtesy CNU)

(Nov. 3, 2011) - Freedom High School grad Sarah Perrett earned USA South Women's Soccer Rookie of the Week honors in mid-October and then this week the Christopher Newport University freshman midfield/forward was named Honorable Mention All-Conference.

On Oct. 17, Perrett earned USA South Women's Soccer Rookie of the Week honors, after scoring a goal in two games of action last week. Perrett helped CNU go 1-0-1 in USA South action.

Against Methodist, Perrett connected in the 16th minute of the game with a hard strike from the left side to give CNU a 1-0 advantage. Perrett dribbled past two defenders and the Captains up 1-0 for her second career goal. She took three shots in the game, putting two on-goal. Then, against league-leading Greensboro on Sunday, Perrett took one shot and helped the Captains to a 1-1 draw.

The freshman has seen significant minutes in both the midfield and at forward for head coach Ruth Keegan, scoring two goals and adding an assist for five points scored. She had played in 16 games with 11 starts in her rookie campaign. including a start in a 4-1 conference tournament playoff win over N.C. Wesleyan. CNU faces Greensboro Friday at noon in the semifinals in Martinsville. Perrett has three goals and one assist on 15 shots this season with seven on goal.

College Corner: Briar Woods Grad Jensen and Broad Run Grad Feddersen Earn USA South Conference Women's Volleyball Honors

Bailey Jensen
(photo courtesy CNU)

(Nov. 3, 2011) - Briar Woods High School grad Bailey Jensen and Broad Run High School grad Jess Feddersen were part of a well-represented Christopher Newport University women's volleyball team when the USA South Conference awards were announced this week. Jensen, a junior middle blocker, was named to the First Team, and Feddersen, a freshman outside hitter, was named to the conference's All-Sportsmanship Team.

Jensen, one of three captains on the team, averaged 2.48 kills per set and hit .341 this season. Jensen also led the team in blocks with 110, averaging 1.01 per set.

Jess Feddersen
(photo courtesy CNU)

CNU placed a record seven players on the All-Conference Team. Senior setter Jessie Heavenrich became just CNU's second ever two-time Conference Player of the Year as she helped CNU sweep the four major volleyball conference awards.

Heavenrich earned Player of the Year honors and was joined by junior defensive specialist Abby Hogge as Libero of the Year, freshman right side Jessie Kolden as Rookie of the Year and Lindsay Birch as Coach of the Year.

Lacrosse: Broad Run's Butcher to Play at Christopher Newport

(Oct. 28, 2011) - Broad Run High School senior Daniel Butcher has verbally committed to play lacrosse at Christopher Newport University. Burtcher is a midfielder for the Spartans, specializing in face-offs.

Last year he took over 200 face-offs, winning almost 70 percent of them. He also was third in points.

VivaLoudoun Updated College Choice Chart

News: Freedom Celebrates its Largest Athletic Class to Move to the Next Level

South Riding (June 7, 2011) - Freedom High School is sending its largest class in school history to the next athletic level with 15 members of Freedom's Class of 2011 competing in college next year.

These student athletes were recognized and celebrated during a reception in the school's cafeteria:

Jenna Abraham, University of Mary Washington Soccer
Jenna Flanigin, Wingate University Volleyball
Megan Gluck, Mount St. Mary's University Lacrosse
Cadence Groves, Christopher Newport University Cheerleading
Alexis Jones, Keystone College Basketball
Tori Kramer, Waynesburg University Volleyball
Nick Lambert, Catawba College Lacrosse
Sydney Murley, West Chester University Soccer
Matt Murphy, University of Virginia's College at Wise Baseball
Sarah Perrett, Christopher Newport University Soccer
Chris Schemmel, Christopher Newport University Track and Field
Sam Scolarici, Hofstra University Soccer
Dionna Scott, Winston-Salem State University Basketball
Liz Stephens, Christopher Newport University Track and Field
Kevin Zhu, Longwood University Soccer

Updated College Choice Chart ... Class of 2011 now has 140 athletes on it ... can it catch the Class of 2010 which finished with 159 on its list!

Boys Lacrosse: Broad Run's Mike Mabry to Play at CNU

(May 26, 2011) - Broad Run High School senior Mike Mabry will play lacrosse next year at NCAA Division III Christopher Newport University. Mabry is one of 10 Loudoun athletes headed to CNU.