The Blue Devil Report from Fork Union Military Academy's Athletic Department is your source for weekly updates on the Fork Union Blue Devils. Here's the latest from @FUMAathletics.
Want to view past issues of the Blue Devil Report? Find them all on our website.
Contents:
- Fork Union Swimmers Earn Prestigious Academic All-America Honors
- FUMA Athletics Recap
- Feature Stories: Track & Field
- Up Next in FUMA Athletics
- Fork Union Set to Host Summer Camps
- Fork Union Lands Three on All-Central Virginia Swimming & Diving Team
- Bradford Signs with New Orleans Saints, Brown Invited to Steelers Preseason Camp
Fork Union Swimmers Earn Prestigious Academic All-America Honors
FORK UNION, VA – Three Fork Union Military Academy seniors, George Gurney, Jaxon Brooks-Powell, and Everett Mitchell have been named to the prestigious 2024 National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association of America (NISCA) Academic All-America Team, the NISCA announced Monday.
"Scoring individually at the State level while maintaining exemplary GPAs throughout their high school careers speaks volumes about these cadets' dedication, discipline, and character," said head coach Jon Larson. "They embody the very attributes that Fork Union Military Academy strives to instill in its students."
Gurney, the son of Sara and Kyle Gurney of Sandston, Virginia, has been a standout athlete at the Academy since the eighth grade. This season, he excelled in both diving and swimming, qualifying for the VISAA State Championships in both disciplines. He helped the 4x50-yard relay team secure a 16th-place finish and placed 15th overall on the 1-meter board. Additionally, he achieved a seventh-place finish on the 1-meter board at the Prep League Championships.
Brooks-Powell, son of Laurie and Greg Powell of Palmyra, Virginia, has been an integral part of the Academy's swimming program since joining in the seventh grade. This season, he qualified for the VISAA State Championships with four top-10 performances at the Prep League Championships. He recorded a sixth-place finish in the 500 freestyle and a 10th-place finish in the 200 freestyle, while also contributing to the team's sixth-place finish in the 400 freestyle relay and seventh-place finish in the 200 freestyle relay.
Mitchell, son of Allison and Leslie Mitchell of Barboursville, Virginia, joined the Academy in the ninth grade and has consistently displayed exceptional talent on the springboard. This season, he captured a silver medal on the 1-meter board at the VISAA State Championships, following being named Prep League Champion in 2023.
To be recognized with this esteemed award, a student must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.75 on a 4-point scale or the equivalent in their school's grading system, be a graduating senior, and have actively participated in their high school swim program throughout the year.
This recognition underscores the exceptional dedication of these athletes, who excel not only in the pool but also in the classroom. With over 353,936 students participating in high school aquatics programs nationwide, only approximately 2% achieve the distinction of being named a High School All-American.
Congratulations to George Gurney, Jaxon Brooks-Powell, and Everett Mitchell on this well-deserved achievement!
Scores from the past:
Monday, April 22
- Prep Lacrosse at Fredericksburg Christian • L, 4-18
- Junior Prep Baseball vs. Fairfax Home School • L, 0-13
Tuesday, April 23
- Prep Baseball vs. Woodberry Forest School • L, 2-4
Wednesday, April 24
- Golf at Saint Anne's Belfield • L,
- Prep Baseball at Woodberry Forest School • L, 1-8
Thursday, April 25
- Golf at Blue Ridge School •
Saturday, April 27
- Track & Field at Sprint into Spring Invitational • First
Monday, April 29
- Prep Baseball at Christchurch School • L, 0-3
Tuesday, April 30
- Tennis at Miller School • L, 0-9
- Prep Baseball at Saint Anne's Belfield • L, 0-12
Thursday, May 2
- Tennis at Saint Anne's Belfield •
Track & Field Wins the Spring into Spring Invitational at Eastern View
Saturday, April 27, 2024
CULPEPER, VA – The Fork Union Military Academy outdoor track and field program won the Sprint into Spring Invitational this past weekend at Eastern View High School.
The Blue Devils recorded 13 top-five finishes, including six gold medals, enroute to 87 total points to defeat a pool of 10 teams.
Leading the way for Fork Union was Luke Boucher-Zazzaro who swept the sprint events. The junior won the 100-meter with a time of 11.46, while crossing the finish line at the 23.69 mark of the 200-meter.
Senior Harry Momolu added to this medal collection, winning the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.15. He also placed fourth in the 200-meter with a time of 24.56.
In the throwing events, senior Jonie-Galton Ansah won the shot put with a 46-09.50 performance, while senior Daouda Niang won the discus with a 141-08 performance.
The 4x100 relay squad collected the final gold medal for the Blue Devils, crossing the finish line at the 45.86 mark.
Freshman Alex Jackson also had an impressive day, placing third in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 46.13 and fifth in the triple jump with a 32-11.50 performance.
The squad returns to action Friday, May 3 when they travel to the Dogwood Track Classic. The two-day event starts at 6 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday.
If you haven't already, please download the Fork Union Athletics Mobile App for all game day information right at your fingertips!
Up Next in FUMA Athletics:
Friday, May 3
- Prep Baseball vs. Saint Anne's Belfield • 4:00 PM
- Track & Field at Dogwood Invitational • 5:00 PM
Saturday, May 4
- Track & Field at Dogwood Invitational • All Day
Monday, May 6
- Junior Prep Baseball at St. Christopher's School • 4:30 PM
Tuesday, May 7
- Prep Baseball vs. St. Christopher's School • 4:00 PM
- Golf at Randolph-Macon Academy • 4:00 PM
- Prep Lacrosse at New Covenant School • 5:00 PM
Wednesday, May 8
- Prep Baseball vs. Highland School • 5:00 PM
Thursday, May 9
- Junior Prep Baseball at Woodberry Forest School • 4:00 PM
Friday, May 10
- Track & Field at St. Christopher's JV Invitational • 4:00 PM
- Prep Baseball at St. Christopher's School • 6:30 PM
- Prep Lacrosse at Fluvanna County • 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 11
- Track & Field at Virginia Prep League Championship • 10:30 AM
Monday, May 13
- Junior Prep Baseball at Fairfax Home School • 4:30 PM
Saturday, May 18
- Track & Field at VISAA State Championships • 10:00 AM
Join Us for an Unforgettable Summer at Fork Union Military Academy!
Looking for an exciting and enriching summer experience for your child? Look no further than Fork Union Military Academy's renowned summer camps! Whether your child is interested in sports, bonding experiences, or improving their skills, we have something for everyone.
Football, Strength & Speed Camp:
- When: June 14-17, 2024
- For: Day and overnight boys from ages 7 to 17
Get ready to dominate the gridiron with our Football, Strength & Speed Camp. Led by experienced coaches, this camp focuses on enhancing players' football skills, strength, and agility, giving them a competitive edge for the upcoming season.
Father-Son Weekend:
- When: June 21-23, 2024
- For boys of all ages and their fathers (or other adult male family member).
- Overnight Camp
Kick off the summer with our special Father-Son Weekend, where fathers and sons can bond through a variety of fun activities. From outdoor adventures to team challenges, this weekend promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Fork Union Basketball School - in its 39th Year:
- When: July 15-19, 2024
- Day and overnight options for boys and girls (girls must be day campers) from ages 5 to 18
Calling all basketball enthusiasts! Our Basketball School, now in its 39th year, offers top-notch coaching and skill development for boys and girls of all levels. Join us on the court to sharpen your skills and take your game to the next level. This camp offers overnight and day opportunities.
Visit our website here to learn more and secure your spot today. Don't miss out on the opportunity for your child to have a summer they'll never forget at Fork Union Military Academy!
Fork Union Swimmers Earn All-Central Virginia Honors
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Fork Union Military Academy is proud to announce that senior swimmers John Cottey and Everett Mitchell have been named to the 2023-2024 All-Central Virginia Swimming & Diving Team, as selected by the Daily Progress.
"We are incredibly proud of John and Everett for this well-deserved recognition," said head coach Jon Larson. "Their dedication, hard work, and talent have truly shined throughout their careers, making significant contributions to the program."
This is the second honor for Mitchell this season as he was named to the NCIS Academic All-America Team earlier this week. The Barboursville, Virginia native showcased exceptional talent on the springboard, placing second at the VISAA State Championships. Mitchell is in his fourth year at the Academy.
Cottey, son of Jessica and John Cottey of Austin, Texas, has been a dominant force on the Fork Union swim team since the 10th grade. Following an impressive Prep League Championship freestyle performance, placing in the top eight in both freestyle sprint events, the senior placed in the top-16 in four events at the VISAA State Championships. Cottey placed 10th in the 50-yard freestyle, 16th in the 100-yard freestyle, swam the first leg of the 4x50-yard freestyle relay to help place the team 16th, and swam the last leg of the 4x100-yard freestyle relay that placed 12th overall.
Congratulations to John and Everett on this well-deserved recognition!
Bradford Signs with New Orleans Saints, Brown Invited to Steelers Preseason Camp
Two Fork Union Military Academy postgraduate football alumni, Millard Bradford and Treylen Brown, signed free agent deals with NFL teams following the 2024 NFL Draft. Both Bradford and Brown played under the leadership of former head coach John Shuman on the undefeated 2018 Fork Union squad (9-0).
Bradford, a standout player with the TCU Horned Frogs, will join the New Orleans Saints as a safety. Brown, who excelled with Jacksonville State, signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers to play center.
The Fork Union Military Academy community extends its heartfelt congratulations to Bradford and Brown on their achievements!
Are you interested in playing college lacrosse?
Check out Fork Union's Postgraduate Lacrosse program! Elevate your game and academicsvwithout losing a minute of college eligibility!