MARCH MADNESS: Last Chance to Join Pick’em Tourney
March 17, 2010 by Jimmy Scarano · 3 Comments
By JIMMY SCARANO
Falls Church Times Staff
March 17, 2010
The NCAA men’s basketball tournament tips off tomorrow, which means time is running out to sign up for the first ever Falls Church Times pick’em pool.
Remember that it’s free to enter a bracket in the tournament and there are prizes available for the top two finishers! The winner will win a $75 gift certificate to a restaurant in the City of Falls Church of his or her choice and the runner-up will win a hand-picked gift basket of Falls Church Farmers Market goodies.
The tournament is being run through yahoo.com. If you wish to participate all you have to do is click here and press the “join a group” icon. The group ID number is 50125 and the password is fallschurchtimes.com (if you are not already a yahoo member you will need to create an account—it takes only a minute and is free).
Let the madness begin.
FC Youth Wrestler Preps for District
March 15, 2010 by Stan Fendley, Falls Church City · Leave a Comment
By STAN FENDLEY
Falls Church Times Staff
March 15, 2010
Falls Church wrestler Hunter Sulc will travel to Warrenton, Virginia this weekend to compete in the Mid-Atlantic District Tournament, following up on his 3rd place finish in the Virginia State Championships last month.
Hunter’s dad, Brian Sulc, says the youngster is taking it seriously.
“Hunter loves to compete,” Brian Sulc said. “He had a great time at the Virginia Championships, and he’s really looking forward to the District tournament.”
Hunter, a sixth-grader at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, practices three a week, according to his father.
“Wrestling is mentally, emotionally, and physically demanding,” the senior Sulc said. “There are better technical wrestlers, but Hunter’s heart and tenacity are his greatest attributes. My hope is that those attributes serve him well long after his wrestling days are over.”
Hunter wrestles for the Vienna Raider Youth Wrestling Team, competing in the 90 pound weight class of the 5th-6th grade division. He has been wrestling since he was five, was New Hampshire state champion in 2008, and represented the U.S. last summer in Austria in an international freestyle tournament. Hunter placed 7th in the Virginia State Championships as a 5th grader.
What’s Hunter’s favorite move on the mats?
His dad won’t reveal it. “Top secret,” Brian Sulc said with a smile. “His opponents will find out this weekend.”
Mason Girls Repeat as State Basketball Champs
March 13, 2010 by Stan Fendley, Falls Church City · 4 Comments
By STAN FENDLEY
Falls Church Times Staff
March 13, 2010
George Mason High School’s girls basketball team won their second consecutive Virginia A Division 2 Championship today, defeating Lancaster 58-47 at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Chantal Thomas led George Mason in scoring with 18 points, followed by Nicole Mitchell with 13. Other Lady Mustang scorers were Stephanie Cheney with 9, Bria Platenburg with 8, Lauren Kane with 6, and Leah Roth with 4.
George Mason, who led most of the game, limited high scoring Lancaster forward Andrea White to 17 points.
The Lady Mustangs finished the season with a record of 23-2, while Lancaster finished at 20-2.
GM Girls Basketball State Finals Televised
March 13, 2010 by Dave Witzel · 2 Comments
March 13, 2010
Make sure to watch the Lady Mustangs take on Lancaster today in the Virginia state Group A Division 2 Girls Basketball finals. The George Mason team defeated Chilhowie 54-42 to earn a repeat berth in the finals.
The game will be broadcast on WDCW/DC50 at 3pm today.
Anyone have pictures of the playoff games they can share?
FRIDAY 3/26: Deadline to Buy Mulch, Boost GMHS Athletics
March 13, 2010 by Falls Church Times Staff · Leave a Comment
The 17th annual George Mason High School Athletic Boosters Mulch Sale is under way; March 26 is the order deadline. Top-quality shredded hardwood mulch comes in 3 cubic ft. bags at $5 per bag. Delivery is free in Falls Church City and surrounding neighborhoods. Delivery date is Saturday, April 10.
Download an order form from the GMHS Athletics website (www.masonathletics.org) and mail it along with check payable to GMABA to Phil Duncan, 1069 W. Broad St., #776, Falls Church, VA 22046. Include your address, phone and e-mail. Paper copies of the order form are available at the Library and Community Center. More information: pduncan@civicatalyst.com, or call (703) 209-2005.
The mulch sale is the Athletic Boosters’ major annual fund-raiser to support a wide range of activities benefiting George Mason student-athletes and recognizing their accomplishments — including our scholarship program; awards dinners in the fall, winter and spring; equipment purchases; and trophy cases and championship banners.
MARCH MADNESS: Inaugural Pick’em Tournament
March 12, 2010 by Jimmy Scarano · Leave a Comment
By FALLS CHURCH TIMES STAFF
March 12, 2010
It is with great pleasure and excitement that we announce our first ever Falls Church Times March Madness Pick’em Tournament.
The annual NCAA Men’s basketball tournament is a whirlwind of an event that never fails to be thrilling and surprising. Half the fun, of course, is filling out a bracket and following the progress of the teams you have playing into the late rounds.
There is no fee to enter a bracket in the tournament but there will be a first and second place prize! In keeping with The Little City scope of our paper, we’ve decided on a $75 gift certificate to any restaurant in the City of Falls Church as the grand prize and a Falls Church Farmers Market Gift Basket as the runner-up prize.
The tournament will be run through yahoo.com. If you wish to participate all you have to do is click here and press the “join a group” icon. The group ID number is 50125 and the password is fallschurchtimes.com (if you are not already a yahoo member you will need to create an account—it takes only a minute and is free). Just remember that the tournament field won’t be announced until Sunday, March 14, so you’ll have to wait until then to make your picks. And you’ll only have until Thursday, March 18, to make your selections, as that is the first day of tournament play.
If you have any questions or concerns contact Falls Church Times staffer Jimmy Scarano at jimmy.scarano@gmail.com.
Once again, to participate:
- Go to this website: http://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/t1/register/joingroup
- Enter ID Number: 50125
- Use Password: fallschurchtimes.com
May the best bracket win.
How About Some SNOW: Spring Ski at White Grass
March 4, 2010 by (see byline) · 2 Comments
By IAN EDLIND
Falls Church Times Outdoors Writer
March 4, 2010
It’s tough to say goodbye. With warmer weather in the forecast our beloved four feet of snow could be gone in a matter of days. Snow — you will be missed.
Let’s get real — most of us can’t wait to say goodbye. But for the ski hounds among us, all is not lost. Four hours west of Falls Church, in a little valley known as “Canaan,” the endless winter continues.
Everything about White Grass, a Canaan Valley, West Virginia, ski mountain, oozes Appalachian charm: the southern hospitality of the ski instructors; the hearty vegetarian chili served up in the lodge; and the boundless enthusiasm of the owner, Chip Chase. Here, white-collar Washington DC professionals mingle with West Virginia country boys, all in the name of snow and smiles.
However, there is something noticeably absent from White Grass. There are no lifts. The motto here is, “Earn your turns.”
A White Grass cross-country skier glides along the trail.
A White Grass cross-country skier glides along the trail.
Skiing Options
First, a primer:
Cross-County Skiing — Skiing on trails that are typically groomed with a set of tracks. The skis are long, thin, and lack metal edges (in most cases).
Backcountry Skiing — Backcountry skiers seek out technical, ungroomed terrain. White Grass rents beefier free-heel skis (with metal edges) for backcountry skiers.
Telemark Skiing — Similar to backcountry skiing, but the equipment supports a flexed-knee downhill skiing technique.
White Grass promotes and offers rentals for all three types. This article will focus on cross-country skiing, the most basic and beginner-friendly of the three, as well as snowshoeing, the snowy equivalent of hiking.
Trails & Terrain
Charm without substance breeds disappointment. Fortunately, White Grass backs up its good-natured personality with fantastic skiing — just look at these facts:
- 25-30 km of groomed trails
- 1196 feet vertical
- Trails reach Bald Knob (4308 feet) — Canaan Valley’s highest point (and best views)
- Varied terrain options include steep open slopes and black diamond tree skiing for experts
For those new to the sport of cross-country skiing, ascending Bald Knob is not a realistic goal. Not to worry — White Grass caters to beginners with easily accessible options like Gandalf’s Trail, Three Mile Trail, and the famous Snow Farm (used when snow coverage is lacking).
Snowshoers, meanwhile, can hike as far and high as time and fitness allow. Considering the learning curve (“if you can walk, you can snowshoe”), your White Grass trail options are pretty much limitless.
White Grass Lodge
White Grass Lodge
Ski Instruction
Like any ski resort, the White Grass staff is heavily invested in your enjoyment. Simply put, they want you to come back. Customer relations come naturally to the enthusiastic and accessible instructional staff. Ski classes for groups and individuals of all levels are available — ask at the counter for the “Mini” (15 minute breakdown of the basics) or an hour-long group lesson.
When to Go
White Grass advertises an average of 160 inches of snow per year. This winter, however, White Grass boasts 250 inches and counting. According to Chip and team, conditions are officially “epic” and will likely remain so throughout March.
The final remnants of our record snow fall are melting into oblivion, but don’t be discouraged. Our Canaan Valley neighbors can help you get your snow sliding fix.
Location / Directions: Davis, WV; approximately 3.5 hours from DC
Note: I-270 > I-70 > I-68 route is recommended in hazardous weather conditions
Mountain Stats: 50+ km of trails (25-30 km groomed); 1196 ft. vertical
Difficulty: High; Beginner trails and instruction are available
Trail Map: White Grass Trail Map
Need a place to stay? Bluegrass-obsessed Purple Fiddle in Thomas is top-notch for value and atmosphere.
(Ian Edlind is a Falls Church resident with a passion for the outdoors. A version of this article appears on his website Trail Voice — dedicated to outdoor recreation and stewardship in the Washington DC area.)
George Mason HS Continues Winning Ways in Scholastic Bowl and Girls Basketball
February 28, 2010 by Falls Church Times Staff · Leave a Comment
February 28, 2010
Scholastic Bowl
Peggy Monahan reported that once again George Mason High School is the Scholastic Bowl State Champion in Division A. She reports that the Mustangs were undefeated in 4 matches on Saturday to capture the trophy. Congratulations to Coach Jamie Scharff and his fantastic team!
Girls Basketball
Meanwhile, Craig Cheney reports that George Mason High School Girls Basketball won the Region B Division 2 title for the 3rd year in a row. The Mustangs beat Strasburg on Friday 52-27 in semifinals at Eastern Mennonite and topped Buckingham Country 63-26 last night in the finals.
Cheney reports that the quarterfinal playoff game of the state tournament will be next Friday night or Saturday at Robinson High School to earn a trip back to Richmond for State Final 4 title the following week.
