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.
Contents:
- The Blue Devil Spotlight: Anthony Gemma (Swimming & Diving)
- Weekly Recap
- Featured Stories: Junior Prep Baseball, Prep & Junior Prep Lacrosse, Junior Prep Tennis
- Fork Union Summer Camp Information
- IRON TALK with Coach Jeff Appel
- RC Walbrook Signs with Louisiana State University
- Up Next in FUMA Athletics
- Fork Union Alumni Drafted by the NFL
The Blue Devil Spotlight
Anthony Gemma
Swimming & Diving
Anthony Gemma is a senior sprinter on the swimming and diving team. Gemma is from York, Pa., and is the son of Veronica and Anthony Gemma. He has been with the Academy for two years and recently signed with the University of Wyoming to swim next fall.
Get to know Gemma:
How did you end up at Fork Union Military Academy?
I ended up at Fork Union in 11th grade. My parents thought that it would be good for me to learn some discipline and they thought it was a place I could grow as a person and as a swimmer.
Describe this year’s swimming season and your feelings heading into your final two meets as a Blue Devil:
This season was a really good season. I walked away with an Individual state title in the 100 free and 2nd place in the 50 free. My final meet as a blue devil is on May 19th as I have qualified for the TYR Pro Series in Indianapolis, Indiana. I’m pretty nervous for that meet because a lot of pro-swimmers and some Olympians will be competing there.
You signed with the University of Wyoming earlier this year, in what ways did Fork Union help you achieve that goal?
Fork Union has helped me in many ways, including getting faster. This is a great place to focus on your goals and I have really worked hard. This year helped me gained exposure and I gained Division I interest shortly after States last year.
Is there anything you would like to accomplish here before graduating next month?
Not really. The year is winding down. I want to take it easy and enjoy the last few weeks with my brothers.
What is your favorite thing about Fork Union Military Academy?
My favorite thing about Fork Union is the friendships I’ve made.
What have you learned here at Fork Union that you will carry with you in the future?
I learned time management and how to read people. There is a lot of different people that you are exposed to at this school and it has helped me read people and how to deal with people that may not be as like-minded as you.
Have you had any mentors throughout your time here at Fork Union that has helped you during your career as a cadet?
The first person that comes to mind is probably the most respected person on campus this year and last year is Captain Jones former Bravo TAC officer. He worked really hard every day to encourage us to do better and he showed us that effort = results. The next person would have to be my two swim coaches Coach Larson and last year’s Coach Campbell. They both pushed me really hard and helped me achieve my goals and realize my potential.
Weekly Recap
Friday, April 20, 2018
- Prep Baseball vs. Woodberry Forest School • L, 3-6
- Prep Lacrosse vs. Fluvanna County High School • W, 13-1
- Junior Prep Baseball at Woodberry Forest School • W, 11-5
- Junior Prep Lacrosse vs. Fluvanna County High School • W, 7-3
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
- Prep Lacrosse at Collegiate School • L, 2-18
- Junior Prep Lacrosse at Woodberry Forest School • W, 11-6
Thursday, April 26, 2018
- Junior Prep Baseball vs. Saint Anne's Belfield (Middle School) • Cancelled
- Prep Lacrosse vs. Fuqua School • W, 20-5
- Prep Baseball vs. Collegiate School • L, 3-5
- Junior Prep Lacrosse vs. Powhatan High School • W, 8-3
- Junior Prep Tennis at Trinity Episcopal School • W, 6-3
Fork Union Defeats Woodberry Forest on the Road Friday
Friday, April 20, 2018 -- Game Recap
WOODBERRY FOREST, VA – The Fork Union Military Academy Junior Prep baseball team defeated Woodberry Forest, 11-5, this past Friday.
The win lifts the Blue Devils to 3-5 overall.
Prior to Friday, Fork Union suffered a 9-3 defeat to the Tigers on its campus last Tuesday.
“After suffering a defeat in our own back yard on Tuesday, the boys seem determined to not let in happen again,” said head coach Dave Mitchell. “They went into the game Friday with purpose and positive attitudes. After Cadet Mace Brindley crossed homeplate for the first score in the first inning everything seemed to fall in place. Each player executed their positions well. Carl Lay brought in two runs with an almost homerun, just bouncing off the fence. Alexis Mendoza, Robert Holmes and Lay all pitched very well and the outfield didn’t drop a ball. Jackson Manglicmot snagged several balls in the air at short stop. Holmes and Luke Toma made a great double play to wrap up one inning. All in all, this was the best game the cadets have played this year!”
Carl Lay led the Blue Devils with a 2-for-2 performance with two RBI, while pitching three innings. Robert Holmes and Matthew O’Hal both added two hits with three runs scored.
Alexis Mendoza was one of three Blue Devils to appear on the mound and pitched two innings for the victory.
The Blue Devils return to action Thursday, April 26 when they host Saint Anne’s Belfield at 4 p.m.
Fork Union Sweeps Fluvanna in Double Header Friday
Friday, April 20, 2018 -- Game Recap
FORK UNION, VA – The Fork Union Military Academy lacrosse program swept county-rival Fluvanna this past Friday at the Stadium Field.
The Prep team (5-6) defeated the Flucos, 13-1, prior to the Junior Prep (3-6) squad who recorded a 7-3 victory.
“I was very happy with the full game we were able to put together to edge out Fluvanna,” said head prep coach Joe Howard. “Defensively, we had a few guys starting who normally aren't in that role and they stepped up big. Robbie Wood, David Muench and John Graves-Marchand held them to only one goal in the opening quarter. Offensively, we did well maximizing possession time and generating many scoring opportunities. I think winning the two games previous to this one and then having a week-long hiatus definitely could've led to a let-up, however, the boys came into the game with a very serious attitude and had a solid performance."
Three Blue Devils recorded hat tricks, including Zach Miller, Henry Hosking and Jack Greenspon. Grant Chevier, Hunter McBride, Kyro Holland and John Meheen all recorded one goal each. Greenspon also led the way with two assists and six loose balls controlled.
John Hughes and Luke Fletcher split time in goal for the Blue Devils. Hughes recorded four saves, while Fletcher stopped six.
“This game was a huge confidence booster to our team,” said head junior prep coach Bennett Radinovic. “We have lost some extremely close games over the past few weeks and I believe that this is the turning point in our season. Our boys have never given up and have fought to the end of every game. And this win shows that their dedication and hard work is paying off.”
Logan French led the way with three goals, followed by Luke Fletcher and Lane Bossieux with two goals apiece.
Dylan Pickering was impressive in the cage, picking up five saves, while allowing no goals in the second half.
Fork Union Defeats Woodberry Forest on the Road
Tuesday, April 25, 2018 -- Game Recap
WOODBERRY FOREST, VA – The Fork Union Military Academy Junior Prep lacrosse team defeated Woodberry Forest School, 11-6, in a steady rain Tuesday afternoon.
The win lifted the Blue Devils to 3-6 overall.
“After losing to Woodberry Forest, 8-7, earlier in the season, our team was eager for the rematch and that was evident today,” said co-head coach Jenny Payne. “We jumped out to an early 4-0 lead and dominated play the entire game. We couldn’t be prouder of these young men.”
Fork Union jumped out to an early 4-0 lead after the first quarter prior to heading into the break with a 5-2 advantage. The Blue Devils continued with the momentum and started the second half with two quick goals to take a 7-2 lead.
Woodberry Forest bounced back in the fourth with four goals, but Fork Union held on for an 11-6 win.
Logan French continued his impressive season, leading the squad with seven goals. Taylor Wheeling, Nick DiGuilio and Vincent Hatch all added one goal each, while Lane Bossieux netted one goal and one assist.
In goal, Tommy Pham played the entire contest and recorded 14 saves.
Fork Union Downs Fuqua School, 20-5, at Home
Thursday, April 26, 2018 -- Game Recap
FORK UNION, VA -- The Fork Union Military Academy Prep lacrosse team defeated Fuqua School, 20-5, in impressive fashion Thursday afternoon at the Stadium Field.
The win improves the Blue Devils to 6-6 overall.
“This was a very solid team victory,” said head coach Joe Howard. “We came out fast and hungry and built an early lead that we were able to sustain for the rest of the afternoon. Miller's dominance at the faceoff X led to us having a large advantage in the possession game. This kept the pressure on their defense and off of ours. Jack Greenspon had a great day offensively and seemed to always find space. Hats off to Fuqua, though. They didn't have a single sub and showed a lot of determination and fight throughout the entire game."
Fork Union came out hot right from the start, scoring nine goals in the first quarter thanks to three goals from Jack Greenspon. The Blue Devils continued the momentum in the second, scoring nine more goals, before added the final two in the third quarter.
Greenspon finished the day with six goals off eight shots with two assists. The senior also led the squad with three loose balls controlled. Corey Fraser followed with four goals off five shots with one assist. Four other Blue Devils recorded multi-goal performances, including Zach Miller, Philip Barrow, Henry Hosking and Alec Schlink.
Fork Union returns to action Wednesday, May 2 when it hosts Hargrave Military Academy at 4 p.m.
Fork Union Records Third-Straight Win with Victory over Powhatan
Thursday, April 26, 2018 -- Game Recap
FORK UNION, VA -- The Fork Union Military Academy Junior Prep lacrosse team recorded its second-straight win with an 8-3 victory over Powhatan County Thursday afternoon at the Stadium Field.
The win lifts the Blue Devils to 4-6 overall.
“This season as a coaching staff we have tried to instill in our players the importance of playing as a team,” said co-head coach Jennifer Payne. “Early in the season we struggled, losing four close games. However, we are finally working as a single unit and are on a three-game win streak. Yesterday, we jumped out to an early lead against Powhatan and were able to come away with an 8-3 victory. We look forward to continuing the streak in our final game of the season next week.”
Freshman Logan French continued his impressive play, leading the squad with six goals, while sophomore Luke Fletcher followed with two goals.
Eighth-grader Dylan Pickering played solid in the cage, recording five saves with only allowing three goals.
The Blue Devils return to action Friday, May 4 when they host Benedictine High School at 6 p.m. for their season-finale.
Fork Union Records Third-Straight Win with Victory over Trinity Episcopal School
Thursday, April 26, 2018 -- Match Recap
RICHMOND, VA -- The Fork Union Military Academy Junior Prep Tennis team defeated Trinity Episcopal School, 6-3, for its third-straight victory Thursday afternoon on the campus of the Titans.
The win lifts the Blue Devils to 3-2 overall.
"I am so impressed with how the boys have been playing lately," said head coach Sonia Brandon. "The boys came into the match really motivated and wanted to seek revenge given that we lost our last match to Trinity. We hope to continue this momentum into our final match of the season next week against a talented Saint Anne's Belfield."
Fork Union shined in singles competition, which secured the win. No. 1 Jett Montes, No. 2 Duc Kien Nguyen, No. 3 Duc Duy Nguyen, No. 4 Brennan Haywood and No. 6 Dominic Williamson all recorded victories.
The Nguyen sibling duo was the only doubles victory for the Blue Devils. Duc Kien and Duc Duy defeated the Titans at the No. 2 spot.
Fork Union returns to action Friday, May 4 when it hosts Saint Anne's Belfield at 4 p.m. for its season finale.
IRON TALK with COACH JEFF APPEL
Swimming & Diving
Iron Talk with Director of Sport Performance Jeff Appel is a bi-weekly segment focusing on the strength and conditioning program from Coach Appel's prospective.
Most people do not think of lifting weights when they think of swimming. However, nowadays swimmers of all abilities are taking advantage of dry-land strength training. Our swimmers here at Fork Union are no different.
When the swimmers first entered the weight room this fall, it was apparent that most were more comfortable in the water than in the weight room. While they are still probably more comfortable swimming than lifting weights, their level of comfort, confidence and competence in the weight room have all increased exponentially since the fall.
The swimmers are now at a point where they are ready to test their lifts and move on to a more advanced and more swimming-specific program. For the swimmers this will include getting the legs stronger for a more explosive turn off the wall and faster entries, stronger trunks for stabilizing, and stronger backs to keep the shoulders pulled back and healthy.
Great job so far swimmers! The foundation is being built!
RC Walbrook Signs with Louisiana State University
FORK UNION, VA – Senior RC Walbrook signed as a preferred walk-on with Louisiana State University to join the track and field program Wednesday morning in the Estes Athletic Center.
"It's nothing short of a fantastic feeling to know that I'll be heading to LSU next year,” said Walbrook. “It's a stunning school that I'm sure best suits my ambitions as an athlete and scholar. Fork Union was a tremendous help along the way, providing structure and support throughout both of my years here. A huge thank you to my coaches: Mike Hooper, Winston Brown, Steven McCoy and Bob Burger. They never gave up on me and provided the best opportunities for my improvement on and off the athletic field."
Walbrook is a 6-foot-2, 200-pound sprinter and hurdler out of Bowie, Md. He is the son of Dr. Andrea and Reynold Walbrook.
Walbrook started out the outdoor season strong, sweeping the hurdle events at the Brian Watkins Invitational (Mar. 24). His 300-meter hurdle time of 38.84 ranked No. 1 in Virginia.
This past indoor season, Walbrook was a huge part of the Blue Devils’ State Championship. Individually, the senior tallied 22 points and was on the 4x200 State Championship relay team that set a school record, and eventually placed sixth overall at the New Balance Indoor Track & Field National Championships that earned All-America honors.
Walbrook has been a part of three State Championships and looks to add one more this spring.
“RC is still very new to track and field and has a great deal of upside,” said head coach Winston Brown. “His willingness to reach for the top says everything about him.”
Walbrook will enroll at Louisiana State University the fall of 2018.
Next Up in FUMA Athletics
Friday, April 27, 2018
- Prep Baseball at Collegiate School • 4:00 PM
Saturday, April 28, 2018
- Track & Field at Real Deal Track Classic • 8:30 AM
- Track & Field at Louisa Middle School Meet • 10:00 AM
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
- Junior Prep Baseball vs. Saint Anne's Belfield • Cancelled
- Prep Baseball at Saint Anne's Belfield • 6:00 PM
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
- Prep Lacrosse vs. Hargrave Military Academy • 4:00 PM
- Junior Prep Baseball at Collegiate School • 5:30 PM
Thursday, May 3, 2018
- Track & Field at Blue Ridge School Meet • 3:30 PM
Friday, May 4, 2018 (Alumni Weekend)
- Prep Lacrosse vs. Benedictine High School • 4:00 PM
- Junior Prep Tennis vs. Saint Anne's Belfield • 4:00 PM
- Prep Baseball vs. Saint Anne's Belfield • 4:00 PM
- Track & Field at Dogwood Track Classic • 4:00 PM
- Junior Prep Baseball at Saint Anne's Belfield • Cancelled
- Junior Prep Lacrosse vs. Benedictine High School • 6:00 PM
Saturday, May 5, 2018 (Alumni Weekend)
- Track & Field at Dogwood Track Classic • 10:00 AM
- Swimming & Diving at Jim Frye Memorial Invite • All Day
Sunday, May 6, 2018 (Alumni Weekend)
- Swimming & Diving at Jim Frye Memorial Invite • All Day
2018 NFL Draft
In honor of the 2018 NFL Draft going on this weekend, we would like to honor our notable alumni that have been drafted in recent years. Last year, we added three Blue Devils to this impressive list and this year we look to continue to add as well.
Fork Union Alumni to watch for during this weekend's draft:
- Defensive Lineman Marquis Haynes (Ole Miss)
- Place-Kicker Michael Badgley (Miami)
- Defensive Tackle Tyrell Chavis (Penn State)
- Safety Jarrod Cann (Central Connecticut)
- Offensive Tackle Tristan Nickelson (Texas)
Do you want to experience Fork Union football and the coaches who helped make these players' dreams come true? Sign up for our Football, Strength & Speed Camp this summer!
Follow us on Social Media!
THANK YOU!
Credits:
Charles Thomas