George C Marshall High School - Columbian Yearbook (Falls Church, VA)

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Playing Around Hard work, exhausting practices, the excitement of winning the big game. Students involved in the athletic department of Marshall were faced with a sudden realization that physical fitness wasn't free. Male and female JV and Varsity games were expected to bring in their share of a profit to pay for much needed uniforms and equipment. Hot buttered popcorn, made during sixth period in the laundry room by team officials was sold at each exit after school. The enticing aroma reached even the farthest regions of the school, and students followed their noses to find the closest vendor. Striving for excellence, the teams had the ability to use their talents with resourcefulness. New equipment and uniforms were purchased because our athletes weren't being held back. They weren't just playing around. Girls' basketball has become popular over the past few years. Team member Cindy Smith takes down statistics during a game early in the season. Funds for the replacement and the purchase of new equipment were cut sharply. Sports 75

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Practicing her forward dribble, Betsy Luxford works out in the main gym. Elation erupts throughout the stands as spectators declare We're number one, to host Yorktown. The Statesmen won 89 to 76. 74 Sports Penalty discrepancies are frequent, and this one requires a verbal exchange between Bobby Early, Coach Meredith Boyd, and the referee.

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Speculation about the fate of the Varsity Football team was critical at the beginning of the season. With less prospective football players showing up for team try-outs, success was questionable. A few confident team members insisted that the team had the potential to crush every opponent. As it turned out, the Statesmen ended up in the middle of these extreme assertions. The initial game, against Chantilly, exposed a slightly weak Statesmen offense. Numerous attempts were made to score, but the valiant efforts failed. The strong defense held the Chargers back and prevented them from scoring. The Statesmen capitalized on the Chargers' mistakes, and finally achieved a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Marshall managed to shut out the Chargers, 6-0. Although the Statesmen did not play as well as expected, they pulled through to overcome Langley. The offense had difficulty in moving the ball. Despite this disadvantage, two passes were completed for a touchdown. The defense exhibited a mediocre performance, and permitted the Saxons to score. The Statesmen held their lead, however, and defeated Langley 14-7. Over-excited Herndon fans gave the impression that the Hornets would out-do the Statesmen. Their enthusiasm may have psyched the crowd, but it had no effect on the players. Much to Herndon's surprise, Marshall's defense scored a touchdown on the opening kick-off. Rattled by this occurrence, the Hornets could not manage to keep the Statesmen from breaking through the line, and another touchdown was gained. Marshall's offense performed adequately, and dominated Herndon's defensive skills. With another touchdown, the Statesmen trampled the Hornets in a 21-0 victory- A promising season was beginning to take shape, and Statesmen were determined to uphold their undefeated record. Hopes were high as the Stuart game began, but overconfidence resulted in the team's downfall. Too many mistakes were made, and the Raiders achieved authority on the field. Is a last resort, Mike Brown punts the ball in A rare moment of relaxation helps to relieve hopes of defending Statesmen territory in the tension as Gary Williams observes the action Chantilly game. on Oakton's field. 76 Varsity Football