Monacan High School - Legend Yearbook (Richmond, VA)

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Building Traditions By any Definition Winners’ When Monacan’s teams first took the field in 1979, little was expected of these novice athletes. However, everyone was pleasantly surprised by the performance of all those involved. The winning stu- dents set precedents for the future. In the second year, the chance to improve their performances were. complicated by Monacan’s move to AAA. Undaunted, Monacan’s athletes rose to the occasion. Led by seniors, many teams showed that AAA or no AAA, the athletes were ‘‘winners,’’ literally and figuratively. In a literal sense, Monacan could be proud of the many athletes who received individual awards as well as teams recognized collectively. With district, region, and state champions, the trophy case in the Commons became more full as the year went on. Winning, however, is more than medals and plaques. It involves hard work and a positive attitude. These qualities were quite evident in the athletes performances and the standards originally set have become more fully entrenched; they are now tradi- tions. Strength and stamina. With their usual strength and stamna Monacan runners out distance the com- petition. Sports 141

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140 Sports

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Moving up When Monacan opened its doors this year many changes had taken place one of which was the movement to AAA in athletics. Based on the size of the stu- dent body, the AAA represents the high- est level of athletic competition in the state. Obviously, the move created some apprehension among coaches and play- ers. When the seasons were complete, however, Monacan students coaches and athletes could be proud of their rookie year among the ‘‘heavyweights.”’ Of all the sports programs at Monacan, the track and cross-country teams proved to be the most successful. In the fall, Monacan’s cross-country team cap- tured the schools first state title. In addi- tion, the boys team was named to the Top Fifty boys teams in the United States. Other fall sports also performed quite well, including girls field hockey, who reached the state semi-final competition. During the cold winter months, Mona- cans athletes continued their ‘‘hot’’ streak. The Indoor Track teams finished in second place over-all, a remarkable achievement for a school as young as Monacan. In addition, boys basketball fin- ished with a very respectable 9-11 re- cord, enhancing the credibility and pres- tige of that program as well. As spring approached, the enthusiasm and confidence generated earlier influ- enced all those athletes competing in the many spring sports at Monacan. The die had been cast and the foundation set for a Strong, successful athletic program at Monacan, at any level of competition. Ready for contact. With greater student involve- ment, the future of football at Monacan looks bright. 142 AAA recap In unison. Monacan’s first state championship team, cross-country, brought well-deserved recog- nition to the runners and the school. Sticks and stones. In the fall, the girls field hockey team fought all the way to the state semi-finals. : Power and grace. In the spring, the boys gymnastic team won another state championship for Monacan.