Woodbridge High School - Valhalla Yearbook (Woodbridge, VA)

Page 29 text:

True Champions May, the month ending the spring sports season, arrived all too soon for the Viking hurlers. The last out of the final game ter¬ minated a season which was not entirely suc¬ cessful. The team exited the field, not cham¬ pions, but in their own minds far from unsuccessful. The long hours of practice did not go to waste in the players’ minds. Although they did not win as many games as they had wish¬ ed, they learned a great deal about the game of baseball. Second baseman Roger Dankel commented, “Practices were tiring, but it seemed that every time we walked on the field we learned something new about baseball. Not just from the coach, but I learned from all my teammates as well. It was a great experience.” They also learned unity and togetherness. In the players’ opinions these traits were more important than all of the wins in the world. It was this togetherness that made the squad a team in every sense of the word. Senior Jim Page added, “Out of aii of the things that we learned this year, becoming close was the single most important. We may not have won the district this year, but the bonds we made among ourselves can never be broken.” How do you do? Senior Roger Dankel fixes his hat to guard his eyes from the blazing sun. Roger, along with two other varsity players, will be playing college ball in Mississippi. Ready and waiting. Senior Jeff May awaits the com¬ ing of a hot smash ground ball. Jeff’s quick thinking and fast reactions made him a valuable part of the Vikes’ in¬ field play. 1981 Varsity Baseball — Front row: Joe Troia, John Cook, Nick Anderson, Jim Page, Henry Bunky Burton, Todd Pierce, Tony Organt, Scott Lyons, Dave Slafkowski, Jeff May, John Hefti, Joe Rollison, Keith Palm, Roger Dankel; Back row: Lloyd, Rick Murray. A quick team warm-up. The varsity team gets together to warm up before an important game. Pre¬ game warm-ups are necessary for the entire team to prevent injuries. Varsity Baseball 25

Page 28 text:

Great expectations. Junior David Michelow prepares himself for a play on the next hit. David will be a strong returning player for the 1982 Varsity Baseball season. Flaying leapfrog? Catcher Joe Troia is set in a receiv¬ ing position for a pitch. Joe is another junior who is ex¬ pected to return in 1982 in order to build a tough Vik¬ ing team. Set for a sprint. Outfielder Henry Lyons watches the infield play and is ready to provide reinforcements. As a senior, Henry played his second year in the outfield on the varsity team. Looking grim. A patched-up Jim Page observes his teammates’ play from the sidelines. Jim suffered a broken jaw which caused him to miss several of the team’s crucial games. Stretching home. Pitcher John Hefti shows his perfect form in delivering a fast ball. John is expected to attend the U.S. Naval Academy after graduating from Woodbridge. 24 Athletics

Page 30 text:

Communication is the main objective of any hard-working team. If attitudes don’t rank number one with players, chances of a successful season are slim. Often, when a new coach takes over, the team will test him to see how much they can possibly get away with. Such was not the case with Mr. Charles Callaway. Sophomore Sean McGinnis commented, “Coach Callaway is a great coach. He really knows his stuff.” Coach Callaway’s baseball exper¬ tise helped to strengthen the J.V. Vikes bat¬ ting averages, as well as their fielding. Richard Wilson recalled, “Coach Callaway used a lot of fundamentals, which really helped my batting.” The biggest victory the team took was against Potomac. Potomac was rolling on an eleven game winning streak. They definitely knew the Vikings had shown up when they went down 13-1. The guys remembered a season and a team made of good friends. I’ve got it covered! Sophomore Brad Comey takes his stance at third base. Brad is one of the many return¬ ing veterans under the direction of Coach Callaway. What is he doing? Coach Callaway looks on in disbelief at a close call. This is Coach Callaway’s first year at the helm of the Viking J.V. squad. Fundamental Strength 1981 J.V. Baseball WSHS 8 West Springfield 9 WSHS 3 Stafford 2 WSHS 10 Stafford 3 WSHS 3 W.T. Woodson 4 WSHS 7 Park View 9 WSHS 10 O’Connell 0 WSHA 7 Potomac 14 WSHA 5 Stonewall 7 WSHS 9 Stafford 3 WSHA 4 Park View 5 WSHS 7 Gar-Field 5 WSHS 13 Potomac 1 WSHS 5 O’Connell 6 WSHS 7 Stonewall 8 WSHS 8 Stafford 9 WON 6 LOST 9 I told those guys to move back! Sophomore Sean McGinnis lets a low inside pitch rip. Sean’s rookie year recognition was due to his hitting and fielding abilities. Coach Callaway’s fundamental batting drills and baseball experience brought much deserved success to a squad made of mature veterans and experienced rookies. 26 Athletics