Middle Schools Compete in Swim Championships

Swanson, Thomas Jefferson, Williamsburg, Gunston and Kenmore Middle School swim teams capped off a five-week season with a Championship Meet at Washington-Lee High School’s state of the art acquatic center.

The students battled in the backstroke, butterfly, breaststroke, freestyle and individual relays and medleys.  

Official results will not be determined until later today, but the defending champion Swanson Admirals, coached by David Lassiter, appeared to take another title yesterday.  The Admirals placed several swimmers in first.  If Swanson does not capture the top spot in the final points standings,  last year's runner up, Williamsburg, coached by Thomas Feeney, will take the crown.  Williamsburg looked especially strong in the relays, which earn teams additional points.

Gunston Middle School, with one of its strongest teams in years, showed promise with good showings in the boys 25 meter freestyle and the boy’s medley relay.

 Arlington middle schools compete in a variety of sports, ranging from swimming to tennis.  

The middle school swim season follows the high school swim season because unlike other school districts, which rely on parks and recreation facilities to hold swim meets, Arlington has pools at Yorktown, Wakefield and Washington and Lee high schools.    The high schools compete during the winter.  Middle schools in neighboring districts like Alexandria City, Fairfax and Falls Church, do not offer competitive sports leagues through the public schools.  

Middle school sports continue to thrive in Arlington, despite recent budget cuts.