Aaron Smith, Football   
by Claire Mahoney

With his versatility, agility, and football knowledge, senior Aaron Smith has made his mark on varsity football since he first began playing as a sophomore. Throughout his time on the team, Smith has evolved into a highly respected player and has proven to be a crucial member of the team on both sides of the ball.

Smith sees time at running back, linebacker and in the secondary. Also he gets more playing time, which benefits the offense and defense.

“There are a lot of benefits to being able to play more than one position,” said Smith. “I love being on the field and being versatile helps me to do that.”

To love being on the field is one thing, but a first varsity win was a nice new experience for Smith, who grew up playing football in his childhood.

Smith kept up his determination to win playing the entire game as one of the few healthy players left against Blake on Sept. 26. Smith carried the load, and persevered to support his team.

The 40-15 win against Poolesville on Oct. 17 was a milestone for the WJ community, as it ended a 36-game losing streak. With nine carries, four tackles and a touchdown, Smith helped lead the team to an unforeseen win.

“It was hard, but at the same time it motivated me to keep going,” said Smith. “The team was on the same page, it felt like we were in total control of the game, start to finish, for the first time.”

 Georgina Beven, Field Hockey
by Mateo Williamson

If you told people last year that the 3-9 field hockey team would finish the 2008 season with a 9-3 record and advance to the regional finals, they might have called you just plain crazy. But the word “crazy” can only describe how well the girls field hockey team played throughout the season. The team’s success is reflected through one of its premiere athletes, junior Georgina Beven.

As a junior captain, Beven has not only managed to improve her game this season, but has helped bring the best out of her teammates as well.

“She has really stepped up as a captain,” said senior co-captain Abby Bieber.

Coach Erika Murray  commends Beven’s skills.

“She has great field awareness,” said Murray. “She is one of the most competitive athletes I have met.”  

Since being pulled up to varsity for the playoffs her freshman year, Beven has shined on the team, scoring 17 goals this year, along with nine assists. Beven credits her coach for her performance.

“Coach [Erika] Murray is such a great coach and the whole season she pushed  us hard,” said Beven. “I definitely look up to her.”

Beven takes the time off the field to lighten up the mood and cheer up her teammates with laughs and smiles.

“Georgina brought much needed humor to the field and made everybody laugh,” said Bieber. “She’s hilarious on and off the field, but also knows how to strike a balance when it’s game time.”