The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School

The Pitch
Austin Mucchetti

Austin Mucchetti, Copy Editor

Senior Austin Mucchetti is excited to be returning for his second year with the Pitch, this time as Online Copy Editor. In addition to writing for the Pitch, Austin enjoys hanging out with friends and making music.

All content by Austin Mucchetti
The team lines up in preparation for their race. Alex Scott (far left) and Adam Morad (far right) have been stand outs this season, consistently performing well in their meets.

Cross country in strong form despite irregular season

Ben Files, Online Managing Editor
May 12, 2021
Senior Henry Bagshaw finishes his last lap at a Montgomery County swim meet. An impressive and decorated high school career for Bagshaw is coming to an end.

Senior athlete profile: Henry Bagshaw

Elijah Kasten, Senior Sports Editor
March 4, 2021
VAR is used in leagues all around the world. The system has been under much scrutiny due the continuation of inconsistent and bad calls.

VAR’s impact on professional soccer

Ben Files, Online Managing Editor
February 3, 2021
&Pizza, located in Pike and Rose, offers easily customizable and fresh slices - or squares - of pizza. One of its most disguising factors was the stretch of its mozzarella cheese.

Bethesda pizza restaurant reviews

Nyomi Fox, Benicio Balignot and Ben Files
January 15, 2021
Seniors Marcos Gregorio (left), Ben Files (middle) and Aidan Carr (right) routinely play soccer along with other seniors on Friday or Saturday nights. The new field allows a great place for athletes to train on their own time.

Student athletes struggle to navigate virtual seasons due to COVID gathering restrictions set in place

Ben Files, Online Managing Editor
December 18, 2020
Jake Griffin follows through on a swing during the state championship last year. He looks to continue his success at Penn State and even the pros.

Griffin’s journey from Wildcat to Nittany Lion

Elijah Kasten, Senior Sports Editor
December 18, 2020
Sophomore Caleb Kastens desk is still filled with Washington Redskins collector items. The 2020 name change to the Washington Football Team has transitioned the historic Native American logo into the letter W.

Washington Football Team enters a new era

Elijah Kasten, Senior Sports Editor
October 6, 2020
The city of Lewiston Maine has been a hotspot for Somali immigrants over the past ten years. Maine is one of the least diverse states, so the city is a very interesting place in contrast to the rest of the state.

College visits teach students history, culture

Ben Files, Online Managing Editor
October 1, 2020
Senior Gwen Rodriguez made a video to the commemorate the Class of 2020. The video allows seniors to look back on their senior year, which was cut short.

Senior’s video lifts spirits

Austin Mucchetti, Copy Editor
May 5, 2020
While fans across the country will miss out on watching their team compete for an NCAA tournament championship, it can be enjoyable to go back and watch some classic March Madness affairs.

Sports to re-watch during quarantine

Elijah Kasten, Sports Editor
April 17, 2020
With colorful lights and a wide space, The Block has an inviting atmosphere for diners. The food court style restaurant also provides many different food options.

The Block: Not so average concept produces average meals

Austin Mucchetti and Lucas Gillespie
March 2, 2020
Senior Chris Dorrer chases down a loose puck. The team lost 4-3 but rebounded in their rematch against Wooton with a 3-3 draw

Winter sports in review

Arturo Alipio, Ethan Oyeniyi, Elana Renbaum, Ben Files, Zachary Meyers and Isaac Snow
February 14, 2020
Swim and Dive competes in a scrimmage at Montgomery Blair High School. The team hopes to continue their good form from last year.

A day in the life of a student athlete: Brady Meyers

Austin Mucchetti, Copy Editor
January 31, 2020
Senior Karina Yung hits the ball over the net in the Dig Pink game against Whitman. The game is an annual fundraiser in October to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Athletes give back: “My Cause My Cleats”

Elijah Kasten, Sports Editor
January 31, 2020
Georgetowns high tier basketball team has always kept them in the headlines and at the top of the college basketball rankings. Along the way they have made many rivalries with other competitive teams, such as Villanova, which is pictured above.

Georgetown basketball mishap exposes NCAA’s problem

Ben Files, Sports Editor
January 18, 2020
Senior Karina Yung hits the ball over the net in the Dig Pink game against Whitman. The game is annual fundraiser in October to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Athletes give back: “My Cause My Cleats”

Elijah Kasten, Sports Editor
January 17, 2020
Greta Thunberg, the Swedish 17 year-old who took the world by storm in 2019 with her empowering climate change activism, has won the TIME Person of the Year Award. She is the youngest ever recipient.

Greta Thunberg: TIME Person of the Year

Austin Mucchetti, Copy Editor
January 15, 2020

Ravens fall short

Ben Files, Sports Editor
January 12, 2020

Austin and Allie: Tik Tok trends

Allie Rothman and Austin Mucchetti
December 18, 2019
Producer Madlib teamed up with Freddie Gibbs to produce their second album together, which are fan favorites.

Best hip-hop/rap albums of the decade

Ben Files, Sports Editor
December 11, 2019
Sophomore Lianna Rosman dives into the water during a school meet. Winter sport athletes have prepared during the offseason to contribute to the success of their teams.

Behind the preparation for winter sports tryouts

Elijah Kasten, Sports Editor
December 11, 2019
Junior Ella Gaul storms past an opponent during a cross country meet. Gaul, apart of indoor track, looks to contribute to the talented 2019-20 team.

Indoor track set to go

Elijah Kasten, Sports Editor
December 11, 2019
Although Walter White doesnt appear in El Camino, Aaron Paul holds it down as Jesse Pinkman and delivers a great performace to make for a great watch.

Breaking Bad returns with “El Camino”

Austin Mucchetti, Copy Editor
November 14, 2019
A rowdy Penn State football crowd anxiously waits for the match up against Ohio State in 2018. Electric crowds in college and professional sporting events make up for special experiences.

Students recount best professional sport events

Elijah Kasten, Sports Editor
November 8, 2019
The team warms up before a game from the successful regular season. The season came to a close after a second round loss to Whitman in the playoffs.

Girls’ varsity soccer ends dominant season with playoff loss

Ben Files, Sports Editor
November 7, 2019
Senior Damir Pimenov listening to Jesus Is King. The album has divided Wests fanbase due to its purely gospel nature.

Kanye West reborn, embraces God in album “Jesus Is King”

Benicio Balignot and Ben Files
November 1, 2019
Netflix has announced that there will be a fourth season of their top-rated show Stranger Things. The show brought in record viewing numbers during the third season’s release last summer.

Stranger Things announces new season, excites WJ students

Austin Mucchetti, Copy Editor
October 29, 2019
D.C. United forward Quincy Amarikwa strolls towards the stands with teammate Wayne Rooney after a game. The pair have helped D.C. United reach playoff birth this season.

Getting to know a pro: Quincy Amarikwa

Austin Mucchetti, Copy Editor
October 3, 2019
Friday night lights shine down on the players as WJ football takes on Gaithersburg at home. WJ’s turf field is set to be replaced at the end of the season.

New turf brings uncertainty for WJ athletes

Austin Mucchetti, Copy Editor
September 27, 2019
A Damascus football player sprints up the field during a game. The Damascus football program has been under fire lately, having to forfeit their first game of the season due to the holding of an illegal practice.

Damascus forfeits opener

Elijah Kasten, Sports Editor
September 27, 2019
WJ Jazz Band put great performances together as they played at the Chantilly Jazz Invitational. The group finished third overall and is hoping to continue their success next school year.

WJ Jazz Band excites at Chantilly Jazz Invitational

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
June 14, 2019
Buttigieg announced his 2020 presidential campaign. The 37 year-old would be the youngest U.S. President ever.

Pete Buttigieg announces Presidential bid

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
May 22, 2019
Junior goalie Calvin Annulis puts his shot-stopping ability on display in a home victory over Northwood. Annulis has established himself as one of the teams leaders as he enters his final year at WJ.

Athlete of the issue: Calvin Annulis shines

Elijah Kasten, Sports Editor
May 20, 2019
As the 2018-19 school year nears its ending, many final assesments are being made about the quality of education in the countys schools. WJ has apparently fallen behind its counterparts such as Whitman, Churchill and Wootton.

WJ news updates

Will Cohen, Ethan Oyeniyi and Koby Epstein
May 17, 2019
The recent college admissions scandal has shocked students across the country. It is yet to be seen what will happen to the participants.

College admissions scandal opinion

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
April 25, 2019
MCPS has been contemplating several changes to the school system in recent weeks. It remains to be seen whether many of the proposed changes will take place.

MCPS updates

Austin Mucchetti and Ethan Oyeniyi
April 16, 2019
Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo exciting the crowd after a dunk. The 24 year old superstar looks to make a run in his 4th playoff appearance. Photo courtesy of Keith Allison; Wikia Commons.

NBA playoff preview

Koby Epstein, Webmaster
April 15, 2019
Kyle Guy nervously awaiting his three free throws that would lead Virginia to victory over Auburn, sending them to the finals in Minneapolis.

Final four lives up to the hype as UVA takes the title

Patrick Markey and Ben Files
April 12, 2019
The WJ pool has been a place for students to relax for years. New renovations and activities have taken the hangout spot to new heights.

WJ introduces exciting new pool activities

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
April 1, 2019
The Kansas Jayhwaks warm up for a game in the 2018 NCAA tournament. March madness is one of the most anticipated times of the year for many sports fans.

Pitch staff: March Madness predictions

Ned Storer, Ben Files, Matt Shea and Elijah Kasten
March 21, 2019
D.C. United season preview

D.C. United season preview

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
March 12, 2019
Mr. Butler lectures to his Medieval History class. Government and History teachers are often faced with task of attempting to remain unbiased.

How much do teachers’ political views influence students?

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
March 8, 2019
Ten time All-Star Kevin Durant (left) with the Warriors in 2018. Durant won his 2nd All-Star game MVP this year. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

NBA All-Star Weekend disappoints due to lack of effort

Koby Epstein, Webmaster
March 8, 2019
The U.S. militarys job is to serve and protect our nation, making this an irregular situation and especially scary for most people.

Maryland Coast Guard member arrested

Ben Files, Business Manager
March 6, 2019
College sports are some of the most viewed in the country and attract many new fans every year.

College basketball or football: which is better?

Ben Files, Business Manager
February 28, 2019
Sophomore Ben Cope (left) and Junior Declan Stablow (middle) spring into action for WJ. Both the boys and girls teams performed well at the Last Track to Philly meet and MCPS Championships.

Indoor track improves down stretch

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
February 14, 2019
The Super Bowl is the most viewed sporting event in America and rakes in hundreds of millions of viewers every year.

Super Bowl LIII recap

Ben Files, Business Manager
February 8, 2019
The Super Bowl is the most viewed sporting event in America, and is a talking point for weeks after it happens.

Super Bowl LIII Preview

Ben Files, Business Manager
February 1, 2019
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren officially announced she was running for president.

Elizabeth Warren announces 2020 Presidential Bid

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
January 25, 2019
Wall (left) with the Wizards in 2018. The five time all-star drives into the lane for the layup.

Wall to miss remainder of the season

Koby Epstein, Webmaster
January 24, 2019
Mavericks guard Luka Doncic playing for Real Madrid in 2017. The rookie has impressed everyone with his crafty play this season.

The 5 Biggest Surprises of the 2018-2019 NBA Season

Koby Epstein, Webmaster
January 18, 2019
Alabama football has been the best in the past years, and it seems that it will stay that way.

Will Alabama football ever be taken down?

Ben Files, Business Manager
December 20, 2018
Junior Jake Marks competes in a tight race at the Ed Bowie Classic. The boys finished 2nd in the DMR.

WJ indoor track begins season with Ed Bowie Classic

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
December 20, 2018
Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr. skies for a slam dunk. Oubre is currently in his fourth season with the team.

Wizards dysfunction leads to disappointing start

Koby Epstein, Webmaster
December 6, 2018
Cannabis plant being grown in medical marijuana dispensary.

Medical marijuana dispensary opens in Bethesda

Koby Epstein, Webmaster
December 6, 2018
This years The Grinch has the same story as the other Grinch movies, but a modern twist in the cast and some minor plot changes.

The Grinch successfully revamps its predecessor

Ben Files, Business Manager
November 27, 2018
The new FIFA 19 game has just released, and because of the popularity of other games, the amount of players has slightly decreased.

FIFA 19 Review

Ben Files, Business Manager
November 19, 2018
Senior midfielder Kamyab Salehi-Pirouz avoids the defender while turf pellets fly around his feet. Health concerns regarding the artificial turf have caused debate over its use on school fields.

Health scares ignite turf debate

Elijah Kasten, Sports Editor
October 30, 2018
Boys soccer finished their season with a 4-5-1 record. They lost their playoff game against Churchill 5-2.

Boys’ soccer motivated heading into playoffs

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
October 29, 2018
The fans have been electric since Uniteds move to Audi Field. The team clinched the playoffs with a 3-1 win against NYCFC.

D.C. United clinch playoffs following unbelievable comeback season

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
October 29, 2018
Montgomery County schools are plastering ads like these in school bathrooms to persuade students to put down the Juuls.

Are anti-Juul ads on social media effective?

Allie Rothman and Austin Mucchetti
October 25, 2018
WJ fights for the ball in a game against Kennedy High School. The Wildcats have been looking to improve from last season.

Q & A with boys’ soccer captain

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
October 3, 2018
Travis Scott released his album over the summer this year. WJ students have expressed their love for the album.

Travis Scott releases album “Astroworld”

Koby Epstein, Webmaster
October 3, 2018
WJ was renovated from 2007 to 2010 to accommodate the influx of new students.

WJ grows through size and diversity

Austin Mucchetti, Staff Writer
September 30, 2018
Sylvia Fowles, the 2017 MVP for the WNBA is one of many womens basketball players who seeks equal pay.

Gender pay gap in the WNBA

Elijah Kasten, Sports Editor
September 28, 2018
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