Unsung Senior Athletes, Winter 2022

Mason Chapman has been a member of the track distance contingent since middle school. He’s recorded personal bests of 5:17.07 in the 1600 and 11:23.63 in the 3200 as well as 18:42.90 over 5K in the VISAA cross country meet this past fall.

“Mason is a dedicated and focused athlete,” said Matthew Richardson, head cross country and track distance coach.  “His contribution to the track team and specifically the distance program is huge as he’s continually challenged himself to be the best runner he can be. He sets a high bar for himself and his teammates. His sense of humor, eagerness to learn, and pursuit of excellence are the epitome of what the distance program is all about. Mason trains and competes in a way that reflects the high character and competitive excellence of the track program.”

 

During her track and field career, Eliza Stone has become one of the top high jumpers in the League of Independent Schools and the VISAA. This past winter, she won the LIS championship and was state runner-up at 5-0, the same height she cleared to win the LIS and finish third in the state in the spring of 2021.

“Eliza has been a dedicated, committed, and passionate member of the track program for six years,” said Beth Kondorossy, head girls track coach. “She’s an athlete who likes to be held to a high standard and will work hard no matter who is watching. She’s been a role model to many younger athletes, and she has had a greater impact on our program than she might realize.”

 

Several times this winter, Maddax Winston-Evans has been the right guy in the right place for the boys varsity basketball team that’s 14-11 and Prep League regular season runner-up.

 

Among his accomplishments, he drained three 3-pointers in a 55-54 victory at Trinity Episcopal January 21 and four days later grabbed a key rebound, then hit a 3-pointer in the closing seconds that secured a 45-44 road win over Woodberry Forest.

“Maddax made big shots and had big rebounds all year,” said Coach Del Harris. “He shows up and works hard every day, always giving his best. Maddax has successfully started for us, come off the bench, hit game winners, and been our leading scorer in games. He's filled every role we've needed.  He’s played multiple positions and has made contributions that have been pivotal in our success. He cares and puts his heart and soul into everything we do!” 

 

Both Audrey Fleming, a guard/forward, and Reynolds Hester, a center/forward, set the tone for intensity and desire exhibited by the girls varsity basketball team.

 

Audrey, who averaged 3.0 points per game, was known for her gutsy defensive performances and, in the LIS quarterfinals against Trinity, scored seven of the Cougars nine points in the final quarter to ensure a 36-26 victory.

 

 “Audrey was never afraid to take the charge or make the play,” said Coach Rives Fleming. “She was fearless going to the basket on offense. Her teammates commented on how she would play hard and get back up with a smile on her face and give positive encouragement.”

 

Reynolds averaged 3.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game and delivered a 13-point performance against L.C. Bird, one of the top teams in Central Virginia, in the Highland Springs Holiday Tournament.

 

“Reynolds showed ability in both positions she played, developing some dangerous 1 v. 1 moves in the post and a dangerous pull-up jumper when she faced the basket,” Fleming said. “She seemed like she could run all day. She was one of our best floor runners on the fast break.  It was her desire that inspired the team.”

 

David Ding earned third place at 138 and played a key role in Collegiate’s wrestling team’s finish (third) in the Prep League tournament, despite the fact that they competed in only six of 14 weight classes.

 

“David has been an great role model for our younger wrestlers,” said Coach Andy Stone. “He developed excellent technical skills and was a great teacher for those younger wrestlers. He would correct mistakes and help improve the kids that he worked with. He gave his best effort in competition and workouts. He will be missed.”

 

Skylar Mullins specializes in the freestyle and backstroke for Collegiate’s swimming team that won both the LIS and VISAA championships. A captain, she swam the second leg (24.93) of the 200 free relay that placed second in the VISAA (1:37.50), a performance that earned the team All-State honors.

 

“Skylar brings unrivaled energy to the pool deck every day,” said Coach Mike Peters. “She makes it a point to make connections with the younger swimmers which helps foster the love of the team that she has. She’s respected by her teammates and coaches and consistently looks for ways to get the team more involved.”

David Cheon, a captain on Collegiate’s Prep League and VISAA champion soccer squad this past fall, is a three-year member of the winter futsal program and competed on the Cougars’ green team which reached the quarterfinal round of the annual Valentine Classic.