Falcons Nest - November 8
Cross Country State Results and 5K Run are followed by the start of the Winter Sports Season
Varsity Cross Country:
Falcons in Full Stride. On October 26th, the Varsity Cross Country team concluded their season with a powerful performance at the NCISAA 2A State Championship at WakeMed Soccer Complex in Raleigh. Competing against 23 other teams, our runners put forth an inspiring effort on the challenging course. Leading the boys’ team, Sam Schmitz placed 26th with a time of 18:50, securing a top-30 finish. The rest of the boys followed with strong performances, giving their best to close the season on a high note. On the girls’ side, Ava Taylor Walker finished first for our team, placing 34th with a time of 23:52. Addison Tauch also made her mark by setting a season-best time of 25:40. With five boys and seven girls competing, each athlete exemplified commitment and grit.
Falcons in Full Stride. On October 26th, the Varsity Cross Country team concluded their season with a powerful performance at the NCISAA 2A State Championship at WakeMed Soccer Complex in Raleigh. Competing against 23 other teams, our runners put forth an inspiring effort on the challenging course. Leading the boys’ team, Sam Schmitz placed 26th with a time of 18:50, securing a top-30 finish. The rest of the boys followed with strong performances, giving their best to close the season on a high note. On the girls’ side, Ava Taylor Walker finished first for our team, placing 34th with a time of 23:52. Addison Tauch also made her mark by setting a season-best time of 25:40. With five boys and seven girls competing, each athlete exemplified commitment and grit.
Reflecting on the season, it's clear this team has shared a journey of growth and accomplishment. With a total of 13 runners, they collectively dropped over 70 minutes throughout the season, a testament to their hard work and perseverance. From the first meet to the final race, these athletes have pushed themselves and supported one another, making this a truly memorable season. Ending at the state championship, they’ve shown how far hard work can take them, and their efforts have left an inspiring legacy for seasons to come.
Falcons 5K and Kids Fun Run:
The day after Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, the O'Neal Varsity Cross Country Team sprang into action, organizing the Falcon 5K and Kids Fun Run Fundraiser. Led by senior Charlotte Mills, event organizer, and supported by the Cross Country Team, Leadership Club, and Student Forum, this incredible community event was planned to benefit those affected in WNC.
Despite a bit of rain, the Falcon 5K kicked off with high spirits, drawing participants from across the community. Together, they raised an impressive $3,421, which will be donated to Samaritan’s Purse.
The Falcons’ faculty and staff provided invaluable support to these driven students, helping turn their ideas into reality. The community takes great pride in the time, talent, and effort dedicated to this successful event and the meaningful cause it supports.
The day after Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, the O'Neal Varsity Cross Country Team sprang into action, organizing the Falcon 5K and Kids Fun Run Fundraiser. Led by senior Charlotte Mills, event organizer, and supported by the Cross Country Team, Leadership Club, and Student Forum, this incredible community event was planned to benefit those affected in WNC.
Despite a bit of rain, the Falcon 5K kicked off with high spirits, drawing participants from across the community. Together, they raised an impressive $3,421, which will be donated to Samaritan’s Purse.
The Falcons’ faculty and staff provided invaluable support to these driven students, helping turn their ideas into reality. The community takes great pride in the time, talent, and effort dedicated to this successful event and the meaningful cause it supports.
WINTER SPORTS BEGIN
Out of Season Falcon Strength:
Attention all out of season student athletes! Now is the time to build strength, improve speed, enhance endurance, and address any weaknesses you may have without the in-season fatigue. Our off-season Falcon Strength program can lead to increased power, improved injury resilience, and enhanced overall athleticism. Your commitment now to your next season, will have you stronger, faster, and better prepared to excel in your sport!
As for training, we will continue to develop the most robust athletes we can. Our biggest goal is to make sure we continue to build the strongest foundation of fitness that we can. Experienced or not, there will always be a workout for you!
If you’d like to refine any aspect of your off-season training to better suit you and your goals, or need additional guidance please reach out to Coach Pierce. He is always happy to help!
This winter's weekly off-season training schedule is:
Monday: 5PM - 5:45PM
Tuesday: 4:15PM - 5PM
Wednesday: 5PM - 5:45PM
Thursday: 4:15PM - 5:45PM
Middle School Girls Basketball:
O’Neal vs Cape Fear Christian Academy FINAL 42-24, W
The Middle School Girls Basketball team kicked off their season with a solid showing on the road against Cape Fear Christian Academy, following a week of tryouts. With a roster of just seven players, each team member stepped up, demonstrating impressive effort and teamwork. The girls were aggressive on offense, finding success with drives to the basket, making smart passes to teammates, and securing key rebounds. This game highlighted areas for growth on defense, with a focus on reducing fouls by emphasizing footwork and minimizing reach-ins to stay out of foul trouble. Energized by this strong opener, the team is eager for their rematch against Cape Fear at home next Tuesday.
Varsity Girls Basketball:
The Lady Falcons, defending state champions, began their season with a scrimmage against Jordan Matthews on Tuesday, November 5th. Entering a rebuilding season, the team played four six-minute quarters, delivering a promising start. The energy in the gym was palpable as the Lady Falcons took the court, showcasing the hard work and dedication they put in during the offseason.
Despite being a young squad, the Lady Falcons stepped up and delivered a strong performance. They displayed solid defensive stops and impressive offensive chemistry, giving a glimpse of their potential for the season. This opener highlighted the team’s capability and hints at an exciting season ahead.
With this momentum, the Lady Falcons aim to make this year one to remember. The team will continue their preseason at North Raleigh Christian, facing Word of God on Friday, November 8th, at 4 p.m., and returning on Saturday, November 9th, to compete against North Raleigh Christian at 12:30 p.m. All are eager to see the growth and success that await this promising team.
The Lady Falcons, defending state champions, began their season with a scrimmage against Jordan Matthews on Tuesday, November 5th. Entering a rebuilding season, the team played four six-minute quarters, delivering a promising start. The energy in the gym was palpable as the Lady Falcons took the court, showcasing the hard work and dedication they put in during the offseason.
Despite being a young squad, the Lady Falcons stepped up and delivered a strong performance. They displayed solid defensive stops and impressive offensive chemistry, giving a glimpse of their potential for the season. This opener highlighted the team’s capability and hints at an exciting season ahead.
With this momentum, the Lady Falcons aim to make this year one to remember. The team will continue their preseason at North Raleigh Christian, facing Word of God on Friday, November 8th, at 4 p.m., and returning on Saturday, November 9th, to compete against North Raleigh Christian at 12:30 p.m. All are eager to see the growth and success that await this promising team.
Middle School Boys Basketball A:
The Falcons closed their pre-season with a scrimmage Tuesday, November 5th on the road at Cape Fear Christian Academy. Playing 4 quarters, the Falcons were able to simulate a real game scenario and work on a variety of offensive and defensive looks. Behind high-energy defense and limited turnovers, the Falcons won two of the three quarters on the evening. The Falcons finished the week preparing for their home opener next Tuesday, November 12th hosting Cape Fear Christian Academy with a 5:00pm tip. The Falcons will turn around quickly and host South Wake on Thursday evening, Tip off at 5:00pm.
Middle School Boys Basketball B:
The B Team, known as the "Killer Bees," is buzzing with energy this season. As a developmental team, they’ve been putting in hard work at practice, honing their fundamentals and building their skills. Keep an eye out—the Killer Bees are on the swarm this winter!
Varsity Boys Basketball:
The Falcons enjoyed a strong week of practices this week. Players worked hard to build their fundamentals and team chemistry. They finished the week putting skill sessions together into group work and executing plays. The Falcons are looking forward to next week as they prepare for their first game on November 13th.
The Falcons enjoyed a strong week of practices this week. Players worked hard to build their fundamentals and team chemistry. They finished the week putting skill sessions together into group work and executing plays. The Falcons are looking forward to next week as they prepare for their first game on November 13th.
All-School Cheer:
After many years of having a Dance Team, the Falcons are excited to have Cheer back on campus! The All-School Cheer Team is made up of enthusiastic 5th-9th graders and headed up by new Head Coach and lower school parent Shanna Campbell. The program is set to grow into a dynamic combination of middle school and varsity squads in the coming years. The team is eager to bring spirit and energy to school events and athletic competitions as they establish a strong foundation for the future of Falcon cheerleading!
Middle School Swim:
The Middle School Swim Team is diving into the season with a full roster of both new and returning swimmers. Already, the team is sharpening their race paces and fine-tuning their techniques as they prepare for their first meet next week. Excitement is building, and they’re ready to make a splash this season!
Varsity Swim:
With the final roster for Varsity swimming complete, the coaching staff is looking forward to challenging new and returning swimmers over the next few weeks leading up to Thanksgiving break. The team is focused on learning stroke drills, refining stroke technique and working on overall endurance. The team will have its first swim meet on 11/14/24 starting at 4:00 PM. The Falcons will be swimming against Cary Christian and Fayetteville Christian. It has the potential to be a very fun and fast first meet of the season!
Photos by Wendy Hodges
Falcon Athletics Next Week 11/8-11/15:
DAY | DATE | OPPONENT | SPORT | H/A | EVENT TIME |
FRI | 11/8/2024 | Word of God (preseason showcase) | VGBKB | AWAY | 4:00 PM |
SAT | 11/9/2024 | NCRA (preseason showcase) | VGBKB | AWAY | 12:30 PM |
TUE | 11/12/2024 | Cape Fear Christian Academy | MSGBKB | HOME | 4:00 PM |
TUE | 11/12/2024 | Cape Fear Christian Academy | MSBKB | HOME | 5:00 PM |
WED | 11/13/2024 | Fayetteville Academy | VGBKB | HOME | 5:00 PM |
WED | 11/13/2024 | Fayetteville Academy | VBBKB | HOME | 6:30 PM |
THU | 11/14/2024 | Cary Christian, Fayetteville Christian | SWIM | HOME | 4:00 PM |
THU | 11/14/2024 | South Wake Sabres | MSGBKB | HOME | 4:00 PM |
THU | 11/14/2024 | South Wake Sabres | MSBKB | HOME | 5:00 PM |
THU | 11/14/2024 | Cary Christian, Fayetteville Christian | MS SWIM | HOME | 4:00 PM |
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