This past week, fall sports came to a close with our teams competing in the state playoffs for their respective sports. This past season, only Girls’ Tennis and Cross Country were allowed to compete under the COVID-19 guidelines. The Cross Country team competed in the state meet this past Friday in Charlotte, where both teams gave it their all. The girls’ team competed and placed 14th overall as a team, with outstanding individual performances by some of RMA’s best runners. Essie Chafin placed 4th overall, Porter Petruzziello placed 71st overall, Sarah Wiederhold placed 88th overall, Sarah Cathryne Coltrane placed 91st overall, and Kate Hudgins placed 94th overall. Winning the conference, the boys’ team moved on to place 4th overall in the state meet. The boys’ team was led by Henry Forrester, who placed 5th overall, and Gabe Winham, who placed 6th overall. Adding to the effort was Harrison Vaughn, who placed 39th overall, Will Tharin, who placed 43rd overall, JT Wingfield, who placed 56th overall, Judah Calhoun, who placed 64th overall, and Jack Pittman, who placed 79th overall. With their impressive performances throughout the year, Harrison Vaughn, Will Tharin, Jack Pittman, Gabe Winham, Henry Forrester, Essie Chafin, and Porter Petruzziello all earned all-conference honors. Additionally, Essie Chafin earned all-state honors for the girls’ team and Henry Forrester and Gabe Winham both earned all-state honors for the boys’ team.

The JV and Varsity Tennis teams, like the Cross Country team, both had impressive seasons. The JV girls went undefeated with a record of 6-0 and the Varsity girls team had a winning record of 7-5. The Varsity girls team qualified for the state playoffs and fought hard. They beat the O’Neal school in the first round of the state playoffs, moving on to play the Trinity School of Durham in the second round. Despite performing their very best, the Varsity girls were unable to defeat the Trinity School of Durham, losing the match and being eliminated from the state playoffs. Even though their state championship run ended, the overall score did not reflect how competitive the RMA girls were this year and in this match. Coach David Keesee said, “Everyone worked very hard and the overall improvement was impressive. There is a lot of talent on both the Varsity and JV. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish in the next few years.” With winter sports approaching, the fall sports season must come to an end. On behalf of the entire RMA family, I would like to congratulate the RMA fall athletes on an impressive season. Every one of you has made RMA proud. We can’t wait for a great winter sports season.