February 7, 2019

Royalettes 18th in The Nation!

The Royalette Dance Team competed in their 14th National Dance Team Championship in Orlando, Fla. this past weekend hosted by the Universal Dance Association (UDA). Competing alongside over 400 teams across the country, they were able to witness the best teams from all over the United States. #TeamVA was represented by O'Connell, Oakton, Madison, West Potomac, Chantilly, Centreville, Marshall, Westfield and Herndon. RDT received superior ratings for their Pom and Jazz routines, competing in the Medium Varsity division. A new category was added to the National Competition, and the Royalettes were 1 of 74 teams competing in the Game Day category making history with UDA. RDT ranked 18th in the nation, being only the 2nd team in the Royalettes' 37 year history to place nationally. Congratulations ladies!

DJO Swim and Dive Making a Splash This Season

Congratulations to Lukas Brown (3rd), Reilly Blanton (2nd), Abby Brooks (3rd), and Maggie McDonough (4th) for their outstanding dives at the NoVa Catholic Championship Diving Competition!

On Jan. 31, DJO Swim and Dive put on a show at the Washington Metropolitan Prep School Swim Dive League (WMPSSDL) Championships placing five divers, breaking five school records, and the girls team taking home 2nd overall! Shout out to the following divers who placed: Lukas Brown (17th), Abby Brooks (12th), Maggie McDonough (13th), Reilly Blanton (14th) and Claire Cullather (19th).

New 2019 DJO Records:

Girls 100 Medley Relay and 200 Free Relay: P. Hall, K. Bailey, N. Pavco-Luttschwager and M. Donohoe

Girls 200 IM and 200 Fly: Kate Bailey

Boys 100 Breast Stroke: Paul Kinsella

Gearing Up For Hockey Playoffs

On Jan. 25, Varsity Ice Hockey defeated Landon, 4-2. Goals were scored by Alex Vouras, Garrison O'Donnell, Jake Smith, and Sean Ostrowski. Assists were made by Ryan Lenaghan (2) and Sean Ostrowski. Goalie Matthew McCarey had 40 saves. The DJO Top Hat went to Daniel Koester (pictured left middle). The team finished the regular Mid-Atlantic Prep Hockey League (MAPHL) season with 6 wins, 3 losses, and 1 tie.

Join us for Senior Night this Friday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Medstar Iceplex! Puck drop @ 8:10 p.m. vs. St. John's.

Wish the team luck as they will face St. John's again on Feb. 12 for the WCAC Playoff in Rockville.

Indoor Track & Field

The O'Connell Indoor Track and Field team had strong performances at the Private School Invitational on Feb. 2. With 40 schools in attendance, the Knights had many athletes earn points toward the team score. Congratulations to the following:

Max Greczyn: 16 points - 1st in the 1600, 3rd in the 1000
Katherine Slovak: 12 points- 5th in the 1600, 2nd in the 3200
Lauren Collins: 2 points- 7th in shot put
Olivia Chiappetta, Sole Schlandlbauer, Alessia Natalucci, Erika Van Dyke (Girls 4x800): 2
2 points- 7th place.

International Erg Sprints

The O'Connell rowing team shined at the Midatlantic International Championship Erg Sprints in Alexandria. Sean Madden maintained his first place status for the second year in a row in the U15 Lightweight Men's 2000m with a time of 6:34! Adam Kippenhan tied for 4th for the U17 Lightweight Men's 2000m with a time of 6:50!

The girls also had strong finishes with speed and maturity! Shout outs to Lillian Bernero, Katie Vanek, Victoria Phan, Caitlin Thompson, Renee Dixon, Daniela Elizabeth Manzano, Claire Bailey, and Annie Garner for their hard work!

Get Your Forms in for Spring Sports

Spring Tryouts begin Wednesday, Feb. 20.Make sure you have the required medical forms turned in on Magnus Health before this date. Here's what to do:

Parents should log in to the MyDJO parent portal and click on the orange Magnus button.
Answer "yes" to the question: "Is your child planning to try out for any sports team AT ANY TIME during the 2018-2019 school year?"
Upload a sports physical dated after June 1, 2018 and signed by a doctor.
Read and sign Parental Consent Form.
Read and sign Concussion Education for parent and student.
Read and sign Driving form.

***You will not be able to try-out for any team without these requirements fulfilled. Turn them in early! Remember...We DO NOT take paper forms any more.

Many teams have been getting in shape after school during the off-season with the help of TrueAP strength and conditioning coaches, as well as team practices. Check out lacrosse player, Thomas Grattan, playing a little "wall-ball" to sharpen his skills.

Spring Sports Retreats

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: All students planning to participate in a spring sport must attend one of the sports retreats next week. Please meet in the auditorium on the following days after school. Retreat should end around 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 12- Crew, Golf, Tennis, Track, Sailing

Wednesday, Feb. 13- Softball, Baseball, Boys and Girls Lacrosse

Girls Lacrosse Interest Meeting

All girls interested in playing lacrosse: Interest meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 12 in room 140 from 3:30- 4:00 p.m.

Join The Athletics Booster Club!

The Athletics Boosters are looking for new volunteers to fill key leadership positions next year! Many of our positions only require a few hours per week and are flexible. If interested in supporting our athletics programs and working with a great group of dedicated parents, please contact Karen Clerici to learn more.