The Blue Devil Report from Fork Union Military Academy's Athletic Department is your source for weekly updates on the Fork Union Blue Devils. Here's the latest from @FUMAathletics.
Want to view past issues of the Blue Devil Report? Find them all on our website.
Contents:
- Fork Union Announces John Blake to be Next Athletic Director
- FUMA Athletics Recap
- Feature Stories: Diving, Prep Basketball, Swimming, PG Basketball
- Up Next in FUMA Athletics
- Fork Union Lands Five on the All-Central Virginia Football Team
- Have You Joined the Athletic Director's Club?
Fork Union Announces John Blake to be Next Athletic Director
Fork Union Military Academy is pleased to announce the selection of John Blake as Athletic Director, responsible for the operations, administration, and performance of the school's athletic program. Blake will be assuming the role previously held by John Shuman, as Shuman moves into the school's Advancement Office as Major Gifts Officer.
John Blake comes to FUMA from St. Anne's-Belfield School in Charlottesville where he has worked for 25 years, most recently as Director of Alumni Engagement. Blake is best known to Fork Union Military Academy's sports fans as the longtime head coach of the Saint's varsity football program, one of FUMA's fellow Prep League members.
Blake built a record of 175 wins and 75 losses, winning the VISAA Division 2 Football State Championship six times (1998, 1999, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2010) in 11 appearances in the championship game. Blake was named Coach of the Year 23 times by the VISAA and other media while at St. Anne's-Belfield School.
“I am excited for the opportunity to lead the athletic program at Fork Union Military Academy," stated Blake. "Athletics has always been a big part of my life, so to be offered this position is a challenge I look forward to.”
Blake began his coaching career more than 35 years ago, coaching Boys Lacrosse and Football at Albemarle High School in 1984-1985. He was named the Head Boys Lacrosse Coach at Western Albemarle High School in 1986 and led his lacrosse teams to VISAA State Championships in 1990 and 1991. He was named Coach of the Year five times while at Western Albemarle. His athletic roles at Western Albemarle included serving as Assistant Varsity Football Coach and Defensive Coordinator, Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball Coach, Junior Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach, and 9th Grade Boys Basketball Coach.
His athletic roles at St. Anne's-Belfield have included serving as Varsity Assistant Boys Basketball Coach, Junior Varsity Head Boys Basketball Coach, Head Middle School Boys Basketball Coach, Head Middle School Boys Lacrosse Coach, and Assistant Varsity Girls Lacrosse Coach. Blake has played many other roles while on staff at St. Anne's-Belfield including Athletic Facilities Coordinator, Director of Buildings and Grounds, Development Officer, Director of Young Alumni Relations, and Director of Alumni Relations.
"We conducted a national search for this position and received over a hundred applications throughout this process," said Colonel David L. Coggins, USMC (Ret.), the President of Fork Union Military Academy, "and we found that John Blake was ideally suited for this position. He has established a record of competitiveness and creativity in building, rebuilding, and inspiring winning teams, and he has an equally impressive record in school administration and development. We look forward to his bringing that positive energy and impact to all of our athletic teams and programs."
Blake is expected to start work at Fork Union Military Academy on February 20, 2023.
Kelly Barnette, our Assistant Director of Athletics and Director of Communications, has been selected to serve as interim Athletic Director until Coach Blake's arrival.
Scores from the past two weeks:
Thursday, January 5
- Middle School Basketball vs. Grymes Memorial School • L, 32-37 OT
Saturday, January 7
- Track & Field at East Coast Elite at VMI • No Team Score
- Wrestling at Highland Springs Dual Tournament • 2-2
Tuesday, January 10
- PG Basketball at TPLS Christian Academy • W, 97-77
- Middle School Basketball at Richmond Christian School • L, 25-33
- Junior Prep Basketball at Trinity Episcopal School • L, 26-71
- Prep Basketball at Trinity Episcopal School • L, 33-74
- Swimming at Ben Hair Invitational • No Team Score
Wednesday, January 11
- Middle School Basketball vs. Benedictine College Prep • L, 11-56
- Track & Field vs. FUMA Mini #3 • No Team Score
- Wrestling at Buffalo Gap High School • W, 42-36
- Wrestling vs. Bath County High School • W, 72-6
Thursday, January 12
- PG Basketball vs. TPLS Christian Academy • W, 106-56
Momolu Leads Blue Devils at East Coast Elite
Saturday, January 7, 2023
LEXINGTON, VA – The Fork Union Military Academy indoor track and field program competed at the East Coast Elite meet this past weekend on the campus of the Virginia Military Institute. Junior Harry Momolu led the squad placing third overall in the 55-meter hurdles.
Momolu took a trip to the podium thanks to a 7.93 time in the 55-meter hurdles. He also placed in the top-30 in the 300-meter dash.
“This past weekend was a great first meet back for us with five season’s bests and numerous personal bests,” said head coach Winston Brown. “Jackson Edwards made a big jump in the 500 and Ayden Bland had two personal bests. Harry Momolu did a solid job as well for such an early start time.”
In addition to Momolu, Fork Union featured five top-20 performances, including two trips to the podium. Eighth-grader David Eaton took third in the 1600-meter Middle School run with a time of 5:04.04 and second in the 1000-meter Middle School run with a time of 3:00.43.
Senior Jackson Edwards placed 15th in the 500-meter dash with a time of 1:11.97. Jonie-Galton Ansah took 17th in the shot put with a 12.58m throw. Dauda Niang took 19th in the shot put with a 12.01m throw. Ayden Bland took 18th in the long jump and 14th in the triple jump.
The Blue Devils will return to action Friday, Jan. 13 when they travel to the Virginia Showcase in Virginia Beach. Competition starts at 12:30 p.m.
Wrestling Goes 2-2 at Highland Springs Dual Tournament
Saturday, January 7, 2023
HIGHLAND SPRINGS, VA – The Fork Union Military Academy wrestling program went 2-2 at the Highland Springs Dual Tournament this past weekend.
The Blue Devils defeated George Wythe, 49-26, and Clover Hill High School, 48-24, while falling to the host Highland Springs, 39-36, and Prince George County, 54-27.
“We came out sluggish in our first loss of the tournament against a very talented Prince George team,” said head coach Alton Terry. “We began to pick up the momentum defeating teams George Wythe and Clover Hill. I think our motor ran out later in the evening as we lost in a close match to an also talented Highland Springs team. I'm proud of our guys for continuing to fight despite the adversity we faced. This tournament was a great experience, and we were battle tested. I hope we can take the lessons learned this weekend and continue to prepare ourselves for the tougher road ahead.”
Leading the way for the Blue Devils was seniors Lucas Yates, Jack McCall and Tommy Manganiello, who all went undefeated on the day. Yates and McCall recorded four pins at 157 and 144, respectively, while Tommy Manganiello took three in addition to a forfeit win at 150.
At 215, senior Maddax Lee followed his teammates with three pins.
The squad returned to action Wednesday, Jan. 11 when it traveled to Buffalo Gap High School for a tri-meet with Bath County.
Wrestling Goes Undefeated at Buffalo Gap’s Tri-Meet
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
BUFFALO GAP, VA – The Fork Union Military Academy wrestling program went undefeated at the Buffalo Gap tri-meet Wednesday night. The Blue Devils defeated the host, 42-36, and Bath County High School, 72-6.
“He had a great showing against a well-coached Buffalo Gap team,” said head coach Alton Terry. “We had a bit of adversity earlier in the match, but we got ourselves together and pulled out the win. We also pulled out a good win against Bath County. Even with injuries, our guys find a way to push through, and they make me a proud coach. We're looking forward to finishing our dual season at the Cosby Quad and VISSA State Duals.”
The night started against Buffalo Gap. Fork Union dropped the first two matches at 126 and 132, before Ethan Stroh quickly pinned his competitor at 138. Jack McCall continued his momentum on the season and recorded a pin at 144.
After forfeits at 150 and 157, Saleh Houston took the win at 190. Buffalo Gap forfeited at 175 and 215.
Against Bath County, Fork Union swept all seven competitive matches. Stroh (138), McCall (144), Tommy Manganiello (150), Lucas Yates (157), Luc Havens (165), Houston (190) and Maddax Lee (215) all recorded pins.
The Blue Devils return to action Tuesday, Jan. 17 when they travel to Cosby High School for a Quad Meet at 6 p.m.
Everett Mitchell Leads Fork Union at the Ben Hair Diving Invitational
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
WOODBERRY FOREST, VA – The Fork Union Military Academy diving program competed at the Ben Hair Diving Invitational Wednesday night at Woodberry Forest School. Junior Everett Mitchell took first in both categories.
“Upon returning from the holiday break, the cadets began thinking about their end of season goals,” said head diving coach Samson Miller. “Their focus shifted toward achieving new personal bests and preparing for the upcoming VISAA State Swimming & Diving Championships in February. Recent practices have consisted of learning harder dives in order to obtain more points. The Ben Hair Invite was a great chance for the divers to implement their new skills into a competition and gain confidence performing them under pressure. Despite stepping outside of their comfort zone, the divers performed very well.”
6 Dive Competition:
- Everett Mitchell, 1st: 197.30
- Grant DeMorro, 2nd: 189.60
- George Gurney, 8th: 100.95
- Matthew Snyder, 9th: 87.80
11 Dive Competition:
- Everett Mitchell, 1st: 369.20
- Grant DeMorro, 3rd: 323.20
- George Gurney, 6th: 224.70
“I want to give a special shoutout to Matthew Snyder for competing in his first ever dive meet,” added Miller.
The squad will return to the pool Saturday, Jan. 14 when they travel to the St. Christopher’s Invitational. Competition starts at 9 a.m.
Fork Union Sweeps TPLS Christian Academy Heading into the MLK National Invite
Thursday, January 12, 2023
FORK UNION, VA – The Fork Union Military Academy PG basketball team swept TPLS Christian Academy this past week in a home and away battle. The Blue Devils defeated the Lions, 97-77, Tuesday on the road, prior to a convincing 106-56 win at the Thomas Gym Thursday night.
The wins improved Fork Union to an 11-5 record overall.
“I was pleased with our play the past two games,” said head coach Bob Williams. “Our team is heading in the right direction as we head into conference play with some very tough competition. We are excited to play Hargrave at Duke University on Coach K Court this coming Monday.”
On Tuesday, Fork Union recorded five Blue Devils in double figures. Carmello Pacheco and James Morrow led the squad with 21 points apiece. Christopher Cochran followed with 18 points, while Rece D’Alessandro added 16 points. Gene Anderson rounded out the pack with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
On Thursday, Fork Union featured four Blue Devils in double figures. Anderson led the way with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Edixon Gomez added 16 points, including four treys. Russell Branch and Don Douglass added 14 points apiece.
The squad returns to action Monday, Jan. 16 when they travel to the Durham MLK Holiday National Invitational to take on Hargrave Military Academy at 5:30 p.m. at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Duke University’s campus.
The MLK Holiday National Invitational will feature some of the nation’s best prep basketball programs. To learn more about the invitational, click here.
Please make sure you continue to check the athletic website on a weekly basis, for all game updates.
If you haven't already, please download the Fork Union Athletics Mobile App for all game day information right at your fingertips!
Up Next in FUMA Athletics:
Friday, January 13
- Track & Field at Virginia Showcase • 12:30 PM
- Junior Prep Basketball vs. Collegiate School • 4:30 PM
- Prep Basketball vs. Collegiate School • 6:00 PM
Saturday, January 14
- Swimming & Diving at St. Christopher's Invitational • 9:00 AM
- Middle School Basketball vs. Goochland Middle School Tournament • 9:15 AM
- PG Basketball at First Love • 1:00 PM
Monday, January 16
- PG Basketball at MLK Holiday National Invitational • 5:30 PM
Tuesday, January 17
- Wrestling at Cosby Quad Meet • 6:00 PM
Wednesday, January 18
- Track & Field vs. Fred Hardy Invitational • 4:00 PM
Thursday, January 19
- Swimming & Diving vs. Fork Union January Invitational • 4:00 PM
Friday, January 20
- PG Basketball at Combine Academy • 4:00 PM
- Track & Field at St. Christopher's Invitational • 4:00 PM
- Middle School Basketball vs. Woodberry Forest School • 4:30 PM
- Junior Prep Basketball at Woodberry Forest School • 4:30 PM
- Prep Basketball at Woodberry Forest School • 6:00 PM
- Swimming & Diving vs. FUMA Diving Meet • 6:30 PM
Saturday, January 21
- Track & Field at St. Christopher's Invitational • 10:00 AM
- Wrestling at VISAA State Dual Tournament • 9:00 AM
- PG Basketball at Oak Ridge Military Academy • 1:00 PM
Fork Union Lands Five on All-Central Virginia Football Team
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Five Blue Devils from the Fork Union Military Academy Prep football program have earned All-Central Virginia football honors, the Daily Progress announced over the Holiday Break.
Linebacker Isaac Rivera earned second team honors, while free safety Tommy Manganiello, linebacker Maddax Lee, defensive end Aaron McDaniel and quarterback Anthony Wiseman earned honorable mention honors.
Rivera is a senior from Palmyra, Virginia. He is the son of Amber and George Rivera and played linebacker for the Blue Devils this season. Rivera led the team with 83 total tackles, 25 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown this season. He was also named to the All-Virginia Prep League team.
“Isaac Rivera had a great senior season this year at linebacker,” said head coach Mark Shuman. “He led our team as an outstanding player and leader for us this year on the defensive side of the ball. Isaac always showed up to practice and games ready to go and with a positive attitude. I am proud of the way Isaac progressed not only as a standout athlete, but a great young man as well this year. Isaac will be missed next year.”
Manganiello is a senior from Northford, Connecticut. He is the son of Laurie and Joseph Manganiello and played free safety for the Blue Devils this season. Manganiello totaled 62 total tackles, seven tackles for a loss, two interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery this season.
“Tommy had another great year for us on the football field this year,” said Shuman. “Tommy is one of those athletes that may not be the biggest on the field but plays with the most heart and determination to help our team. His attitude and leadership played a big part in helping our defense this season perform to the highest level. Tommy will be missed next year not only as an athlete but as a leader as well.”
Lee is a senior from Chester, Virginia. He is the son of Roger and Tami Lee and played linebacker and running back for the Blue Devils this season. He totaled 62 total tackles, one sack, four tackles for a loss and one forced fumble in eight games this season.
“Maddax Lee came to FUMA from Thomas Dale High School in Richmond this year,” said Shuman. “Maddax is a great example of a young man who embraced the grind of FUMA, and always came to practice with a purpose to get better as a football player. He was one of the most complete football players we had on our defense. Maddax was always a positive teammate and tried to hold his teammates to a high standard to compete with our great Prep League teams.
McDaniel is a junior from Norfolk, Virginia. He is the son of Joseph and Latisha McDaniel and played offensive and defensive line for the Blue Devils this season. Defensively, he totaled 30 total tackles, one sack, three tackles for a loss, and one fumble recovery this season.
“Aaron McDaniel was a great addition to our defensive line this year,” said Shuman. “Aaron is another young man that embraced the grind of FUMA, and always showed up with a great attitude and provided leadership for us on and off the field. I expect big things from Aaron next year on and off the field for Fork Union Military Academy.”
Wiseman is a junior from Bowie, Maryland. He is the son of Martin and Octavia Wiseman and played quarterback for the Blue Devils this year. Wiseman threw for 1,103 passing yards for eight touchdowns and six interceptions, while totaling 117 rushing yards this season.
“Anthony Wiseman provided us with great stability at the quarterback position for us this year offensively. He showed extreme toughness for us, and our team fed off that energy and toughness whenever Anthony was on the field. His leadership and toughness were a great bright spot for us offensively, and he always found a way to keep our offense moving the chains and made big plays for us as well. I am proud of Anthony handling all the adversity he faced week to week with injuries and showing his teammates how tough of a quarterback he was for us this year.
Being a member of the Athletic Directors Club helps the department with buying new equipment and uniforms, post-game meals, partial scholarships and much more!
Follow us on Social Media!
THANK YOU!
Credits:
Kristin Firewicz