Randolph-Macon Academy is buzzing with excitement as we celebrate our very own Leo Burge, who has been honored with the prestigious title of Athlete of the Week! This recognition comes after Leo’s spectacular performance in the 100 Breaststroke, where he not only clinched first place but also set a personal best, showcasing his immense talent and unwavering dedication to swimming.

But Leo’s achievements don’t stop there. In the 400-relay team, he played a pivotal role in their qualification for the state competition, helping set a new school record for the fastest time. This incredible feat is Leo’s third relay team this year to reach the state level, underscoring his consistent excellence in the sport.

Leo’s journey with R-MA swimming began in 8th grade, and his progression since then has been nothing less than extraordinary. As a team captain, he leads by example, demonstrating true leadership qualities and serving as a source of inspiration for his teammates. His influence extends beyond individual events, as he fosters a spirit of camaraderie and team morale, both in and out of the pool.

In recognition of his fantastic achievements and the positive impact he brings to the team, his fellow athletes have chosen him for this week’s well-deserved honor. Leo’s enthusiasm and dedication not only propel his own success but also encourage his teammates to strive for excellence.

As a token of appreciation for his hard work and achievements, Melting Pot Pizza is providing Leo, along with other special student-athlete winners, with a gift card to celebrate their success. It’s a wonderful gesture that underscores the community support for our young athletes.

To learn more about Randolph-Macon Academy and the incredible journey of our athletes like Leo Burge, visit our website. Join us in applauding Leo for his outstanding accomplishments and for being an exemplary role model at R-MA!

In an exhilarating weekend for local swimming, Randolph-Macon Academy (R-MA) showcased their aquatic prowess in the GPAC Regular Season Championship, held in Fredericksburg. The boys’ team emerged victorious in all their matches, while the girls’ team had an impressive run, only falling to Fredericksburg Christian but triumphing over Fredericksburg Academy, Wakefield, and Highland. This outstanding performance has rightfully earned both teams the title of GPAC Regular Season Champions.

The event marked a significant milestone for the teams, with a collective achievement of 20 Personal Best times – a testament to their dedication and hard work. The boys’ team maintained an unbeatable streak with a 15-0 record, while the girls’ team stands strong at 13-2.

As R-MA gears up for the final regular season meet on January 27th, they will face formidable opponents, including Fredericksburg Academy, Richmond Christian, Wakefield, Highland, and Trinity Christian. This meet will serve as a prelude to the much-anticipated GPAC Championships scheduled for February 10th.

Individual Brilliance Lights Up the Pool

The meet witnessed some remarkable individual performances, with R-MA athletes shining in their respective events:

Boys’ Highlights:

• David Shen (’27) clinched 1st place in both the 500 Yard Freestyle and 100 Yard Breaststroke.
• Stanley Ma (’27) soared to 1st in the 100 Yard Butterfly and secured 2nd in the 50 Yard Freestyle.
• David Nelson (’24) performed admirably with a 2nd place in the 200 Yard IM and 3rd in the 100 Yard Butterfly.
• Leo Burge (’24) showed versatility, landing 2nd in the 100-yard Freestyle and 3rd in the 50-yard Freestyle.
• Other notable performances included Jonathan Gasaatura (’25), Ian Emiroglu (’24), and Tariq Vactor (’25), with their commendable placements.

Girls’ Highlights:

• Iman Vactor (’25) impressed with a 2nd place finish in the 100 Yard Breaststroke.
• Addy Souza (’25) and Renae Omondi (’26) each earned 3rd place in the 500 Yard Freestyle and 100 Yard Backstroke, respectively.

Relay Teams Showcase Strength and Coordination

In the relay events, R-MA’s teams demonstrated excellent teamwork and coordination:

• The Boys’ 200 Yard Medley Relay team, comprising David Nelson, Leo Burge, David Shen, and Stanley Ma, secured a strong 2nd place.
• The same quartet also achieved 2nd in the 200 Yard Freestyle Relay.
• The 400 Yard Freestyle Relay team, featuring Ian Emiroglu, Daniel Augustus, Jomi Ogunbiyi, and Nathaniel Greene, rounded off the victories with a 3rd place finish.

With these stellar performances, R-MA has not only showcased their athletic talent but also their spirit of determination and teamwork. As they prepare for their upcoming challenges, the excitement and anticipation for what they will achieve next continues to build.

The Randolph-Macon Academy (R-MA) swim team delivered a spectacular performance in their recent meet in Fredericksburg, VA. Both the boy’s and girls’ teams swept the competition, showcasing their athletic prowess. The boys’ team now boasts an unbeaten season record of 11-0, while the girls’ team stands strong with a 10-1 record.

A major highlight of the meet was the qualification of a new state relay team. Muna Nwugo, Stanley Ma, David Shen, and Leo Burge triumphed in the 400 Free Relay, marking the third relay team from R-MA to qualify for the state championships. They join the ranks of earlier qualifiers in the 200 Medley Relay and the 200 Free Relay.

The dual meet against Fredericksburg Academy, Wakefield, and Highland on January 13, 2024, featured several individual event highlights. Stanley Ma ’27 clinched first place in the 100 Yard Butterfly and second in the 50 Yard Freestyle. His teammates, including David Shen ’27, Leo Burge ’24, and Tariq Vactor ’25, also secured top positions in various events.

The girls’ team equally shined, with Iman Vactor ’25 and Kamila Yusupova ’24 winning first places in the 200 Yard Freestyle and 500 Yard Freestyle, respectively. Other team members like Cadey Peterson ’28 and Renae Omondi ’26 also contributed significantly to the team’s success.

In relay events, both boy’s and girls’ teams demonstrated exceptional teamwork and skill. The boys’ 400 Yard Freestyle Relay team not only won first place but also achieved a state-qualifying time. The girls’ teams put up strong performances in the 400 Yard Freestyle Relay and 200 Yard Medley Relay.

The R-MA swim team is set to compete again next weekend in Fredericksburg, facing teams from Wakefield, Highland, Fredericksburg Academy, and Richmond Christian. With high hopes, the team anticipates more of its top individual swimmers qualifying for the state championships.

The R-MA community and fans are buzzing with excitement, rallying behind their motto: “Go Jackets!”

Celebrating a local Warren County family and cadet! We’re thrilled to announce this week’s Athlete of the Week, none other than the incredible Michael Jr. DeMato! Michael attended Mountain Laurel Montessori school during his younger days. Mom, Meg DeMato is currently a Middle School Teacher & Co-Director at Mountain Laurel Montessori, and dad, Michael DeMato is the R-MA Music Director. At just the second match of his high school career, Michael showcased his remarkable talent by becoming the leading runner for the Men’s Cross Country team!

In a thrilling performance, Michael and his teammates pushed their limits and helped secure a fantastic second-place finish at the GPAC meet in Charlottesville! Michael, your dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship are truly commendable. Keep reaching for the stars and inspiring us all!

Learn more about Randolph-Macon Academy: www.rma.edu

This week, we proudly honor our Athlete of the Week, who happens to be a remarkable member of our Women’s Cross Country team. Ruth Teferi, a standout runner, played a pivotal role in securing a first-place victory for the Girl’s Cross Country team at the first GPAC meet of the season. This achievement marked a significant milestone for Ruth as she placed 3rd overall, her personal best in GPAC standings.

Ruth’s outstanding performance mirrors the team’s exceptional track record from last season, and they’ve kicked off this year with even greater momentum and determination.

Learn more about Randolph-Macon Academy: www.rma.edu

In the world of sports, there are athletes who stand out not just for their skill, but for their sheer determination and ability to adapt. This week, we shine a spotlight on Chidera George, a rising star on the R-MA Varsity Soccer Team, who has left a mark on the field.

Chidera George, known for his basketball skills, took a leap of faith by joining the R-MA Varsity Soccer Team. While he had dabbled in soccer during his youth, questions emerged about his transition. Would his readiness on the basketball court transfer to soccer? Could he regain the touch and match the game’s speed? Was his body prepared for the physical demands of soccer? And perhaps most importantly, did they even make size 16 soccer cleats? All these questions are answered with an emphatic “YES!” His remarkable journey from basketball to soccer has been nothing short of inspiring.

Chidera George is not just a player, he’s a leader on the field. This season, he has become the top goal scorer for the R-MA Varsity Soccer Team. He approaches every match with a burning passion for competition, and his athleticism and grit consistently produce high-quality results.

Chidera George, you are a winner in every sense of the word. Your coaches and teammates are not only proud of your achievements but also inspired by your journey. Take a moment to reflect and revel in your contributions to R-MA. You have shown us that with dedication, perseverance, and an unyielding spirit, any challenge can be conquered.

Find out more about the R-MA difference! Visit us out at www.RMA.edu.