The Bishop O'Connell girls’ cross country team is enjoying an outstanding season. The Lady Knights, coached by Nicky Fernandez (fourth season), is led by the sibling duo of Christine and Katie Walls.

The senior and freshman were living in Oklahoma as recently as August 2004. Coach Fernandez received an early Christmas present when the two relocated to the Northern Virginia suburbs 10 weeks ago.

The elder Walls has been O’Connell’s top finisher in every race this season. Her younger sister has finished second in every race.

A few of the Walls’ highlights include a top-15 finish for Christine at the Mount St. Mary's meet. The elder Walls also turned in a personal best time of 20:07 at the Battle of Bull Run Invitational.

"Christine has tons of potential," said Fernandez. The senior also churned out a very respectable 20:53 at the Georgetown Prep Invitational, which was good for 44th place overall (out of nearly 200 runners).

"It wasn't my best time of the year, but the Lake Fairfax Invitational was a lot of fun back in September. It was rainy and very competitive that day," said Christine Walls.

At the same "GPI", Katie Walls cranked out a 21:05, good for 53rd place overall.

The younger Walls best time of the season was a 20:49 at the Battle of Bull Run.

"Katie is also an excellent runner. Both she and her sister are leaders and have both made steady progress throughout the entire season," said the 25-year-old head coach.

Also stepping up for the Lady Knights this season is senior Marie Mimiaga, junior Julia Terrell, sophomore Alex Breiner and freshman Karen Nirschl.

"Marie is an excellent leader," said Fernandez. "She has recently recovered from the flu. Not only is she focused on running, but she is also very involved in a number of student activities."

Last season, Mimiaga was the top student assistant for head basketball coach Joe Wootten's championship team. Mimiaga also is involved in student government. Mimiaga had a good run at the recent Georgetown Prep Invitational. "I was healthy and positive at the GPI," she said. "My times have been getting better with each race."

Terrell, only a junior, has turned in a number of third place finishes this season for the Knights.

Her personal best time all season was a 21:22 at Bull Run. "I trained real hard for that race," she said.

"Julia also stepped up at our race in Mercersburg, Pa. She ran it real aggressively," said Fernandez.

Breiner, only a sophomore, has also run well this season. "Alex also ran well at Mercersburg and she has been pressing Julia all season," said Fernandez.

Nirschl, only a freshman, has three plus varsity seasons remaining for the Lady Knights. "Karen is very mature and focused for a freshman," said the coach. "The girls have all clicked this season. The chemistry on this team is very good." The Knights are likely to give Good Counsel, Ireton and Paul VI a serious run for their money in the upcoming WCAC Cross Country Championships Nov. 13.

’Three Marks’ Lead Boys’ Squad

The Knights’ men’s team is also enjoying an outstanding season. O'Connell, coached by Mike Hardy, is led by the "three Marks." The "Royal Blue and Silver" may be the only high school cross country team in America where the top three runners are all named Mark. Senior Mark DeWine and juniors Mark Tynan and Mark Petroski have spearheaded the Knights all season long.

DeWine, who finished second in the WCAC outdoor 3200 championships last spring, has been the Knights’ top finisher in all but one race this season.

At the Georgetown Prep Invitational, the senior placed 22nd overall (out of 202 runners) with a blazing fast time of 16:59.

"I really enjoyed that race. It was a hilly course," said DeWine. The senior also recorded an impressive 16:58 at Bull Run.

"Both my discipline and my endurance have probably been the strongest part of my game," he said.

"Mark’s maturity and leadership has really stepped up this season. He puts in more time running than any of our other guys," said Hardy.

Tynan edged out DeWine at the Bull Run with a strong 16:57. "That was the best time that any of our runners have recorded this season," said Hardy.

"The key to that race was staying consistent," said Tynan. "The first mile is downhill. The second mile is pretty flat. The third mile is definitely uphill. Running cross country is pretty much exhausting to every part of the body and not just to the lungs and legs."

Petroski turned in a 17:39 at the recent Glory Days Invitational. "I ran it smart and I had good position around all of the turns," he said.

Also stepping up for the Knights this season are senior Bobby Bouchoux, sophomore Drew Carpenter, sophomore Bryan Gunst and freshman Eric Kurtzke.

"Bobby is one of our captains, along with DeWine. He has put in a lot of time and he has had a good season," said Hardy. "Both Drew and Bryan have also had a good season."

"I wasn't expecting to make varsity this season, but as time went on I started to get better," said Kurtzke

"Eric has run an 18:39. That is faster than Mark DeWine ran as a freshman three years ago," said Hardy.

"We're peaking for the WCAC meet (Nov. 13). This season, we've had the best balanced training schedule since I have been here. We've got a deep team. The key for the future is for our guys to train year round. I try to instill in the guys the idea of running with a sense of gratitude and running with a sense of faith," said Hardy.

O’Connell Volleyball Ready for WCAC Tournament

The Bishop O'Connell volleyball team weighs in with an overall record of 11-10, including 6-7 in the challenging WCAC. The Knights, coached by Mike Barnett, have defeated McNamara and St. Mary's Ryken twice each, as well as Ireton and Carroll.

Outside of the competitive conference, O'Connell has knocked off Georgetown Day (twice), Georgetown Visitation and Model and Holton Arms.

"Our strengths this season have been our defense and our aggressive hitting," said Barnett.

Eight players share the six starting positions: senior setter co-captain Sarah

Gardner, senior outside hitter co-captain Tara Anderson, senior setter Sarah McAlum, senior defensive specialist Alyssa Aquino, junior outside hitter Gemma Donovan, junior middle blocker Kelly Hogan, junior middle hitter Regina Duffy and sophomore "opposite" Jenn Katz.

"Sarah (Gardner) really improved last year and has been carrying it over to this season. She is one of the most dedicated players that I have ever had. She keeps her teammates fired up," said Barnett.

"Being the setter is kind of like being the quarterback of the team," said Gardner.

"Tara has a real good knowledge of the game and she has the ability to read the opponents. She knows where the holes are going to be and how to adjust both offensively and defensively," said Barnett.

Regarding his star junior Donovan, Barnett said, "Gemma has really played some incredible defense this season. She has also been hitting the ball very aggressively. When we get in trouble she is our go-to-player."

O’Connell traveled to Holy Cross for a WCAC quarterfinal matchup on Oct. 27.