Varsity Boys Cross Country - "Thank you so much for coming today, and making this meet so special." Those were the parting words from the New Covenant Coach and Meet Director, who was very appreciative to have the three time defending state champions participating at New Covenant's home course. Tandem lived up to our reputation as champions - with sportsmanship and class - easily defeating North Cross, the Division II defending state Champion by 20 points - and then inviting them to cool down with us afterwards - a beautiful acknowledgement of our mutual respect for the sport. Checkout some video footage shared on Facebook from the race.
Today was the first time Tandem has competed at New Covenant - and the Badgers delivered on a tough course. The race consisted of three laps in the woods, full of rocks and roots and a few tough hills. While the footing was occasionally uneven, the team was up to the task - and enjoyed the beautiful woods and the challenging competition. It was a great opportunity for a tune up prior to state championships in two weeks!
It is absolutely remarkable to say that for the sixth time in seven races, Hayes broke the tape first, taking gold in a time of 16:08! Whether we're at big time invitationals, the Ragged Mountain Cup or mid-week meets against the DII defending champion, it's always Hayes. Additionally, his time was 34 seconds faster than last week - and he was all alone for the entire race.
Varsity Boys Soccer - Beginning on the literal first day of school, it has been an incredible journey for the 2026 Boys Varsity Soccer team. Led by five talented seniors, the Badgers opened the action on the road at Grace Christian Staunton back on August 18. When it was time for their first contest at home, the Badgers lit up the scoreboard against United Christian Academy, dazzling the crowd with an 8-2 victory! Levi and Van both tallied tough goals on the road at Grace Christian Mechanicsville, giving the Badgers an impressive win on the road. Then, following our overnight trips, the team defeated Cristo Rey 5-1 back at Tandem.
The team has survived a wild heatwave that cancelled a stretch of the season in September, and a surprise thunderstorm that cancelled their game on the road at Wakefield Country Day only a few minutes into the action. Having overcome lots of adversity early in the season, the team was ready for a big challenge: #4 Eastern Mennonite on the road followed by #8 Fishburne at home. When the team got home from Eastern Mennonite, Ruthie was the first to discuss how proud she was for the way the Badgers played on the road yesterday, and Sarah talked about how impressed the EMS parents were with the goal-keeping efforts of Levie, who had a number of incredible saves.
The Varsity Cross Country team hosted a final 'home' meet, the Tandem Invitational, at Darden Towe on Tuesday, October 20 (see details in last week's Friday Letter - boys team won, girls team placed 2nd). After the races, the team, their families and fans gathered to honor the seniors on the team - nine of them! Coach Jason Farr spoke about the team with great devotion and humor and each player received a handmade poster signed by their fellow players. Senior runners honored, with a combined 58 years at Tandem, were: Victoria D, Lucy L, Hayes B, Miles G, Jack J, Zeke L, Peter W, Alexander K, and Jude G. Family photos were taken and runners will be honored individually at the annual Cross Country celebration, this year on November 16. Congratulations to this terrific group of Tandem student athletes - they have won countless state, conference and individual titles.
After their final game against Fishburne Academy on October 23 during our Tandem Day Community Picnic (game details shared below), our Varsity Boys Soccer team took time to recognize their senior players. Senior players honored, with a combined 26 years in Tandem's classrooms and fields, were: Seamus B, Van W, Shaan M, Seth R and Otis H. Coach Nemanja Cetic spoke warmly about each player, then two of the younger players spoke to their graduating teammates as well. Each player had a poster made for them with their jersey number and name on it. Family photos ended the evening and the season for these five terrific Badger players. Congratulations and thanks for your hard work and dedication! Click on the headline for more photos.
Middle School Volleyball - A huge thank you to Kimberly Sheffield for organizing our “Pack the Gym in Pink” night! It was wonderful to see all of the families and friends in pink, and the players wearing bows in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Badgers played at a high level from the very beginning, with Olivia at the service line. Annie impressed us all with her accurate passing, finding her teammates easily no matter how hard the ball was hit. The first set featured massive hits from Rory, who also smashed five consecutive jump serves to give Tandem an early lead. Isla was effective at the net, getting great sets from Willa, while Dania's passing was on point. It was Hattie whose beautiful free ball kill and serving closed out the set, and the Badgers won the first stanza 25-19.
Lucy started the second set in the middle, and she was everywhere. Dania had an excellent pass, and Vex and Livia each kept rallies alive. The Badgers energy was on point this afternoon, and as new players entered during the second set, the team continued their success. Kenley, Maddie and Juno both played the front row, while Pearl and Teagan set up in the back. Waldorf took the second set 25-22, and there were lots of exciting rallies. That set up quite the tie-breaker!