Winter sports at Madison are in full swing, and teams are working hard to attain impressive records and prepare for the postseason.

Overall, boys basketball got off to

a strong start. After their first three region games, they had a solid regional record of 3-0, achieving victories over Chantilly, Centreville and Oakton. The middle of their season was marked by a team trip to South Carolina, which provided for a chance to face challenging opponents and bond as a group.

“The entire trip to Hilton Head has been the highlight of the season for me,” Sumay Frueh (’24) said. “It was just fun hanging out with the team for a few days.” The team has encountered many sequential region games, and these matchups have helped prepare them for the type of competition they will meet in the postseason. “Everyone on the team is confident in how we play together and believe we can make a nice run into the playoffs this year,” Freuh said.

Swim and dive has also had a successful season so far.

“The team’s been working really hard to prepare for the postseason and we’re all really excited,” Adira Asner (‘24) said.

In districts, girls swim took third place while the boys earned sixth. Many individual swimmers had impressive showings with Kevin Rice placing first in Boys 100 Breaststroke and second in Boys 200 IM. Anabel Huffstutler came in second in the Girls 500 freestyle, while Sophia Brown won the girls 200 IM. In addition, Charlotte Dixon came first in the 200 girls freestyle. Freshman Marleigh DaSilva won diving districts. States will be Feb 17 and 18.

The wrestling team started off their season with a trip to Florida where they went undefeated, winning all seven duals.

“Our trip to Orlando had definitely been the highlight of our season,” Eli Novario (‘23) said. “Not only did we visit Universal, chill in the water park and eat a bunch of food, we also ended up bringing back some hardware.”

After coming back, they had their first district match, winning 63 -16 against South Lakes, followed by another win against Centerville. On Jan 19, they had their senior night against Chantilly where they won 44 – 27. They finished their district matches with a dual against Oakton, getting ready for the post season tournaments.

“I’m super excited to compete with the boys this off-season, if we keep the aggression we’ve had on the mat I think we’ve got a great chance to make things happen,” Novario said.

Indoor track and field started off with a meet facing multiple schools at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Throughout the season, the athletes have worked very hard and some will be competing in postseason tournaments, including the district tournament, which will be held in Maryland. If they make it to states, they will compete in Virginia Beach.

“I’ve been working very hard in pole vault since I was a freshman and I certainly owe my growth to Coach Elyas, Coach Keys and Coach Chase,” Hannah Petersen (’23) said. “Right now, I’ve got a chance at breaking the school record of 9’4” with my PR of 9’3”. I’m really humbled and grateful I get to chase after a goal like this and I hope I give it my best shot in the postseason.”

In keeping with recent years, girls basketball has put forward an impressive showing. They created momentum early, gaining victories over Marshall, Langley, McLean and Herndon in their first four games. However, the season hasn’t been without its obstacles.

“The biggest challenge has been building chemistry,” Kayla Dixon (’23) said. “Last year we graduated eight seniors so it’s been hard for everyone to find their role on the team.” However, the group has done an impressive job retaining a winning record despite the loss of vital players, and are looking strong as they head into the postseason. “The team is ready to face any challenges thrown at us,” Dixon said.

So far, each team has showcased impressive talent and ability, and more can be expected as the postseason continues.