Who are the Mighty Lights? Their story begins in the spring of 1987. The Washington-Lee Varsity Lightweight Crew, entirely composed of graduating seniors, was having a rocky year. While at the same time, the Frosh 8 was enjoying unpresedented success. The Lightweights ended the season drearily, while the Freshman became the first Frosh crew to bring home gold from the prestigous NOVAs. The were: B. Brian Burns*, 2. Chris Dailey, 3. Rick Schall*, 4. Patrick Breagy, 5. Chris Gilroy, 6. Jai Mitchell*, 7. Chris Velo*, S. Rick Hardy*, C. Jeff Lucier

Our story continues in 1988, when these freshman return, most of them form the core of the Lightweigt 8. It is a dark year for the Lightweights, they have confidence, but still lack experience. The regular season Lights were (I think): B Rick Schall*, 2. Steve Wells, 3. Brian Burns*, 4.Patrick Breagy, 5. Jai Mitchell*, 6. Rick Hardy*, 7. Chris Velo*, S. Alex Lyman, C. Davis Colwell. These eight did not compete past NOVAs. A light weight 4 was made which took silver at Stotes and bronze at Nationals.

In 1989, the Lights were now mostly Juniors. Despite their increasing experience, the Lights consistantly took third to TC Williams--in their black shirts and carbon fiber boat--and Woodbridge. The Lights began wearing white shirts and became the Mighty Lights.

At Nationals, they were having one of there closest races ever--within half a boat of both TC and St. Joe's-- when the Anne T. Murray, crewed by St Joe's, crossed into the Mighty Lights' lane. Their fearless coxwain over compensated and the Mighty Lights locked oars with TC.

The Anne T. Murray crossed the line first and the Mighty Lights limped acrossed the line.

To be continued...