BRENDAN MANSINNE

By Nyomi Fox

For high school athletes, especially those at a school as large as Langley High School, securing a position on a varsity team as an upperclassman is an achievement worth celebrating. Then comes the merit-based battle to earn a position on the starting squad, which is a much smaller portion of the overall team. But senior Brendan Mansinne is an exception, starting as quarterback for the Langley High School football team for the past three years.

Starting on the varsity team, however, is not Brendan’s only accolade. He has earned First Team Liberty District Quarterback, Second Team All-Region Quarterback, and is a Washington

Post All-Met Honorable Mention Quarterback. For those more interested in the nitty-gritty statistics, he has 21 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 7 rushing touchdowns, and a passing completion of 70%.

His current achievements are the result of years and seasons of tireless effort. Brendan has been playing organized football since 3rd grade, back when physical size wasn’t as influential. In addition to playing for Langley High School, he also plays 7v7 for Northern Virginia Kings (Nova Kings). His coach remarked that Brendan’s off season dedication may be some of the best he’s seen in his entire career – which is over two decades long. When asked what he does outside of football, Brendan unintentionally corroborated his coach’s opinion, saying that he spends most of his time “working out, throwing, or studying film in order to put [himself] in the best position for the upcoming season.”

But Brendan doesn’t just play for the rewards. He plays hard for his teammates and coaches “who put so much time and energy into every season.” Out of respect for the effort of those around him, Brendan doesn’t want to let them down. Knowing that playing the game of football may not last him into retirement, Brendan wants to optimize the time he is allotted.

A player’s success doesn’t occur in a vacuum. Brendan acknowledges that the support of the Langley community has contributed to his own success on the field. Knowing that his neighbors and friends are cheering him on fills him with confidence on the field. After winning the District this year, he was honored to bring it back to Langley. To those who are a part of this supportive community, Brendan says, “Thank you for believing in me.”

All of his dedication to the sport has garnered the attention of college coaches. By this time next year, we will see this Langley alum playing on a college field.

By Gina Kovatch

Marriage is a challenge without the havoc of a move thrown into the mix, but somehow many people manage to move every year without getting a divorce. No matter how many times you’ve moved together it can add an unusual amount of tension to paradise because moving adds stress, chaos and lots of work to our already busy everyday lives. Moving poses unique challenges to us as individuals and as couples, but it can be a learning and growing process for everyone involved if we are open to the possibility of it being a positive experience. The following general advice is how you can make moving with a spouseless of a painful experience. We make no promises that there won’t be the occasional tiff or tears, but going in with some of this knowledge may help ward off some of the bad feelings.

1. Be Supportive

Sometimes when we move one spouse is thrilled while the other is hesitant to leave. Whether you are cheering or mourning the move, make sure to be understanding of the excitement or hesitation of your spouse.

2. Be Clear About Expectations

Make sure that you both understand how little or how much you expect each other to contribute to the move. Once you agree on the amount of work stick to this plan. Important note: do not bring up comparisons on contributions to the move in fights.

3. Plan the Move Together

Do you want movers? Storage? Green moving boxes or cardboard? Do you really want your mother-in-law to come over and help or you rather do it yourself? There are lots of logistics that need to be planned, and it is better if you do this part together. Spend time discussing exactly how you want to approach different aspects of the move, so that no one feels like they are left out of the planning process.

4. Communicate

I know couples get sick of hearing they need to communicate, but I’ll set it again anyways, take time to communicate about the move. This suggestion sums up the first three, so when in doubt spend time talking about all the different aspects of the move.

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