Bits & Pieces: TriColumbia and school system partnership a win for students

When I first heard about a partnership between TriColumbia, the organization that puts on many of our triathlons, and the Howard County School System, I was somewhat surprised. After all, partnerships to me mean an even split between the two parties.

Here, I initially felt that TriColumbia was the big winner getting a program in the school curriculum and setting up a feeder system for its future. The partnership signed Sept. 28 at Wilde Lake Middle School seemed to me to put the school system on the short end of the deal.

That was my feeling until I had a chance to talk to Jackie French, the school system's instructional facilitator for physical education. Within a space of five minutes or so, she energetically provided a good half-dozen reasons why the school system is also a winner in this partnership. "The partnership provides an opportunity for our students to explore something new," Jackie said.

A pilot program is being developed for fourth-grade students at Hammond and Talbott Springs elementary schools, sixth-grade students at Burleigh Manor and Wilde Lake middle schools and freshmen at Glenelg and Long Reach high schools.

So now I see the partnership as a win-win situation for both parties. TriColumbia is providing 20 bikes for each school level. Students will get training in biking and running as part of their physical education curriculum. Ways are being sought to work on swimming, as well. Right now it would be without the use of pools.

These are building blocks that young students can continue to develop in later years, so don't expect to see any triathlons at those schools though.

What I particularly sold me on this partnership as far as the school system is concerned was Jackie French's use of the term "opportunity." I am for any program that provides opportunity for our students, regardless of size and ability.

McAuliffe is still scoring

Glenelg Country School graduate Claire McAuliffe was named Centennial Conference Offensive Player of the Week. Claire, a freshman, is a starting forward for Washington College field hockey team. Her eight goals ties her for team high for the Shorewomen.

At Glenelg Country, Claire was a two-time Interscholastic Athletic Association B Conference All Star, All County and All Metro selection. She set a school record for goals in a season with 19 in 2009 and tied her own mark in 2010.

Gators host top volleyball field

For years, Howard County volleyball teams wanting to face the toughest competition in the state — public or private — had to undertake a 150-mile, three-hour round trip to North Caroline High School and back.

But now, we are lucky to have our own elite volleyball tournament right here in our own backyard. On Saturday, Oct. 22, Reservoir will host the second annual Gator Invitational.

In addition to three of Howard County's best teams — River Hill, Centennial and Reservoir — many of the best teams from around Maryland will be in attendance, including seven of the top 11 teams in the Baltimore Sun poll: No. 3 Towson (defending 3A state champ), No. 4 Broadneck, No. 5 River Hill, No. 8 Mount de Sales (defending IAAM A Conference champ), No. 9 Reservoir, No. 10 Severna Park and No. 11 St. Paul School. Good Counsel, the defending Maryland/DC Private Schools state champ, and 2009 Class 3A champion Northern High School, from Calvert County, round out the pool.

River Hill won last year's inaugural tournament.

Admission is $5 for adults and the action starts at 9 a.m.