Leaders of the Pack

By Shane Mettlen

Published: November 11, 2008

As the longtime field hockey coach at Culpeper County High School, Peggy Allen made producing all-region and even all-state players an annual routine. But when she took over the program at the new Eastern View High, such honors hardly seemed automatic.

But despite joining one of the toughest districts in the state — and an even tougher region — the Cyclones placed four players on the All-Region I teams. Senior midfielder Courtney Owens was the lone EVHS player to make the first team and juniors Jackie Bedsaul and Morgan Martin each made second team with senior Gracie Gilmore earning honorable mention.

Owens became the first Eastern View player in any sport to make first-team all-region after leading the Cyclones to a second-place finish in the Battlefield District and an appearance in the Region I playoffs. Owens was one of seven Battlefield District players to make the first team.

“That’s such a tribute to her because of teams like Tabb, Grafton, Chancellor and (James Monroe) in the region,” Allen said. “It’s the toughest region in the state as far as AA is concerned. I was very impressed by the teams in our region.”

Owens was a second-team All-Northwest Region choice at Culpeper last year and was happy to find out she did even better this season.

“I was very excited because it’s such an honor,” she said. “I only got second-team last year so I think it showed that I’ve improved and hard work in the offseason has paid off.”

Bedsaul made the second team as a midfielder, and Martin a defender. Gilmore was also a defender and Allen said their selections were a reflection on how well the Eastern View defense played all season.

“I’m really thrilled for Jackie and Morgan,” she said. “They are juniors and the coaches saw what excellent players they were and how they fought. Morgan and that defense is what kept us in those games to the very end and Jackie and Courtney would often swing back and help the defensive unit. Gracie made honorable mention, which I thought was cool because most people remember her for her hits, but she was very good in transition.”

Now the Cyclones are hoping to start a tradition of placing players on the postseason teams at Eastern View.

“They are setting a standard,” Allen said. “They were the first team to go to regionals at this school. They set a standard for other kids getting ready to play basketball and lacrosse and other sports. Jackie and Morgan are going to be around next year and they are very good role models for the kids coming up.”

Shane Mettlen can be reached at 825-0771, ext. 127 or .