Local sports fans can now grapple with the cards with the opening of Prince William County’s 13th High School in August 2021.
Gainesville High School’s classrooms are ready for their first students, and the Cardinals’ sports facilities are ready for their first games, according to Jason Eldredge, director of student activities for the GHS.
“The facility Prince William is building for us is incredible,” said Eldredge.
He found that the school grounds are adjacent to the grounds of the Jiffy Lube Live concert hall.
“Our campus is literally returning to the stage,” he said.
Eldredge has a long history in high school sports in Northern Virginia. In 2009 and 2010 he coached the girls’ tire team at Freedom High School in South Riding for the state championships and then coached West Springfield football for nine years.
He was also assistant director of student activities at West Springfield and moved to Woodbridge High School to work as the AD of the Vikings for the 2019-2020 year.
When the opportunity arose to take a job just eight miles from where he and his wife raise their children, he took it.
“My children can go to school where I work. That was the big deal, ”said Eldredge.
As director of student activities, Eldredge is responsible for overseeing well over 22 sports. He manages all of the after-school programs and takes care of the logistics so that performing arts, clubs and organizations like robotics and dance can do their thing.
He’s also in charge of the leadership program and plans things from looking after the regulators to band training.
“I plan my marching band like my soccer team. These kids out there work hard, they have competitions, they also need space, ”he said.
But Eldredge is a former football coach, so he knew what to look for in the first Gainesville Cardinals leader.
Daniel Bruton becomes a football coach
The Cardinals, made up of a student body of just 1,300 and no seniors, will be fielding junior and freshman soccer teams in their first campaign.
The Cardinals will play established JV programs from Class 6A schools across the county.
Eldredge has hired veteran head coach Bruton to lead the Cardinals. Bruton led Forest Park for four seasons before heading Briar Woods for three seasons.
“Semi-young guy, 34, 35 years old, but has had experience since he led Briar Woods to a regional title appearance against Stone Bridge and had a good few years in Forest Park,” said Eldredge. “He has a little bit of everything.”
Eldredge said Bruton was the most formidable candidate for a panel of stakeholders including community members, teachers and administrators. “They liked him the most, so we went with him,” said Eldredge.
The cards open on August 13th in Brentsville in one scrimmage before naming their new stadium on August 20th against Hylton in another scrimmage.
The first regular season game is at home against Osbourn Park on September 1st, which is sure to be a historic moment.
Justin Powers is a boy tire trainer
When South County High School opened in 2005, Powers was the freshman basketball coach. In 2008 he moved to a college assistant position at Robinson before he took over the head job at Freedom-South Riding in 2013.
In 2019 he led the Eagles to the state championship game.
“His ability to program up to this point really speaks for his abilities,” said Eldredge of Powers. “He has 15 years of experience but is only in his thirties so he knows how to bring the work in.”
Dan Nemerow is a trainer for girls tires
Nemerow is a household name in the area for having directed the boys’ program at Patriot through the first six seasons. He also trained in Brentsville for a season.
“He brings dynamic skills to the position,” said Eldredge von Nemerow. “He knows how to start a program in a new school.”
Successful at GHS
Eldredge wants every member of the GHS programs to be successful – including the trainers.
“To win three national championships that I was lucky enough to be in is a priceless thing,” he said. “I also want to help adults achieve their goals and dreams.”
With the birth of the Cardinals, Eldredge expects to help create something that will become an institution within the Gainesville community.
“The chance to start something that potentially outlives you is priceless in this profession.”
Passion is a common theme in Eldredge’s career and a quality he seeks in his coaches.
“First and foremost, they have to show their passion for what they do,” he said. “I love all activities. If a group of children like to do something, I want to support it. It’s just a good thing all round. “
The Gainesville Cardinals’ first ever sporting event sees the golf team compete in a quad match on the Prince William Golf Course on August 4th.
The post 'Now the Gainesville High School Cardinals are starting ...' | Sports first appeared on Daily Florida Press.
from Daily Florida Press https://dailyfloridapress.com/now-the-gainesville-high-school-cardinals-are-starting-sports/
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