By Patrick Rita

Sentry Staff Reporter

It all started back in 2004, when Alex Ovechkin was selected first overall by the Washington Capitals.  General Manager at the time George Mcphee had no idea that this left wing from Russia was going to turn the Washington Capitals from a laughing stock to a playoff contender in only a matter of years.

Then, in 2009, this city felt a similar excitement when the Washington Nationals selected pitcher Stephen Strasburg with the number one overall pick in the draft.  Considered “the most hyped pick in draft history,” Strasburg fanned 14 batters in his electrifying debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates.  The next year, the Washington Nationals once again had the first pick in the draft and took Bryce Harper, a teenager with Hall of Fame potential.

The Washington Wizards jumped on the bandwagon when they selected John Wall out of Kentucky, a speedy point guard who could frighten defenses.

Redskins General Manager Dan Snyder also caught on to the Washington sports trend and selected quarterback Robert Griffin III.

Finally, the pieces had been put in place for a sports dynasty in our nation’s capital to be built.  Although it took a few years, this city is finally starting to realize what it feels like to cheer on professional sports teams in the postseason.  The Nationals achieved the best record in baseball last year with 98 wins and clinched their first playoff berth since the team returned to Washington in 2005.  Last fall, Griffin III danced around defenders whilst leading Washington to its first playoff experience since 2007.  The Capitals were red hot this last month and have once again found themselves in the playoffs.  Unfortunately, the Wizards failed to make the postseason for a sixth consecutive year but since John Wall returned to the lineup from a knee injury, they went on a 24-15 run to end the season and somehow managed their way into playoff contention.

All of this excitement around the new sports teams is great fun to be a part of, not only in and around the city, but in school as well.

Junior Grace Woodward, a partial season ticket holder for the Washington Nationals, says,

“It was great seeing people in their Nationals stuff at school and people were definitely talking about the payoffs last year which was super exciting! People were excited that a D.C. sport was successful.”

Woodward also agrees that the youth of all the Washington sports teams has contributed to their success, and as long as their prospects keep doing well in the Minor Leagues, the Nationals will keep getting better and better.  Lifelong Capitals fan and AP Environmental Science teacher Michael Zito credits the Capital’s success to their ability to improve rapidly throughout this lockout-shortened season.

“They have their third coach in under two years and since becoming adjusted to that, they are finding out how to play quality defense and still have high-powered offense,” he says.

Zito, like Woodward, is also season ticket holder who is in attendance at every home Capitals game.

“Next year, when they have a full training camp under head coach Adam Oates, and with everyone getting healthy, they should be really strong coming out of the gate next year.  I am really excited about that,” says Zito.

Zito’s classroom is decorated with all sorts of Washington Capitals towels, posters and apparel and he has been watching closely as the Capitals have made an incredible late-season push towards the playoffs.

Besides their success, a major reason that these teams are so appealing to watch is because the superstars on each team have such wild, yet exciting and funny personalities.  For example, Bryce Harper sported a mohawk hairstyle for the majority of last season.  Also, John Wall has not only a song, but a corresponding dance named after him.  Griffin III, nicknamed “RG3” wears outlandish socks under his game socks for every game he plays.  Even though each one of these athletes carries the weight of the entire city on their backs, they still manage to be the 20 year old kids that they are.

Many students have looked up to these players, for their outgoing behaviors.  The RG3 jersey was one of the highest selling last year, higher than future Hall of Famer Tom Brady.  Now the fans have not only a team to cheer on, but a likeable face of the franchise that everyone can look up to.

Woodward can attest to how these athletes are looked upon as heroes for vastly improving their respective teams.  Also, the leadership of these young players and the their vibe around the locker room has made them spectacular to watch.

“I love how a guy will make a great play or has a great hit and then the team just carries that momentum. It’s so exciting to watch. I also like to follow specific players because it’s interesting to watch how they make adjustments during the season,” said Woodward.

There is no doubt that a new chapter has begun in Washington D.C.  Thanks to many successful draft picks, a sports dynasty has begun and it is giving the city, and the school, something to cheer about.