BY TAFT COGHILL JR.
Saint Michael the Archangel High School has quietly competed in athletics the past three years.
The Fredericksburg private school played as an Independent while it was part of the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association.
That will change this upcoming school year.
The Warriors have accepted an invitation to the Delaney Athletic Conference.
They'll be the 12th program to join the DAC, which also includes Fredericksburg Academy, Fredericksburg Christian School and Quantico.
"We're very excited," Warriors athletic director Roy Delaney said. "This is an additional step in our growth process."
Saint Michael the Archangel had 54 students last school year, but is expected to have more than 70 in 2010-11, Delaney said.
The Warriors will participate in cross country, volleyball, boys basketball, girls basketball, cheerleading, golf and girls soccer.
The first year, they'll be a provisional member of the DAC, but will have all the advantages of full membership. They have to be approved by the other schools for permanent membership at the end of the school year.
Delaney said the Warriors had other conference options, but chose the DAC because of the proximity of its schools and the sportsmanship its programs display.
The Warriors faced several DAC schools when they were an Independent.
"It was always positive," Delaney said. "It was a good, friendly experience."
CYCLONE PICKS RADFORD
Eastern View rising senior Josh Gardiner has committed to play baseball for Radford, Cyclones coach Daniel Nobbs said.
Last season, the infielder hit .470 with five home runs, 24 RBIs and 16 stolen bases. He was a first-team Group AA all-state and first-team All-Area selection.
"Radford's getting a gem," Nobbs said. "When he's on the field, he makes things happen."
Nobbs said Gardiner, who also pitches for the Cyclones, is expected to play second base or shortstop for Radford.
Nobbs said that Gardiner also received interest from Mississippi, North Carolina-Wilmington, Old Dominion and James Madison.
SCOTT'S CHOICE UPCOMING
Colonial Forge rising senior football standout Tim Scott will announce his college decision on Saturday.
Scott, a cornerback and wide receiver, has several scholarship offers, but he's expected to choose among West Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland and Tennessee.
Scott's teammate, Eric Frohnapfel, orally committed to West Virginia last week.
BLACK NAMED LEGION MVP
Former Colonial Forge pitcher Jake Black was named the most valuable player for the Stafford Post 290 Nationals after he led his team to a 4-1 victory over Winchester last week in American Legion action.
Black will play for Mary Washington next season.
Taft Coghill Jr.: 540/374-5526
Email: tcoghill@freelancestar.com