Gunston’s Academic Team enjoyed their best-ever result at the Annual VCU Winter XV Academic Tournament, finishing 10-1, and losing in the championship game to Maggie Walker Governor’s School in Richmond. Gunston dominated the preliminary rounds, going 9-0 and winning the semifinal game against Norfolk Academic Guild by nearly 200 points.

The team was led by Senior Justin McCubbin, who scored 400 points across the 11 matches. The team maintained its balanced attack supported by Seniors Margaret Randolph with 250 points and Lily Brantner, who added 195 points. Tenth grader AJ Friedrich also turned in an impressive result with 290 points. 

Team coach Mr. Lewis noted, “As the season has progressed, it’s become clear that this team is special. We have three amazing seniors in Justin, Lily, and Margaret, whose commitment, discipline, and leadership has been extraordinary since their ninth grade year. In the pressure of tournament rounds they work well together, and they have complementary knowledge and skills. Meanwhile, AJ Friedrich is a rising star, and has a very bright future.”

With her performance, Margaret Randolph became only the 4th player in team history to exceed 2,000 points, and Justin McCubbin tied the team record for total overall tournaments, attending his 14th academic team contest during his Gunston career. The team has completed its schedule for 2024, but will be attending several additional tournaments in early 2025, in preparation for April’s NAQT Small School National Championships in Chicago, Illinois.