Robinson Secondary School

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Robinson Secondary School
Home of Champions We are Robinson

School type	public school
Established	1971
Principal	Dan Meier
Students	4,041 (2,811 in Grades 9-12)^{[citation needed]}
Athletic Conference	Concorde District Northern Region
Colors	Blue and gold ██
Mascot	Ram
Nickname	Rams
Rival School	Lake Braddock Secondary School
Location	5035 Sideburn Road Fairfax, VA 22032 United States
Website	http://www.fcps.edu/RobinsonSS

James W. Robinson, Jr. Secondary School, known as Robinsion Secondary School, opened in 1971, is the largest public school in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The main building itself is the largest public building in Fairfax County. It is located just south of the city of Fairfax, Virginia and George Mason University. The school is administered by the Fairfax County Public Schools. Robinson offers the International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs and currently enrolls over 4000 students in grades 7-12, about 700 per grade. The school colors are blue and gold and the school mascot is a ram.

[edit] History

Robinson Secondary School was named after Medal of Honor recipient James William Robinson, Jr., a native of Illinois and resident of Virginia. Sergeant Robinson initially served in the U.S. Marines, and after a stint in the private sector he re-enlisted, this time in the infantry of the U.S. Army. He was killed in Vietnam in April 1966 under heroic circumstances. Jim Robinson was 25 years old.

Robinson opened its doors in September 1971, taking its students from the overcrowded W.T. Woodson High School and the old Fairfax High School (current site of Paul VI High School), in the city of Fairfax. Robinson was the second of Fairfax County's large "superschools," or "Secondary Schools" which housed grades 7-12. Robinson's chief rival to the east, Lake Braddock, which opened in 1973, was the third of these schools from this era, the first of which was Hayfield, near Mount Vernon which opened in 1969. The most recent addition to the series of secondary schools is South County in Lorton, which opened in 2005, taking its students from former Hayfield territory.

[edit] Demographics

In 2005-2006, Robinson's student body was 68% White; 6% Black; 9% Hispanic; and 17% Asian. Robinson's students are drawn primarily from King's Park West and other subdivisions between Fairfax and Fairfax Station, including Oak Walk, Country Club View, and Middleridge. Robinson is in the northeast corner of its territory.

[edit] Administration

Robinson Secondary School, the largest school in the Commonwealth of Virginia, includes a middle school (grades 7-8) and a high school (grades 9-12). Each grade is operated as a sub school, with its own administration. Dan Meier is the Principal of Robinson Secondary with Richard Mondloch as his Assistant Principal. Meier came to Robinson from Rocky Run Middle School where he was also head principal before which he was at Chantilly High School where he was a teacher and head football coach, winning a AAA Division 6 title in 1996 with the Chargers as well as two more state championships with West Potomac.

Because of its immense size, Robinson Secondary is organized into one sub school for each grade. When the school opened, each sub school included two grades, with half the alphabet, and were numbered 1-6 (e.g. Sub School 1 was grades 7-8, last names A-K; Sub School 2 was grades 7-8, last names L-Z, etc.)

[edit] Layout

Although it has nine acres of roof, the school's layout is relatively simple, as are most Fairfax County Schools. It consists of a main hallway that runs east-west and is over 600 feet (183 m) long, with three primary wings that extend to the north. Each wing has two floors, with each floor housing one of the six grades (each a "sub school" with about 700 students). Each sub school contains a locker area and administrative offices in the front, with the academic areas to the north. Across the main hallway at the east end (across from grades 7-8), is another extensive two floored wing. This houses industrial arts, art, home economics, business, and foreign languages. Also along the main hallway are the two smaller hallways, Academic Hallway and High School Hallway that run perpendicular to the south of the main hallway, with classrooms and two large cafeterias on either side, which is directly south of grades 9-10. Music rooms are south of the cafeterias. Further west down the main hallway are the main administrative offices, across from grades 11-12. At the west end of the main hallway, to the south, is the large gymnasium, the Harry M. Smith Field House, which has more than enough bleacher capacity to seat the entire student body. Three of the four sets of bleachers have full basketball courts underneath, the fourth is large enough, but is used for storage. There is a wrestling room, locker rooms, two weight rooms (one for highschool, one for middle school) and many storage rooms. On the south side of the field house are the athletic and P.E. locker rooms and athletics offices. At the far west end of the main hallway is the octagonal Russell Theatre (formerly the "Little Theater", named for the school's second principal, Robert C. Russell), which hosts the numerous theatrical productions of Robinson's drama department as well as performances by the schools orchestras and bands. This northwest corner of the main hallway is the main entrance to the school. The outdoor athletic facilities are to the west.

[edit] International Baccalaureate Program

Robinson is host to the International Baccalaureate Program and graduates approximately 90 students a year as full Diploma candidates. Additionally, several hundred students participate in the program as Certificate candidates electing to take only a few IB classes. At the moment, Robinson boasts the largest IB program in the US.

[edit] Athletics

The mascot is a ram and the sports teams currently play in the AAA Concorde District and the AAA Northern Region of the Virginia High School League. VHSL organizes its member schools into 3 classifications based primarily on size and somewhat on location: A (smallest), AA, and AAA (largest). For Football only, each classification is broken into 2 divisions (Division 6 is for the largest schools).

[edit] Teams and AAA State Champions

Football
- Division 6 State Champions in 2001 and 1997. State runner-up in 2004 and 1988.
- Varsity, JV, and Freshmen teams.
Basketball
- Girls State Champions in 1996, 1995, 1990, 1981, 1980, and 1977. Girls state runner-up in 2000 and 1999. Boys state runner-up in 1987 and 1978.
- Varsity, JV, and Freshmen teams for both Boys and Girls.
Soccer
- Girls State Champions in 2002, 1996, 1994, and 1984. Girls state runner-up in 1999. Boys state runner-up 2000 and 1987.
- Varsity and JV teams for both Boys and Girls.
Baseball
- State Champions in 1980. State runner-up in 2003 and 1978.
- Varsity and JV teams for Boys only.
Softball
- State Champions in 1986.
- Varsity and JV teams for Girls only.
Tennis
- Boys State Champions in 2006. Boys state runner-up in 2001, 1983, and 1982. Girls state runner-up in 1981.
- Varsity only for both Boys and Girls.
Lacrosse
- Boys State Champions in 2006, 2002, 2001, 1998, 1996, 1994, 1993, and 1991. Girls State Champions in 2003, 1994, and 1993. Girls state runner-up in 2006.
- Varsity, JV, and Freshmen teams for Boys; Varsity and JV teams for Girls.
- Champions crowned prior to 2006, but not sponsored by VHSL until then.
Cross Country
- Girls State Champions in 2001 and 1991. Boys State Champions in 1999 and 1982. Girls state runner-up in 2000, 1996, 1990, and 1983. Boys state runner-up in 1990, 1989, and 1983.
- Varsity only for both Boys and Girls.
Indoor Track and Field
- Girls Indoor state runner-up in 1989.
- Varsity only for both Boys and Girls.
Outdoor Track and Field
- Girls Outdoor state runner-up in 1973.
- Varsity only for both Boys and Girls.
Swim & Dive
- Boys State Champions in 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003. Girls State Champions in 1994, 1993, 1992, and 1991.
- Varsity teams for both Boys and Girls.
- Champions crowned prior to 1997, but not sponsored by VHSL until then.
Wrestling
- State Champions in 1985, 1981, and 1980. State runner-up in 1987, 1984, 1975, and 1974.
- Varsity and JV teams.
Golf
- State runner-up in 1979.
- Varsity team.
Field Hockey
- Varsity and JV teams for Girls only.
Gymnastics
- Boys State Champions in 1999 and 1998. Girls State Champions in 1984. Boys state runner-up in 1982, 1974, and 1973.
- RSS currently only has a Varsity Girls team.
- VHSL did not sponsor Boys Gymnastics after the 1985 season. Champions were crowned after that point until the sport widely disbanded across the state in the early 2000's.
Cheerleading
- Varsity, JV, and Freshmen teams to coincide with Football and Basketball seasons.
Volleyball
- Varsity, JV, and Freshmen teams for Girls only.
- Boys team year-to-year if participation is sufficient. Officially a club team at RSS.
Ice Hockey
- Year-to-year team if participation is sufficient. Officially a club team at RSS and not sponsored by VHSL.
Crew
- Boys and Girls teams officially club teams at RSS and not sponsored by VHSL.
Rifle
- Smallbore and Air Rifle teams. Officially a club team at RSS and not sponsored by VHSL.
Fencing
- Officially a club team at RSS and not sponsored by VHSL.

[edit] Football

The Robinson Rams Varsity Football Team is one of the many popular sports teams at the school. The team plays at Coffey Stadium, and its helmet is currently similar to that of the NFL Rams of St. Louis. Given the team's popularity, long-time success, and sizable student body, the Rams regularly attract 7500 fans a game.

Robinson has appeared in the state championship game of Virginia's largest football classification (AAA Division 6) four times (1988, 1997, 2001, 2004); winning twice (1997, 2001). Robinson has won the Northern Region title six times: 1977, 1988, 1992, 1997, 2001, and 2004, and the district title (Northern ('72-'92), then Patriot ('93-'04)) in 1977, 1979, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005. Robinson was moved to the Concorde district in the fall of 2005.

In 2004, the Robinson Rams were undefeated through the regular season and three playoff games, but met another undefeated team, Landstown of Virginia Beach in the state finals in Richmond. Landstown won 47-20, and Robinson finished as state runner-up with a record of 13-1. Landstown featured stand out offensive and defensive player Percy Harvin who has since gone on to stardom at the University of Florida; winning the MVP of the 2006 SEC Championship game and 2006 SEC Freshman of the Year.

In 2005, the Rams went 9-1 during the regular season, but lost in the first round of the playoffs to new rival Westfield of Chantilly. In 2006, Robinson was 6-4, losing four very close games.

[edit] Head Coaches

The Robinson varsity football team has had just four head coaches in its history: Kurt Lindstrom (1972-74), Ed Henry (1975-82), Nick Hilgert (1983-96), and Mark Bendorf (1997-present).

Ed Henry, Robinson's second head coach, was the first to take the team to the postseason, in 1977 (state semifinals) and 1979. Henry was a head coach in Fairfax County for over 25 years (159-82-14, .651) and was inducted into the VHSL Hall of Fame in 1997. Before coming to Robinson in 1975, he led a strong program at Marshall (44-17-1, .718) for six seasons (and was portrayed in the 2000 movie Remember the Titans). Before Marshall, Ed Henry was the head coach at Annandale for 9 years (60-22-6, .716), winning a state championship in 1965. He departed Robinson after 8 seasons (43-35-5, .559) following the 1982 season to become an assistant coach at the University of Virginia.

Nick Hilgert and Mark Bendorf were former assistant coaches at Robinson, promoted from within. Hilgert, a former captain in the Marines (with two tours in Vietnam in the 1960s), was an assistant under Ed Henry for a decade at both Marshall and Robinson, initially coaching the defensive backs. He was at Robinson for a total of 21 seasons (1976-96), the final 14 years as head coach (101-52, .660). Nick Hilgert was the first head coach to take Robinson to the state finals in football (1988); he retired from teaching and coaching in the spring of 1997.

During Hilgert's tenure, Robinson produced its most famous player, running back Chris Warren (class of '85). Warren played for the NFL Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys in the 1990s. He rushed for over 7600 yards in the NFL, including 4 consecutive seasons over 1000 yards while with the Seahawks (1992-95). Chris Warren led the AFC in rushing in 1994 with 1545 yards in 333 attempts.

The current head coach, Mark Bendorf, was a former head coach at Chantilly before joining the Robinson staff as offensive coordinator under Hilgert. Bendorf was the first coach to lead the school to a state title in football, which he did in his first season of 1997, with a perfect 14-0 record. In total, he has led the team to three state title games, winning twice (1997 & 2001). Robinson's recent regular season records have been impressive, specifically in the 7 seasons of 1999-2005, when Robinson lost a total of 4 regular season games.

Through the 2006 season, Bendorf is 86-13 (.869) in the regular season (which includes a 5-5 season in 1998 and 6-4 record in 2006), and is 14-6 (.700) in the postseason for an overall record of 100-19 (.840).

[edit] Future Non-District Opponents

In 2007 and 2008, Robinson is scheduled to play Stone Bridge, the 2005 AAA Division 5 state runner-up, in a "home & home" series. This matchup will be one of the most anticipated in the Northern Region, pitting one of Fairfax County's top football programs against Loudoun County's top program.

[edit] Track & Field

1982 alumnus Robert Muzzio represented the United States in the decathlon at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. The men's outdoor track & field team won its most recent district and regional championships in 2006.

[edit] Cross Country

In addition to the state champion teams listed above, the teams also won regional championships in 1981, 1991, 1992, 2000, and 2002, and district titles in 1972, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1990, 1991, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2006.

[edit] Swim and Dive

The men's team has won five consecutive state championships from 2003-2007 and has been one of the dominant swim teams in the state of Virginia. The women's team has also done exceptionally well. The head coach is currently Rich Gordon.

[edit] Tennis

The Robinson Rams tennis team has been the dominant team in Virginia's Northern Region for an extended time. The Rams have won district titles in 13 of the last 14 years, and have won more than 15 total. The tennis team has amassed more than 7 regional titles, and in 2006 was the state champion (the first from the Northern Region since 1994 and the first in school history). The tennis team has had a winning percentage of over .800 in its last 10 seasons. In February, 2007, the coach of both the Boys' and Girls' Team, Paul Fisher, was awarded the title National High School Tennis Coach of the Year by the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR).

[edit] Lacrosse

Even though lacrosse is a relatively new interscholastic sport, the Robinson lacrosse team has participated in numerous state championships over the years, winning eight of them. In 2006 the varsity team won the first official lacrosse state championship. The team won unofficial state championships in 2002, 2001, 1998, 1996, 1994, 1993 and 1991. The team won the Northern Regional Championship in 2002, 2001, 1998, 1996, 1994, 1993 and 1991 and district titles in 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1998, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992 and 1991. Since the inception of varsity status in 1991 the boys have a team record of 214 wins, 49 losses and 1 tie.

[edit] Arts

[edit] Robinson Band Program

The James W. Robinson Band program is a highly successful music program that values growth in musicianship, leadership, and teamwork. The program is led by directors Denny Stokes, Mike Cook, and Judy Einus and consists of more than ten performing ensembles in both middle and high school. It boasts two Sudler Flags of Honor and is a frequent recipient of the Virginia Honor Band Award. Like many other activities at Robinson, the band encourages new students to participate. Robinson Band web site

[edit] Robinson Orchestra Program

Along with their band counterpart, the Robinson Orchestra program itself is one of the most esteemed in Virginia. They have participated and thrived in numerous international music festivals over the years. The program consists of three highschool and three middleschool orchestras. The symphonic orchestra may also play as a full orchestra; which then includes some members of the symphonic band.

[edit] Robinson Drama Program

The Robinson Drama program, led by director and teacher Douglas "Chip" Rome, continues to be one of the most ambitious in the county. Robinson productions have been frequently nominated for awards from the Critics and Awards Program. In 2005, Robinson students won much acclaim for their production of "Metamorphoses," and were the recipients of the award for Best Play. Robinson produces two mainstage shows - directed by Chip Rome, performed on the Russell Theatre stage - every year.

[edit] Athletic Venues

[edit] Coffey Stadium

Coffey Stadium is the main field for their football, soccer, track and field, and lacrosse teams. The total bleacher capacity is about 7,000 with about 500 grass seats. The stadium is named for Samuel J. Coffey, Robinson's first principal.

[edit] Shimdt Ballpark

Harry M. Shimdt Ballpark is a high-school baseball stadium. The current capacity is about 1,000.

[edit] Smith Field House

The Henry M. Smith Field House is the home basketball court to the Robinson Rams basketball team and the volleyball team. It is the main student gym with four basketball courts. It is also sometimes used for indoor soccer games and roller hockey games too, and as part of normal Physical Education classes.

The gym is also home to the wrestling room. The Smith Field House also host the homecoming pep rally at Robinson and a carnival prior to the homecoming football game when there are consistently overflow crowds, once reported to hit about 8,500 spectators. Twice the amount of attendees in the school.

[edit] Trivia

On an average day there are about 175 students absent from school^{[citation needed]}
The school has a total of 231 classrooms^{[citation needed]}
The school has a total of 4,446 lockers^{[citation needed]}
There are 31 custodians at RSS^{[citation needed]}
290 teachers work at Robinson^{[citation needed]}
The school has 78 bathrooms^{[citation needed]}
Robinson is open 7 days a week
45 cases of paper a day are used at Robinson^{[citation needed]}
There are a total of 25 varsity sports and numerous other club teams on which to play at Robinson
There are about 1,300 athletes in Robinson^{[citation needed]}
There are 417 senior parking spaces^{[citation needed]}
- To have one of the parking spaces cost about $150 a school year as of 2006-2007 school year