Capannola, the coach who led the ’00-’01 basketball team to a 21-6 record and a birth in the state final four, will scale the sidelines with the Mustangs logo adorning his jacket this season, as former coach Bill Broderick switches over to the girls’ program. “I never really wanted to leave,” Capannola said. “A family situation required the move to Ohio. When Coach Horn gave me the opportunity to come back, I jumped at it.” Capannola inherits a Mustang squad who recorded its best season since the final-four year, posting a 19-7 record and a second-place finish in the district, as well as the team’s first trip to the regional tournament since the ’00-’01 season. “I just want to continue what Coach Broderick was doing,” Capannola said, referring to the team’s recent success. “The attitude of the teams has improved tremendously over the years. I just want to run and push the ball, and most importantly have a good time.”   Returning starters for the varsity squad are junior point guard Mike Schwengel, who led the Bull Run District in assists last year, with 7.1 per game, and senior forward Jack “Bird” Settje.

“It’s good to be back,” said coach Chris Capannola who returns after a several years absence to coach the boys’ varsity basketball team. (Photo by Derek Blodgett)

Settje, whose nickname appropriately alludes to his similar appearance and style of play with hall-of-fame NBA player Larry Bird, proved to have similar results last year, as he led the Mustangs with 14.6 points per game. Settje also hit 44% of his three pointers, as well as being third on the team with 6.8 rebounds per game. For his accomplishments, Settje was named to the All-Bull Run District first team last season, as well as to the All-Region B second team.

Also returning for the varsity team are senior front court players Ben Zorn and Kevin Montgomery, as well as guards Judah Chandler and junior Jake Johnson, who joined the team for its run through the Bull-Run District and Regional tournament.

George Mason’s main competition in the district this year will once again be Clarke County High School, who won the Bull Run District, Region B, and State titles last year.

“I realistically think that the team can compete for the Bull Run district title this season, as well as a regional birth,” mentioned Capannola. “Those goals should be what we strive for yearly.”

Mason’s first game will be tonight at home, against Briar Woods. The following Friday, the Mustangs will have a doubleheader with the girls’ varsity team at Mary Ellen Henderson, as they battle cross-town rival J.E.B. Stuart High School.

“It’s good to be back,” Capannola said. “George Mason feels like home. It’s like I never left.”