Something was clearly missing at both Arundel and Forest Park High Schools this week. For the first time since Richard Nixon was president, Bernie Walter and Obie Barnes Sr. were not there.

The St. Vincent Pallotti girls soccer team pulled off a mild surprise and won last year’s IAAM A Conference title. If the Panthers want to repeat, however, it won’t be easy.

John Carroll girls soccer coach Gary Lynch said he always has a lot of young players. But this year, he’s going to need them to help out a little more.

As Michael Phelps stood on the victory stand in Beijing, Cal Ripken Jr. and Juan Dixon came to mind -- homegrown high school athletes who reached the pinnacles of their sports.

Last weekend in Johnstown, Pa., the 16-19 age-group powerhouse Orioles won their 26th All American Amateur Baseball Association tournament and their sixth in a row.