The Eastern Region\'s great hope, Steven Walters

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA -- Beneath a clear October sky and with cool weather, Steven Walters asserted himself as the preeminent Virginia Distance Runner of the year. Many expected Walters to do well this year, but few expected him to dominate the state\'s competition as he has thus far. He is undefeated so far and has defeated many of the best runners in Virginia, as well as Brian Fuller, one of Pennsylvania's elite. All these accomplishments speak volumes about Walters's tremendous talent, work ethic, and attitude that now mark a culmination of his running.

Few people would have predicted a chance of Walters being a state champion just a scant few years ago. Entering Green Run High School in the fall of 2000, Walters relished the idea of being on the varsity baseball team, so he began running cross-country. Conditioning with the baseball team during most of the week, Walters ran at local area Beach District Meets and ended the season with a Personal best of 18:30. Not an auspic...