THE PLAINS, VA -- November 8th has been circled on every Virginia high school runner's calendar for the last five months. At some point during each training run every competitive harrier finds themselves in their own zone envisioning that breakthrough performance cruising through the beautiful Great Meadows in the The Plains, VA. Now just a few days separates everyone from absolute euphoria or bitter disappointment. The often brutal journey to the state meet is complete. (at least that's how I feel) As Virginia's best prepare to toe the line, let's take a wild guess of what to expect come Championship Saturday. (Of course at the state meet, even the great Notre Damas could not even for-see the outcome.)
Ladies
For the gals it was a decent debut performance however I must appologize to Franklin County. Congratulations to their team with a fourth place finish as well as too freshman Brittany Killough sophomore Caroline Lash's place all region performance. (Both were left out of the article due to lack of research-a rookie mistake!) Now for the state preview:
1.) Forest Park-Herndon
Both the Hurricanes of Herndon and the Bruins of Forest Park appeared in top form at their respected regional meets. Expect one of these two teams to emerge to the top on Saturday.
Only 32 points Thursday left some wondering whether Forest Park ran a quad meet rather than a regional meet. No misprint however, as the entire front five earned All Region Honors. The great combination of senior champion Beth Fahey (1st, 18:44,) and sophomore Stefanie Slekis (2nd, 19:16) dominated the field en route to a 21 point regional title victory over Colonial Forge. The victory made for a thrilling Bruin day, as the boys team followed up an hour later to capture a second consecutive regional crown.
A dominant 30 point victory over Westfield on the same included Herndon placing its top five in the competitive northern region's top 20. Senior Kristin Hart (5th, 18:26) and junior Danielle Light (6th, 18:32) led the charge followed seniors Jenny Miller (10th, 18:35) Jessie Erickson (12th, 18:38) and Carleigh Gregory (20th, 19:08) bring together a front five only 42 seconds apart. The state race is another level of intensity, however if Herndon refuses to break stride they will bring home the state title.
Forest Park is stronger up front, however Herndon holds the tighter pack; only one group will hoist the state championship trophy Saturday.
Westfield, Maggie Walker, James River and Midlothian
The state podium may be one of the most coveted places in all of high school sports, and the race for the final team position may be even more heated than that for the state title.
Amanda Patterson still made her case for being the best in the state, however the rest of her team experienced a brutal collapse at Saturday's Central Region Meet. The Midlothian collapse from the top ranking in the state only to finish fourth in the region. Patterson took home regional champion honors, however it was a brutal day for the Trojans otherwise. Midlothian's season definitely proves they are still state title contenders, however fourth in the region to first in the state is no cakewalk. A position on the podium requires an incredible turnaround, however the Trojans have the squad to do it.
The rest of the Central Region will look to carry on its momentum to Warrenton. Maggie Walker edged Douglas Freeman for the regional title, and James River also performed well to finish third. So many teams, and so few positions. That's why they run the race.
Sleeper: Ocean Lakes
I have yet to see it in past years, however one of these days an Eastern Region team will sneak up on the rest of the state. Do not count regional champion Ocean Lakes out. I would not bet on them but for the record, they will be out to shock the world.
Individual Rankings: (The coaches are probably better, but here's my best shot)
1. Beth Fahey SR Forest Park-Take it as Northwest Region bias if you will, but most guys cannot run an 18:44 on Panorama Farms, and a little seniority never hurts.
2. Amanda Patterson JR Midlothian-If she comes up short, maybe the team succeeds.
3. Stephanie Slekis SO Forest Park
4. Melissa Dewey JR Hayfield
5. Natalie Shebak SR Kellam
6. Ritchie Vaughn JR Maggie Walker
7. Nicci Thomas SR Atlee
8. Katherine Read SR Yorktown
9. Lindsay Traudt SR James River
10. Catherine Lynn FR Westfield
11. Morgan Phelan SR Hayfield
12. Heather Fisher SR Herndon
13. Emily Wauford JR Maggie Walker
14. Bridgett Dryer JR Thomas Dale
15. Rebecca Ward JR James River