VHSL Group 3A
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When it comes to historically talented teams the list has to include this year's Blacksburg Bruins squad. The Blacksburg squad this year is not only great but also young. Samantha Marin leads this group but is closely followed by five of her teammates. There is a lot on the line though as they are going for a third individual title in a row and a fifth team title in a row. The biggest motivation for them though is running for their coach, James DeMarco, who after many successful years has decided to step down at the completion of the season.
A year ago Blacksburg won their 15th state title with a record 23 points. This year they won their regional meet with 18 points with only Zoe Clay (Western Albemarle - sophomore) standing between them and a perfect 15 points. Clay enters the state meet as the 3rd ranked girl behind Lindsey Blanks (Tabb) at 17:47 and Samantha Marin at 18:05. Following these three are a staggering five Blacksburg girls all under 18:50. One great race from one of these girls could sway the points in their favor towards another state record score this weekend.
In the boys' race Blacksburg will also be looking to take home their first 3A state title and 10th overall this weekend. They are led by the duo of Sam Teller and Ben Fleming who enter the meet ranked third and fifth. They will be going against Andrew Carlin (3A #2 15:23) & New Kent and 3A East Champions Warhill who are led by 6th ranked Daniel Cretney (senior) who has run 15:52 this seaosn. Warhill will have a lot of work as the front group for Blacksburg will be extra valuable in this meet where only 104 athletes will toe the line.
Individually the meet could be a close one but also could get blown wide open. Leading the pack since the summer is Gannon Willcutts (Western Albemarle - senior) who has run 15:19 this season and is the fastest returning runner from a year ago. He will have to deal with Carlin, Teller, Fleming, and his teammate Trevor Stutzman (senior) this race. Willcutts does have the experience, drive to win, and does not lack confidence as he returns to Great Meadow after having made it all the way to San Diego for Foot Locker Nationals last year. He has a real shot at not only winning but also chasing down Andrew Hunter's 3A state record of 14:41 if weather permits.