It has been a long time in the making but this weekend has already started out as one of the most momentous our state has ever had and its only 1/3 done!
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Weini Kelati Post-Race Interview
On the track in the first final of the weekend was superstar Weini Kelati (Heritage). She complete destroyed the competition and left nothing to doubt in the 5K as she opened in 3:03 (1K), 4:56 (Mile), and 10:07 (2 Miles). She crossed the line tired for the first time ever in 16:08 to set the national record!
Libby Davidson finished 6th as an All-American as well.
The track didn't slow down as the night went on though as Lake Braddock ran an impressive 11:39 DMR to finish second by just a couple seconds to a national record performances. The crazy part is that the entire relay team is returning next year! Kate Murphy split a monster 4:43.96 (official) to bring the Bruins back from around 8th to second. It should also be noted that one of the legs is just now getting over mono and that could have very much been the difference. Somethings you can't control but no one will be able to control them next year!
In the final final of of the day it was the much anticipated boys DMR featuring The Jungle TC aka Loudoun Valley. The team comprised of Bogucki, Thompson, Smagh, and Hunter ran a great race to both close the deal but also put Drew in perfect position to bring home the title. They crossed the line in 10:03 to finish just shy of the National Record!
Though Drew did split a 4:03 this win was a complete team effort and the outcome of years of work.
In the night cap of Friday Oscar Smith ran a very impressive 3:53 to come home with the EE 4x400 crown. Destiny Ward ran roughly 55 seconds, very fast, to open a huge lead for her team and they never looked back. This team is the real deal and made up of two juniors, a sophomore, and only one senior!
In the Emerging Elite division Team War (Nansemond River) made the biggest splash by winning the Girls 4x200 and 400. They won the 4x200 running 1:40.99 with only two of their "A" runners running. The cool part of their three relay teams running and two placing in EE was that they were not racing for medals but for spots on their three championship relays.
Syaira Richardson also had a great individual day wining the EE 400 in 56.00.
Finishing as runners-ups in the EE races were Mallory Pitchford (James River) in the 60H and Brandon Thomas (St. Christopher's) in the 60.
Photos by: Mary Ann Magnant - Kyle Brazeil - Joe Swift