VA Penn Relays' Coverage Central
Day 1 Recap
In the final race of the first day of competition the Bruins of Lake Braddock Secondary really did work and made up for the runner-up finish indoors as they took home the COA and most importantly, the 36 inch brozne wagon wheel trophy. They won the DMR in a time of 11:36.52 with the team of Samantha Schwers (1200-3:41.11), Skyla Davidson (400-59.88), Shannon Browning (800-2:17.90), Kate Murphy (1600-4:37.65).
This time is the fourth fastest ever at the relays and the third DMR relay title in a row for Team VA. Once the results are finalized we will be able to see if Kate Murphy's split ends up being a record split for the DMR.
In the most anticipated and lopsided race of the VA slate on the weekend, Weini Kelati certainly did not disappoint. Despite intermittent showers and cold, she blitzed a 9:19.91 to win the 3,000m run. This extends the streak to five years in a row that VA has a 3K champion. Her time ranks as one of the 20 fastest times ever in high school and considering the conditions is definitely one of the most impressive ones ever.
Libby Davidson (E.C. Glass) finished 3rd in 9:33.52, this isn't too bad considering she helped qualify her team for the 4x800 COA just hours earlier.
In the individual races Virginia had a superb showing with Rachel McArthur running a very fast and close 4:50.80 Mile to finish as the runner-up. She finished second behind Sammy Watson (4:49.56) from NY. Both of these girls opened a lead early and never looked back. This comes a year after Rachel split a 4:50 in Patriot's come from behind DMR win last year.
Over in the field events Bria Stith (Maury) jumped 38-11.5 to finish 4th in the triple jump and Emily Harrison vaulted 11-5.75 for 3rd place.
Brandee' Johnson (Nansemond Rvier)
Championship of America Qualifiers
Western Branch Girls top seed into COA 4x800
E.C. Glass Girls 4th seed into COA 4x800
West Springfield Girls 11th seed into COA 4x800
Nansemond River Girls 4th seed in COA 4x400