Starting us off once again will be the VISAA state championships at Saint Christopher's Fieldhouse in Richmond. These championships will feature more teams and athletes than any other single Virginia state meet this post-season. The numbers will not be the only story though as some of the best athletes in VA and the country will also be competing.
States is about more than just PR'ing or winning a race. It is about cementing your place or your team's place in history. This weekend that is the history these athletes and teams will be chasing. Up for grabs first will be the team titles which are currently favored by Saint Catherine's and Saint Christopher's. St. Chris is trying to improve from their second place finish last year while St. Catherine's is trying to make it three in a row. Both teams are solidly built to run away with those titles.
Looking for the second place trophies are Collegiate Girls, Fork Union Boys, and Collegiate Boys.
Outside of the team title battle there are quite a few big races to watch as well. Not only because of how elite the performances will be but also for what is at stake and the history that could follow.
The first of those events is Hannah Ballowe in the 1K and 1600. She is attempting to win a staggering 11th and 12th individual state title. She already has 10 title to her name (plus some relay titles too). The impressive thing though is that she hasn't lost since her first state title making it ten in a row actually.
While she is attempting history on the girls' distance side we will also have Daniel O'Brien attempting to have a huge race in the 3200. This is his only event so you can guarantee he is chasing a huge time. The meet and facility record are very much within his reach.
Speeding things up even more will be St. Chris' Frank Royal who is competing in the 300, 55, and long jump. He is going to face stiff competition from Malcolm Johnson Jr, Curtis Borden, and John Colizzi. All of those guys are fighting for the same thing, state titles, which makes each and every event that much more exciting.
And finally competing for the MVP honors of the meet will be Will Stupalsky and Elby Omohundro who each are competing in the hurdles, pole vault, triple jump, long jump, and high jump. Elby will also be throwing the shot.
