All Eyes on DeMatha Boys and Bethel Girls

FORK UNION, VA -- While the thirteenth FUMA Invitational will feature some outstanding individual talent, the heat sheets say the team titles should go to DeMatha and Bethel. DeMatha is loaded in the long sprints and should be strong contenders in both the 4x200 and 4x400. The Bethel girls should build on last week's solid victory at the CNU Showcase meet.

On the individual side, big time matchups in the distance races highlight the meet. Look for Guy Alton, Daniel Kane and Arthur Vandenesse to duke it out in the 1600. The 3200 features Footlocker All-American Fleet Hower against local favorite Kippy Keino of Fork Union and John Crews of Rockbridge. Michael Johnson of Heritage is entered in the 55 and the fast surface should help him produce a national caliber time. Heritage's Quentin Bowens, while only the third seed in the 500, will be huge competition for DeMatha's Channing Williams. Finally, on the boys side, should DeMatha falter look for Heritage, Jamestown and possibly Lafayette to make a strong push for the title.

For the girls' competition, the day could be highlighted by Cox's Lindsay Neuberger eclipsing the 50 foot barrier in the shot put. The distances could be dominated by Jefferson Forest's Shannon Saunders. And should Bethel be just a little off on Saturday look for Robert Butler's Cavaliers of Jefferson Forest to be a factor. The largest event of the day will be the girls' 1000 and the favorite there is Spotsylvannia's Kurstin Nelms. Watch out for Atlee's Kira Barcus in the pole vault as the eleven foot barrier is in jeopardy.

Despite rumors of a snow storm, the FUMA Invitational is still on. Stay tuned to MileStat.com for more details!