This weekend was one for the record books. Numerous state meet records went down and across all six classifications there were upsets, predictable outcomes, and everything in between. Here are our 10 biggest takeaways.
Grassfield's Throwing Is On Another Level
Grassfield is known for their throws but this year was on another level. They won 3/4 throws in Class 6 and finished 3rd in the other. In total they scored 40 points across both genders and broke multiple state meet records.
Nansemond River Is Once Again Team War
Nansemond River is officially back on the map. They dominated the mid 2010's and have had state champions since then but this year was a revival of Team War. They won the Class 5 boys competition and nearly won the girls as well (came down to the 4x4) with basically all underclassmen. The future is bright for these Warriors.
No One Was Beating South County
No one and we mean no one was going to be South County this weekend. They scored a monstrous 96 points to win the Class 6 girls title. This brings back memories of the Western Branch era where a team is so dominant they don't even need to run everyone in their best events and still win. Hats off to them.
Caroline Elliot Is Someone You Don't Want To Race
There are certain athletes who are "gamers" and there are ones who are very talented. Elliott is both. She is unbelievably fast but also a raw competitor. She finds another gear and seemingly always has the will to win. It's no surprise she is currently on an 8-0 streak since her freshman year at states.
Trent Daniels vs. Cole Boone Over 1200m Is What The People Need
Cole Boone turned heads indoors with his national record in the 1K and this weekend he cruised to a 1:48 in the 800 at Class 3. Trent Daniels on the other hand doubled the 3200 and 1600 at Class 6 closing both races in 56! What we need is a race where they both meet in the middle, let's call it the 1200 to decide the middle distance throne.
Rylee Coates Is A Beast... Scores 48 Points
Well, most of Class 1 already knows this but the rest of the state should take notes. Coates was at it again this weekend scoring 48 points at the state meet across running, hurdle, and field events.
Tori Goodson Is Better Than Good, She's Great
Another athlete who is on another level is Tori "The Great" Goodson who won the Class 4 100, 100H, 300H, and finished 5th in the long jump. For those counting that was 34 points or in other terms 6th place in the team title hunt by herself.
Kecoughtan Cannot Be Counted Out
Ok, I think we've finally learned our lesson to not count out Kecoughtan at the state meet. They beat all predictions and finished second to a strong Nansemond River team. The entire team showed out and turned heads. Two of their biggest performers were two of the biggest performers of the entire weekend as well with Kellen LaRoche going 1-2-4 in the jumps (high - long - triple) and Tremayne Cowart shocking the world with his 1:50 solo 800 in the unseeded section.
Sorry to say it but there is just terrible luck for any state meet in Harrisonburg. For years it was Class 3/4 at Harrisonburg high school and now unfortunately it was Class 1/2 battling with the weather all weekend. It was certainly frustrating at times but from all accounts everyone worked together to get the meet in.
States Just Means Something More
Lastly but not least, this weekend was a strong reminder of why we love this sport. It is awesome seeing athletes reach the state championships and chase their dreams. Records were broken, titles were won, and it was a great end to many seniors' careers.