Lightning strikes more than once down in Blacksburg. This weekend marked the Bruins' 44th consecutive trip the state meet and a record 21st team title. On top of that, the Bruins have now been either first or second at States 19 of the past 20 years.
This team led by Coach Stephen Howard and his amazing assistants has been one to watch all season. They entered the season ranked third and have remained in the top five all season.
Their top seven included four sophomores, two juniors, and one senior. Those ladies were (in order): Lola Olsen (7th - 18:59), Reilly Thomas (8th - 19:25), Harper Olsen (17th - 19:38), Ruthie Delapp (19th - 19:43), Eliza Conaway (26th - 20:25), Penny Griggs (37th - 20:57), and Hannah Schulte (40th - 20:59).
What makes their win even more impressive is who they beat...Hanover. If you were to select one team to be the next James W. Robinson and fight for some big regional and national titles in a few years that would Hanover. This team is absolutely loaded and they were right on Blacksburg's tail the entire way. Ultimately the teams would finish 1-2, 70 points to 81 points.
Hanover was led by freshman River Smith who almost caught VA #1 Elaina Pierce and finished in 2nd with her 18:28 clocking. Behind her were three more freshmen, one sophomore, and two junior teammates.
What all of this means is we get to see this rematch yet again next year with basically the entire lineup returning plus the addition of two really fast 8th graders for Hanover who have already run sub 19:50 for 5K.
Class 4 is going to be the one to watch for years to come!