Headlining the stellar field will be the talented corps of distance runners from J.R. Tucker. Michael Chapa, Thuom Mathaing and Mason McElroy figure to take down the meet record in the 4x800. McElroy and Chapa will return to run the 3200, where Western Branch's Adam Hutton, Western Albemarle's Will Massie and FUMA's Andrew Rademaker will all give quality chase. Thuom Mathaing will also return later in the meet to renew his heated rivalry with FUMA's Axel Mostrag. The two knocked heads at this winter's FUMA Invitational. Also look for quality in the Pole Vault. Steven Thompson of Western and former FUMA vaulter Justin Varner go in as the top two seeds. Manchester will figure to be the top overall team with solid performers in the jumps and hurdles and sprinter Anthony Chesson. However, should they falter on Saturday watch out for Hermitage, Charlottesville, Forest Park and host FUMA. Leading the way for FUMA is junior Brandon Caleb. Caleb has racked up five State Championships in his three plus years at FUMA but has always struggled at the Gus Lacy Classic he could be a factor Saturday.
The Girls' meet will also have a large talent pool in the distances with the dual between Forest Park's Stephanie Slekis and Midlo's Amanda Patterson in the 1600 being the top race. The biggest name in the meet however will be Hermitage's Queen Harrison. Hermitage is making its first appearance at the "Gus." Ashley Early of Western will add more marquee status to the meet with her exploits in the pole vault.
Lastly, four young ladies will compete in their fourth Gus Lacy Track Classic. Amanda Patterson, Angela Johnson, Shaunta Cotton and Carmenta Mitchell have all been mainstays for the meet. Johnson has scored in her three previous appearances and has twice won the 100. Cotton and Mitchell were the force behind Manchester's team win a year ago. Amanda Patterson battled with Tasmin Fanning a year ago in the 1600. Sadly, Fanning, is injured and will not compete Saturday, she will be missed.