The 1000 meter run and pole vault had the best performances for both genders at the 2012 Fred Hardy Invitational at Fork Union's Estes Athletic Center. While their times might be the best times in Virginia this indoor season, their performances given on a 160 meter short track might be the best this season in the state with Hidden Valley's Carolyn Bethel at 2:56.45 in the girls' race and Fork Union's Michael Idziak at 2:34.48 in the boys' race. Personal runs for both and re-affirms that runners can roll out fast times at the Estes Center. Fluvanna County shined in the pole vault as they have done all winter between their two state leading vaulters in sophomore Hannah Meador (11'6") and Chance Parmly (15'0"). For Parmly, it was his first time over 15 feet.
Avery Martin pleased the home crowd at Fork Union in being able to defeat the reigning Group AAA state 3200 outdoor champion Adam Visokay (4:26.27) in the 1600 meter run with a personal best effort of 4:25.46. Group A state cross country girls' champion Hannah Rose of Wilson Memorial won big in the 20 lap event at the Estes Center with a time of 11:21.68. Fresh off a 1:16.66 PR runner-up performance at the Montgomery Invite, John Handley senior Britani Myers continued to establish herself as a favorite in Group AA in the 500 meter dash with a 1:18.10 victory at FUMA. Myers also helped the Handley girls take first in the 4x200 meter relay with a 1:48.37 clocking.
The meet was filled with Group AA stars who could be state champions later next month. Brunswick's Jahmal Freeman motored under 6.50 for the first time in the 55 meter dash with a swift 6.48 performance. His teammate Donmanique Hardy sprung off the board well with a mark of 22'2" in the long jump. Monticello's Isaac Robinson was stuck at 6'4" for a while in the high jump, but finally broke through with a clearance of 6'6" on Saturday at Fork Union.
Fred Hardy Invitational Complete Results
Below are the performances entered for the meet that met the national silver standard.
25 National Elites.