It is time once again for RunWV's annual salute to those rare atheles attempting to place in the same individual event at the state meet for the fourth year in a row. This year the select group numbers four runners. Each one of these athletes have a state title to their name. In 1999, there were 4,785 runners that competed in West Virginia high school track and field and a like number will be competing this year. The four athletes listed below are the 1 out of a 1000 that every coach wishes they had. Each year the have faced not only the competition, but also injury and burnout. Take a moment and watch them in their events and even if they don't win this year, they are truly champions. Here they are in alphabetical order:

Sarah Corley, Fairmont Senior - 3200 Meters
Sarah has placed in the 3200M run each of the last 3 years. Her best time at the state level is 11:25.74 (1999) and her highest finish is third (1998). She has also finished 5th and 6th in this event. In addition, she is also ranked high among the states milers this year and has placed in that event at the state level as well. She has a championship that none of the other runners on this list have - a Team Title. She was an integral part of Fairmont Senior's run to the title last year and is also one of the states top Cross Country runners.

Holly Hunter, East Fairmont - 800, 1600 and 3200 Meterrs
Holly is the first individual in the years we have been doing this to have a shot at not only placing in the same event for four years, but actually winning the event. She has captured the 1600M and 3200M crown for each of her first three years and the 800M title the last two. Her best times at states in these events (800M 2:17.35, 1600M 5:05.12, 3200M 11:06.04) are all state records. The only time she did not win an event at the state level, she claimed second (in the 800M her freshman year). Her running resume also includes two state meet high point trophies and 3 cross country titles.

Heidi Mercer, Tyler - High Jump
Heidi has placed in the High Jump each of the past 3 years. She has cleared 5'2 at the state level each year and has claimed two titles in this event (97,98). She also finished third in 1999 but gets the opportunity to duel the same two jumpers once again this year and reclaim her title. Heidi is also the defending champion in the 100H and is a member of Tyler's relay teams which have scored in states and are set to do so again.

Jenny Rayburn, Hurricane - 100 and 200 Meters
Jenny has placed in the 100 and 200 meters each of the last three years and has three state titles to her name. Her top times in state meet finals are 12.67 for the 100 and 25.70 for the 200 which she ran on her way to state titles in both events in 1998. Her other title was in the 200 in 1997. She also has two third place finishes and a fourth to her credit. In additon to her sprint events, she has also scored scored at the state level in the 400M and has been an anchor of Hurricane's state scoring relay teams.

The following athletes will be attempting to win an event for the third year in a row
Holly Hunter, East Fairmont - 800, 1600*, 3200*
Pam Nettles, Richwood - 200
Jessica Taylor, Fayetteville - 800, 1600, 3200
* Indicates going for fourth in a row.

The following athletes will be attempting to defend their title from the previous year.

AA-A Girls
Lisa Davis, Doddridge - Pole Vault
Alica Dickson, St. Marys - Shot Put
Mary Greene, Richwood - High Jump
Heidi Mercer, Tyler - 100 Hurdles
Pam Nettes, Richwood - 200 Meters
Vicki Swords, Magnolia - Discus
Jessica Taylor, Fayetteville - 800, 1600, 3200 Meters

AAA Girls
Milan Cary, Capital - 100, 200 Meters
Ciarra Chic, Riverside - 100, 400 Meters (Class AA-A Champion in 1999)
Amanda Hall, Fairmont Senior - 400 Meters
Holly Hunter, East Fairmont - 800, 1600, 3200 Meters
Rebecca Ripoli, Fairmont Senior - 300 Hurdles
Darcy Thompson, Fairmont Senior - Pole Vault
Roxanne Ward, Parkersburg - Shot Put

AA-A Boys
Rich Shilling, Oak Glen - High Jump

AAA Boys
Larry Atkins, Huntington - 1600 Meters
Luca Deluca, Hedgesville - Long Jump
Derrick Johnson, Capital - 100 Meters
Chris Nunn, Riverside - Shot Put (Class AA-A Champion in 1999)
Jemmel Pursoo, Cabell Midland - 200 and 400 Meters
Justin Southall, Ripley - Pole Vault

Additionally, the following athletes have previously won titles at the state level and will be attempting to do so again.
Mary Beth Held, Parkersburg - Pole Vault
Jeff Lemasters, Magnolia - 100 and 200 Meters
Heidi Mercer, Tyler - High Jump
Pam Nettles, Richwood - 100 Meters
Andrea Perry, Valley Fayette - Long Jump and 200 Meters
Jenny Rayburn, Hurricane - 100 and 200 Meters

If we missed anyone, please let us know.