It is time for RunWV's annual salute to those athletes attempting to place in that state meet for the 4th year in a row in the same event. Last year, six athletes attempted to pull off this accomplishment and five completed the task. This year, the number of athletes attempting the 4-peat is only three. Each of these athletes have a state title to their name and are once again in contention for another. Here are the athletes (listed in alphabetical order):
Erin Compton, Oak Hill - Discus
Erin has placed 1st, 3rd and 4th in this event over the past three years with her state title coming in 1997. Her best state meet throw is 128'6 1/2. She is also accomplished at the Pole Vault, High Jump and Shot Put and will be in contention to place in each of these events as well. Her recent throw of 153'4 in the regionals has the state buzzing more than any single time or distanced notched by a state trackster this year.
Jackie Dight, Weir - 300 Hurdles
Jackie has one 1st and two 3rds to her credit including a 3rd place finish in AAA her freshman year. Her state title came last year with her best state meet time of 45.29. Jackie is once again dominating the 300 hurdles and will also run on three of Weir's state bound relay teams.
Cindy Meadows, Gauley Bridge - 100 Meters and Long Jump
Cindy is the only athlete this year to attempt a double 4-pete. She has placed 1st, 3rd and 4th in the 100 meters with her best state meet finals time and title coming in 1997 at 12.63. She has placed 3rd in the long jump all three years with her jumps getting progressively better including a 16'6 1/2. Her top leap of 17'3 paces all female long jumpers this year.
Out of the more than 3,000 athletes that compete in track and field each year in the state of West Virginia, these 3 are the only athletes that have a chance to place for the 4th straight year. They are the 1 out of a 1,000 that every coach wishes they had. Each year the withstand not only the competition, but injury and burnout as well. As they head to the state meet for the final time, take a moment to watch them compete in their events like few others have.
We would also like to mention four athletes that are going for their 3rd straight state title in a single event.
Nathan Fields, Elkins - High Jump
Nathan grabbed the state's attention last year when he cleared 7'0 at an early season meet. Before the season was over, he would clear that mark several more times and clear 7'3 at the state meet while on his way to earning a scholarship to Wisconsin. This followed up a state title in his sophomore season at 6'6. Nathan also finished 2nd in the 300H at states last year and is once again ranked highly in that event.
Holly Hunter, East Fairmont - 1600 and 3200 meters.
Holly first captured the mile and two mile titles as a freshman before breaking the state record in those two events as well as the 800 meters as a sophomore. She as once again primed to attempt to break her own records and is taking aim at running under 5 minutes for the mile at the state meet.
Heidi Mercer, Tyler - High Jump
Heidi has captured the state title the past two years with jumps of 5'2. She has cleared 5'6 this year on her way to a run at a 3rd straight title. She is also a threat to win the 100H and a integral member of Tyler's relay teams.
Jenny Rayburn, Hurricane 200 Meters
Jenny will be going for her 3rd straight title in the 200. She has shaken the effects of mid season health problems and is primed for a run at both sprint championships and is a member of Hurricane's ranked relay teams.