Rivalry brewing between sophomores
Nearly, two years into their respective high school running careers, St. Mary’s Maggie Drazba and Charleston Catholic’s Sami Harris have seemed to developed a rivalry in the distance events. During their freshmen year at the state meet, Drazba walked away as a two-time state champion in the 800-meter and 1600-meter runs. However, Harris didn’t go home empty-handed, as she won the 3200-meter run and was only eight seconds off current WVU runner and former Wheeling Central Stephanie Caruso’s record. Earlier in the academic year, Drazba cruised at the cross country state meet to win an individual. The count for state titles, Drazba: 3, Harris: 1. With both girls entered in three individual events at the state meet, Harris has a chance to catch Drazba in the state championships number. In the 800-meter run, Drazba has the top time in the state this year with a 2:25. Harris, meanwhile is ranked third with a 2:29. In the mile, Drazba currently has an eight second edge on Harris for top time in the state with a 5:11. If Drazba were to run an identical time at the state meet, she would break the state meet record by five seconds. In the 3200, Drazba is well-under state meet record pace with an 11:05 being her best time this year. Harris has run 11:15 this year, which put her one second under the record.
Both--St. Mary’s and Charleston Catholic--were able to qualify 4x800-meter relay squads for states. Harris did not run the event at regionals, but Drazba did. The decision of both girls to run the relay event or not could play a big factor in their individual events. In the team race, Williamstown looks to have a healthy advantage on every other team at the state meet. They have an athlete ranked in the top six in every running event. All of their relays are ranked in the top two. In every field event, they have the top ranked athlete except long jump.