PVC Champs Jefferson Boys
In another wet and soggy day at Sam Michael's Park, the Jefferson boys’ cross-country team turned in another dominating performance on Wednesday to win the Potomac Valley Conference large schools championship. Led by senior and WV #2 Eric Graf, Jefferson posted a score of 16 points, just one point away from a perfect score by placing its top five runners in the top six places in the race.
Eric Graf
Jefferson was followed by Musselman with 50 points, Martinsburg (73), Washington (105) and Hedgesville (107) in the race. In earning his victory, Graf posted a time of 15:54.8 over the 5 kilometer course course to cruise to an easy victory. He was followed by junior Ryan Graf (16:27.2), sophomore Andrew Milliiron (16:40.2), senior Sam Munnis(16:43.2) and Nic Bauer of Martinsburg (16:47.3). Freshman Zack Wiberg (17:20.1) continued his rise in the rankings and completed the scoring for Jefferson by outsprinting Musselman senior R.J. Stephens (17:20.4) for sixth place. Musselman rounded out the top ten with freshman Shane Rigsby (17:30.1), senior Zachary Laing (17:45.9) and junior Denys Andreshenko (17:50.0).
Andrew Milliron and Sam Munnis
Victorious Hedgesville Girls
In the girls’ varsity race, junior Heather Jenkins of Musselman was pushed most of the way by Hedgesville junior Brittany Pollard but emerged victorious with a time of 19:58.9 to Pollard's 20:06.1. Nevertheless, Pollard's efforts were instrumental in securing the team title for Hedgesville with 38 points. In addition to Pollard, juniors Fallon Stone (21:00.4, 3rd place) and Meghan Breen (21:30.1; 5th) also finished in the top ten. Jefferson posted their best result of the season, finishing second to Hedgesville with 53 points. Jefferson was led by strong performances from sophomores Molly Briggs (21:37.6; 6th), Emma Lindberg (22:04.1; 9th) and Anya Wallace (22:05.1; 10th). Musselman (75 points) finished third in the team standings followed by Martinsburg (91) and Washington (92). Washington's top scorer was Vivian Ruiz who finished in a strong 4th place with a time of 21:24.4.
Heather Jenkins and Brittany Pollard
In the combined junior varsity race, Jefferson again demonstrated the depth of its roster as sophomore Jackson Jacobs captured the JV victory with a time of 17:43.0.
Jackson Jacobs and Nick Ledden
The PVC league teams next travel to Hampshire High School in Romney for the Regional Championships next Thursday. Individual and team qualifiers will then head to the State Championships in Ona, WV on October 29th. The second ranked Jefferson boys are expected to challenge top-ranked Cabell-Midland High School of Ona for the state title.