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2017 West Virginia State Track Meet

Elkins High Tiger runners find success

The Inter-Mountain photos by Becky Moore The Elkins High School boys 4x800-meter relay team finishes in sixth place during the 2017 West Virginia State Track Meet in Charleston.

CHARLESTON — The Elkins High Tigers were the last team to still be competing in the post season for Elkins High School and did not disappoint. The Tigers qualified 15 athletes for the 2017 West Virginia State Track Meet, and they would not be denied the hardware they’ve worked for all season.

The Tigers got on the board quickly, as the 4×800-meter relay team of Devan Ricottilli, Mason Clark, Brendan Wallace and Adam Yokum would claim their spot on the podium posting a season-best of 8:38.98 to finish sixth. In claiming their top six finish, the squad claimed first team all-state distinctions.

“I am honestly choked up with emotion in describing that crew’s performance,” said Coach Matt Lewis. “If you knew the history of this group and how long I’ve been around a couple of them, I couldn’t be more proud of them, as they worked so hard to earn this, that words can’t describe,” Lewis added.

Senior Logan Bickel would look to qualify to the 100-meter finals, but would fall short finishing 12th in 11.71.

“Logan, in his first year of track, did some amazing things this season, and I only wish I had the opportunity to work with him through his high school career,” Lewis said.

Tygarts Valley High School runners clear hurdles

Day one would also see Nonee High attempt to qualify in the 100-meter finals, as she too would fall short posting a time of 13.61 to finish 14th.

“Nonee is such a competitor, and I know she’ll take this experience into next season,” said Coach Letitia Propst.

Junior Kaci Zopp would finish 12th in the 100-meter high hurdle qualifying in 17.40, while freshmen Sofia Triplett would also come home 12th in the 200-meter qualifying in 27.59.

“We really learned a lot today, and I think these girls are ready to come back next year and get to that final race on Saturday,” Propst said.

Brendan Wallace would once again be the first out of the gate on day two, as he opened up the day competing in the pole vault. Wallace would placed 11th overall, vaulting to a height of 9-feet 6-inches.

Tygarts Valley High School runners clear hurdles

“Brendan is one of those athletes I’ll never be able to describe in one word, but today I can only say he’s remarkable, and his leadership will be missed not only by myself, but our team even more,” Lewis said. The boys 4×200-meter relay would finish 12th in 1:36.50. The team is comprised of Mason Kimbleton, Andrew Kesling, Yokum and Bickel.

“I can’t commend what the youth on our team has done and what senior leadership has been given to them more than what I witnessed this weekend,” Lewis added.

Sophomore Hannah Phillips also would see some action in the pole vault, as she would set the Elkins High School record at 8-feet, 6-inches to place sixth and earn first-team All State honors.

“I can only describe Hannah’s performance as a huge confidence booster for next year,” Propst said.

In relay action on Saturday, the girls 4×200-meter relay of High, Ellie Sizick, Tiara Rowe and Carman Woodward would come home sixth in 52.72 to claim a first-team All-State spot, along with the 4×400-meter relay of High, Rowe, Olivia Underwood and Sofia Triplett, who would finish fifth in a time of 4:17.02.

An Elkins High School runner competes at the West Virginia State Track Meet on Friday.

“We had a little bobble on our 4×100-meter exchange, but our other sprint relays were spot on,” Propst said.

“I wasn’t able to be there due to graduation, but the team kept me informed, and I can honestly say, they pretty much saved the best for last,” said Coach Jonny Gainer.

Winfield would take both the boys and girls team title, while Bridgeport would finish runners-up with both in Class AA squads. Hedgesville boys and Morgantown girls would claim the Class AAA titles, while St. Mary’s boys and Wheeling Central Catholic girls would claim the Class A titles

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