George

ONA — For the second year in a row, Trevor George led the Elkins High School boys cross country team to victory at the Midland XC Festival by way of an individual win.

George’s 15:48.2 is also the 13th fastest time ever posted on Cabell Midland High School’s storied course.

“As far as I know, that’s a school record,” said EHS coach Scott Biola. “I’ve talked to longtime coaches Will Shaw and Shellie Burda … and I don’t think any Elkins boy has ever run faster on a legit 5K course.”

Despite transitioning from the small school (A/AA) to the large school (AAA/AAAA) division due to reclassification, the Tigers proved themselves once again to be formidable.

After capturing the 2024 small school title, this year’s EHS crew tallied 66 points to beat out 19 large schools, including runner-up Morgantown (80) and third-place Cabell Midland (84).

Also chipping in on the victory and earning medals for Top 35 places were teammates Josh Bodkins (5th, 16:34), Ben Tenney (12th, 17:08), Bobby Valentine (22nd, 17:30), Teven Schaefer (27th, 17:42) and Preston Nixon (31st, 17:57).

Emilia Tenney (5th, 19:25.6) and Julia Biola (6th, 19:26.3) also picked up medals for the Lady Tigers, who took fifth place as a team with 194 points to trail Morgantown (68), Cabell Midland (82), Hurricane (87) and Bridgeport (134).

Other scorers for the EHS girls included Molly McFadden (45th, 22:10), Haley Kelley (70th, 23:32) and Emma Gilbert (77th, 24:05).

“I thought our kids ran a smart, tactical race,” said EHS assistant coach Todd Price. “After their first mile, they picked their pace up and finished strong.”

After two weeks of big races, the EHS harriers will now enjoy a bye week before traveling to Ohio to compete in the Boardman Spartan Invitational on Sept. 13.