Running And Gunning

The Bridgeport girls and boys track squads are running away from the competition on several levels. Their dominance has continued as of late with impressive wins for both teams this past weekend in Lewis County at the Larry Conaway Memorial Meet.
The girls garnered 111 points to outdistance the other fourteen schools in the event. Robert C. Byrd finished 7th and Liberty was 8th as three of the county’s six high schools were on hand.
McKenna Smith led the Indians. Smith earned high-point honors with four-first place finishes including three individual crowns and a relay win as well. The victories were in the 100, 200, 400, and the 4×200 respectively.
Kayla Haywood also played a key role for the Tribe. Haywood picked up second place finishes in the 100, 200, and the long jump. Haywood was the anchor of the winning 4×100 team. MaLeehah Saab, Mateah Kittle, and Lexie Sczerba were also part of the 4×100. Members of the 4×200 were Saab, Kittle, Sczerba, and Smith.
The Robert C. Byrd 4×800 also claimed a first place finish. Paige Leasburg, Brittany Nay, Lavania LeMasters, and Avery Thrush claimed the prize.
On the boy’s side, the Indians corralled 89 points to edge Buckhannon-Upshur (87). Robert C. Byrd took third place and South Harrison was 12th.
The Tribe was consistent while scoring points in most events with their lone top finish coming in the 4×800. Jimmy Lacaria, Arryn Tennant, Timmy Kinney, and Michael Duez took the title.
Flying Eagle Corey Carvelli claimed the only other first place finish from Harrison County in the 110 hurdles.
West Virginia University’s football team has been on the road as of late. Head Coach Dana Holgorsen has been to Shepardstown and most recently to White Sulfur Springs providing the Mountaineer fans a look at this upcoming seasons edition. The Greenbrier was last weekend’s stop. The practice took place at the Advocare Performance Center, which is the same facility that is utilized by the NFL’s New Orleans Saints during their training camp.
It’s a winning situation for fans and players. The added exposure allows fans in the southern part of the state to have a firsthand experience with the squad. This could lead to additional ticket sales down the road. The players also got a taste of the high life at the “American Resort” and they had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of what the facilities on the next level are like.
It’s also an opportunity for Holgorsen and his coaching staff to emulate, to some extent, a road game experience. Winning away from home is never an easy task, especially when the travel is as extensive as it is in the Big 12 Conference. Adaptability is crucial to a team’s success and even though the Eers weren’t “roughing it” at the Greenbrier they still found themselves somewhere other than Touchdown City in a practice environment.
The practice provided some firepower from an offense that is untested and most equipped with all of its players. However, quarterback Skyler Howard, armed with an early approval from Holgorsen, looked impressive. Howard completed ten passes (for an average of 15.3 a piece) with a pair of them went for scores. If he continues to progress the offense could once again be ready to light up the scoreboard.
This Saturday marks the end of spring practice with the Gold-Blue Spring football game. It provides a “local look” for area fans and one last chance for Howard and company to impress before the break.
That will do it for now. Until next week…take care and God bless!