WEST VIRGINIA STATE MEET

Edwards Cruises To Second Straight Title To Lead University; Riggs Fronts Victorious Morgantown Girls

By Mary Albl of DyeStat 

In a shortened season due to the coronavirus pandemic, the University boys and Morgantown girls cross country teams appeared more than ready for the big stage on Saturday at Cabell Midland in Ona. Both teams defended their West Virginia state cross country championships.

In the boys 3A race, University standout junior Josh Edwards ran to another state individual title, clocking 15:25.48, the fastest of the day on the 5,000-meter course. Teammate Rocco DeVincent was second in 16:15.12. University placed three in the top five to secure the team title with 47 points. 

Led by sophomore Irene Riggs’ first-place finish in 17:59.82, Morgantown rolled to the 3A crown with 35 points. Teammate, and 2019 winner Lea Hatcher was second (18:28.88). Morgantown had six runners in the top 17. 

Fairmont senior Logan Zuchelli won the 2A crown in 15:57.57 and led his team to a second-place finish as Frankfort snagged the 6-7-8 spots to edge out Fairmont 54-59 to win the state championship. 

Fairmont Senior’s Lydia Falkenstein helped her team defend the 2A title as she won the race in 19:21.65. Fairmont Senior placed four in the top 22 to score 59 points. Winfield was runner-up with 65 points. 

Doddridge County senior Carter Lipscomb dominated the 1A race, winning in 15:57. He was the fastest by more than one minute, as teammate Trent Gola was second in 17:23.4. The Ritchie County boys placed five runners in the top 21 to secure the team title with 41 points. 

Senior Ella Hesson led Williamstown to a 1A title as she won the race in 20:19.67. Teammate Brianna Winsett was second in 20:39.56. Williamstown finished with a low score of 26 points, placing four runners in the top seven and five in the top 15.

Team Champions

Class 3A: University boys 47 points; Morgantown girls 35 points - RESULTS

Class 2A: Frankfort boys 54 points; Fairmont Senior girls 59 points - RESULTS

Class 1A: Ritchie County boys 41 points; Williamstown girls 26 points - RESULTS