Virginia HS Track Rocks: Article # 4. Bethel High Wins 5A Boys Title

For pictures, race videos and interview with Edward Richardson III of Bethel, click this link from Milestat.com:

http://va.milesplit.com/articles/176727-bethel-makes-history-wins-5a-boys-title

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For a good portion of the late 1990’s and 2000’s, winning state titles became a commonplace event for Bethel, led by head coach Eddie Williams. In all, the Bruins accumulated 12 AAA championships under the tutelage of Williams, whose prized pupils included 2012 Olympic gold medalist Francena McCorory and 2008 indoor national high school 400-meter champion Ja-Vell Bullard.

Bethel track coach Eddie Williams in 2006, with 2012
Olympic gold medalist, and Bethel High grad,
Francena McCorory

While winning one championship is a grand accomplishment for any coach, 12 is worthy of instant Hall of Fame status at any level. Yet, as the zeroes segued into the 2010’s, teams such as Lake Braddock and Western Branch, led by Claude Toukene, joined their Bruin brethren as double-digit state winners.

While Bethel has remained prominent within the state ranks, it was still with a careful eye that many in attendance at Boo Williams this weekend watched as the boys team chased the 5A state crown – one which would be the Bruins first since the girls indoor team won the AAA title in 2009.

Speaking on Friday afternoon, senior thrower Brandon Slade summed up his team’s mindset well.

“It’s common for Coach Williams, but this would be the first one for a lot of us,” said Slade, who got his team off to a great start by winning the shot put with a throw of 51-0.50.

For the thrower, earning his first state individual title was a watershed moment, and the culmination of four years of hard work between him and Bruin throwing coach Joe Strangis.

“It’s good when you put it all together in one throw like Brandon did today,” quipped Strangis.

Slade recalled the excitement involved with joining the Bethel track team during his freshman year.

“I remember that a LOT of people came out.”

But, according to Slade, the glamour of being part of a successful team faded quickly.

“We lost a lot of people real fast. Most of them just weren’t willing, or didn’t want to put in the work.”

Still, a few diehards stuck it out – athletes, such as Joshua Hagins and Isaiah Norris, who would be needed to bring the team to the victory stand.

The Bruins entered Day 2 in sixth place with 10 points, all earned by Slade’s victory. With no entries in the long jump, the Bruins had to wait for the track events to begin to get their day going.

Isaiah Norris started the festivities off right, taking the 55-meter hurdle championship in 7.60, which immediately doubled Bethel’s point total to 20, and put the team into a tie for second, seven points behind Lee-Davis.

Norris and Hagins were the Bruin entries in the next event, the 55. And the pair placed fourth and eighth to notch six key points. Since Lee-Davis had no final qualifiers, the Bruins dropped into third, but nudged within two points of the team lead, now held by Hickory.

The Bruins took control after the next event, the 4x200, as Carlos Young, Hagins, and Norris gained the lead, before handing off to Byron Carson, who held off a charge from Hampton’s Jovonn Quillen, to give the team a 1:30.67 victory, just .30 seconds ahead of the Crabbers. More importantly, the ten points vaulted Bethel into the lead. 

The Bruins boosted the lead to 18, with thanks to a new member of the team, freshman Edward Richardson III, who won the 500 (1:05.72) by a second over Edison’s Moses Kamara. Junior Ilkeem Ellis took eighth (1:07.76) to tack another digit to the Bethel haul. The Bruins sealed the deal with  five points from Carlos Young II (4th – 35.80) in the 300.

But, just to post an exclamation point on their win, the Bruin quartet of Hagins, Ellis, Matt Pittman and Richardson overcame a hard charging Crabber squad to claim the 4x400 relay title in 3:24.34, securing Coach Williams 13^th state title.

Virginia HS Track Rocks: Article # 3. Nansemond River's Brandee' Johnson Enjoys Triumphant State Meet Return to Boo.

For pictures of Brandee', as well as video interview, check out the link from Milestat.com here:

http://va.milesplit.com/articles/176725-wars-brandee-johnson-enjoys-return-to-boo-williams

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For the past two years, Brandee’ Johnson of Nansemond River has missed competing in the state meet at Boo Williams Sportsplex.

As it turns out, the feeling is mutual.

Johnson’s state appearances were relegated to Liberty University and Harrisonburg High during her sophomore and junior years, as the Warriors were reclassified as a 4A team. The downgrade had no bearing on Johnson, who is nationally ranked in several events, and capable of winning a state title at any level. In fact, she won eight championships between indoor and outdoor seasons at the 4A level - in the long jump, 55, 100, and 300-meter hurdles (twice) , the outdoor 200 (twice), and indoor 300.

But returning to Boo Williams was special, according to her mother Aquilla.

“It’s great to be able to compete closer to home.”

And Johnson did more than merely compete. Her four gold medals and 48 total points helped the Warriors ease to a 49-point state championship triumph over second place Maury

Johnson’s Friday started out with a personal best of 39-3 in the triple jump where she placed second. An hour later, she began her attack on the track, posting top qualifying times for both the 55-meters (season best of 7.05) and 55-meter hurdle (7.85) finals.

Johnson started off Saturday with a resounding reminder that she was back at the Boo. In the 55-meter hurdle finals, she breezed to her first victory in a BWC facility record time of 7.83. Thirty minutes later, it was back to the track, where she blazed to a second win, this one in the 55, in 7.07, which was good enough to place Johnson on the all-time state list.

Next, it was off to the long jump, were Johnson completed the trifecta, winning with an 18-9.75 jump.

With her trio of gold medals in hand, Johnson could have called it a day, and watched as the WAR team cruised to an easy team win.

Instead, Johnson charged through the 500 in 1:16.77 to earn an unprecedented fourth individual gold medal, one which should cement her name in the VHSL record books for many years to come.

Looking ahead, Johnson’s college choices have narrowed down to two – Florida and LSU. The process of winnowing down her list to two has been an interesting process.

“Brandee’ told me, this is the next four years, and she really wanted to be comfortable with where she was,” said Aquilla. “After the season, she’ll sit down with me and my husband, and Coach B (girls coach Justin Byron). Coach B has taught her well, as to how to know her track IQ. She asks the college coaches questions about types of training and other things.”

“I have a great coach,” added Johnson. “He has taught me, and every athlete that has ever run for him that you have to know what you’re getting into before committing yourself to a university.”

Reflecting on her triumphant return to the Booplex, Johnson, who is rarely at a loss for words, began her thought with “I can’t explain it,” before gathering her thoughts.

“Knowing that my first and last state meets were at Boo brings enjoyment to my heart.” Thinking of her accomplishments, Johnson added, “I wanted to leave my mark, so that anybody who comes here after me will remember who I am.”

Virginia HS Track Rocks: Article # 2. Maury's Bria Stith Tops 40 Feet to Win 5A Girls Triple Jump With Record

Before transferring to Maury, Bria Stith played basketball
for Brunswick High, where her father, former NBA player
Bryant Stith, coached the boys team, before being hired
as an assistant coach at Old Dominion Univ.; hence, the
move to Norfolk.

For additional picture and video interview with Bria Stith, click here:


http://va.milesplit.com/articles/176723-maurys-stith-sets-5a-girls-state-meet-record-to-win-triple-jump


“It’s a good day. It’s a good day. It’s a good day.”

Although Maury coach Maurice Franks repeated this phrase three times with confidence, even he couldn’t predict the future with certainty as he watched his trio of Lady Commodore jumpers warming up for the 5A girls triple jump.

Leading the way for Maury would be Bria Stith. The ECU-bound jumper was the prohibitive favorite with her 40-3.75 effort, a solid 19 inches better than second seed Brandee’ Johnson, the multi-purpose All-American from Nansemond River. Stith was joined on the jump runway by her younger sister Brooke and junior Maya Seay.

It didn’t take long to validate her coach’s affirmation. With her first hop, skip and jump, the tall and lanky Stith traveled just a quarter-inch shy of 41 feet. Her personal best of 40-11.75 set a new 5A girls record, and earned 10 points for her Commodores. Brooke took fourth (37-8.5), while Seay kicked in two points with her seventh place finish (35-6.75), giving the team 17 points and an early lead after the first scored girls event.

While her happiness required no words, Stith was willing to share a few.

“Unbelievable. This is so exciting,” exclaimed the senior, who maintained a level of reserve, realizing that she still had to compete in the 55-meter hurdles and high jump later in the day.

Part of her excitement came from tacking on another eight inches to her personal best in the triple jump. In fact, Stith has made a marked improvement from last year’s outdoor best of 39-3, which was accomplished at the Hampton Relays.

She attributes her improvement to a simple ethic.

“It’s hard work and getting stronger from last season.”

Franks attributes part of the reason for the added strength training to subpar weather.

“Everybody has the same problem with the weather. But, if we got out one day a week this winter, we were lucky.”

The indoor work helped.

“We’ve been doing different drills and lifting more weights this winter,” added Franks. “Everyone is working hard and just paying attention. She (Stith) has really been coming around for the last few meets.”

Stith, who also topped 40 feet on two other jumps before taking a well-deserved rest for the final three rounds, also credits running hills for helping to improve her leg strength. Asked what hills would be suitable for training in the city of Norfolk, she immediately answered, “Mount Trashmore,” the Virginia Beach park that is known for its sizable man made hills.

Turning her athletic focus to track has also played a part in her continued improvement. The switch was probably needed as Stith also competes in the long and high jumps, as well as 55 and 300-meter sprints. She has also posted a best of 31-8 in the shot-put.

“I thought that I was going to play basketball in college,” said Stith, who stands 5-foot-10. “But I switched from basketball and now I have more time for track.”

The decision has paid of in the form of a track scholarship to East Carolina.

Asked why she chose the Greenville, NC school, the 5A outdoor state long jump champion said, “It fit me. It’s closer to home and I love it there.”

Looking ahead, Stith is not sure whether she will compete at the New Balance Nationals, but definitively adds, “I’m going to Penn Relays (in late April).

Later on Friday, Stith won the high jump (5-4). Coupled with Jessica Moore’s sixth place finish in the shot put (33-11.25), Maury earned 30 points and established an early 12-point lead over Lee-Davis, Deep Run and Nansemond River after the first day of competition.

Virginia HS Track Rocks: Article # 1. Draghi Wins First Gold at 5A/6A States, Captures Boys Shot Put

As promised, I'm going to begin my 10 article recap, which is currently being published on Milestat.com. Admittedly, they are up to article #7, but should be complete by the end of the week. I didn't want to overlap, and obviously can't post on here before they do. But, I am aiming to get the set online here, simply to provide another outlet and another link for someone's Internet search.

W-L's Benedict Draghi earned his first
state title two weekends ago, in the 6A
boys' shot put.

Here's the first. Benedict Draghi, a talented young thrower from Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, VA.

For additional picture and video interview with Benedict Draghi, click here:

http://va.milesplit.com/articles/176720-draghi-wins-first-gold-at-5a6a-states-captures-boys-shot-put

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Benedict Draghi of Washington-Lee was the first winner at this weekend’s 5A/6A state track meet. However, his victory didn’t come as easily as expected.

Draghi entered Friday’s 6A boys shot put event with a best throw of 61-4.75, over eight feet ahead of his nearest competitor, Grassfield’s Seth Harrell, who won the title last year. But, after a meet record throw of 54-10.25 on his first attempt, Draghi’s form, which allowed for a 62-foot toss in Friday morning’s warm-ups, seemed to disappear.

Although Draghi didn’t get the big throw he was looking for, his performance wasn’t hindered by a sudden case of anxiety. For the thrower, nerves are part of the game.

“I get nervous during every meet,” said Draghi, who watched as first Harrell (54-4.25), and then Donald Lanier (54-4.25) of Western Branch both crept into a tie for second place (Note – Harrell took the silver based on a better second-best throw). However, Lanier’s toss came on his sixth and final throw, while both Draghi and Harrell scratched on all three throws in the finals, leaving the General junior as the last man standing.

Still, Draghi left Boo Williams Sportsplex with a meet record and a first state championship – quite a feat considering where the thrower was last December.

“Two months ago, my best throw was about 50 (feet),” said Draghi, who will continue his quest for a personal best (“hoping for 62 or 63”) at the New Balance Nationals, which will be held inside New York City’s Armory Track Center beginning March 11^th.

“My plans are just to keep practicing,” adds Draghi, who has now dedicated himself solely to throwing after stopping football after his freshman year.

One element may have been missing from his putting repertoire on Friday morning. After his fourth attempt, throwing coach Josh Patulski was quick to note, “Why isn’t he yelling?” Indeed, Draghi was mostly silent during his series of throws. Asked if the concern was shared between rounds, the answer was negative.

“(Patulski) lets me do my thing. The way he figures, there’s nothing that can be changed during a competition. We’ll work on it afterwards. He does give me some easy tips on the side between throws.”

While Draghi is preparing to throw in college, his next destination is not set – at all.

“I’ve received a few letters from colleges so far. But right now, I really have no idea where I want to go.”

Since Draghi has just over three seasons of high school competition to go, college coaches still have time to get their recruiting scripts ready. Meanwhile, the thrower’s preparation will continue - with Patulski at Washington-Lee, and outside of Arlington, at camps, such as one of the five throwing academies run by John Godina, a three-time World Champion and two-time Olympic medalist who Draghi models his throwing style after.

Teammate Tony Auguste, a junior, placed fifth (49-6.25) to give the Generals 15 points, enough to put them in third place after Day 1.