King Edward III Helps Bethel Repeat as 5A Boys Track Champs

As seen on Milestat.com

Leading into the state 5A/6A finals on Friday morning, MileStat webmaster Nolan Jez initiated a conversation with former Bethel coach, and now meet official, Eddie Williams about the potential outcome of the 5A boys showdown. Jez was leaning toward Lee-Davis scoring 50 points and having the capability to win, while Williams questioned how they could make it to 50.

Eventually, the conversation steered to a question about Williams' old squad. Could Bethel pull the repeat?

There was a question of numbers. Last year's titlists, who gave Williams a terrific going away present with his 13th state title, accomplished last year's feat with 12 athletes. This year, they only had five - Byron Carson, Edward Richardson III, Zaire Williams, Ilkeem Ellis and Amir Stancil. The quintet formed a veritable Fab Five, but logic dictated that a better stocked team would take home the big trophy. While neither Jez, nor Williams, would count out the hometown team, there was an agreement that the results would have to lay out perfectly, with a combination of Bethel triumphs and losses by other teams. But again, said Williams, "I'm not sure where you are getting 50 points for Lee-Davis."

As it turned out, the Confederates loaded up with points in the five field events. Alex Slinkman won the pole vault (15-0), while Chris Vincent cleared 13 feet for fourth, giving Lee-Davis 15 points. Connor Scott was third in the shot (52-11), and Dallas Jackson took fifth in the triple jump with a hop, skip and jump of 44 feet, 1.5 inches. Nichols Corbin's eighth place tie in the high jump tacked on another half point, and Lee-Davis totaled 25.5 field points, and finished Day 1 in the lead, with Atlee in second place with 20.

By comparison, Bethel finished Friday with two points and languished in 17th place. It was going to take a miraculous series of events to put the Bruins back into contention.

And that's exactly what happened on Saturday.

With just five runners, the only scenario that could even put Bethel in the top-three would have to start with the Bruins, now coached by Nanette Gaines and Joe Sturgis, winning every event they were entered in.

The first running event was the 55-meter hurdles. Carson played his part, winning the race in 7.57 seconds. More importantly, he edged out Brandon Brooks of Lee-Davis, who was second in 7.59. 

However, Nicholas Corbin of L-D place fifth and added four extra points to the Feds score, meaning that Lee-Davis outscored the Bruins 12-10 and now led 37.5 to 12. Soon after, Donovan Lewis of Potomac won the 55 (6.39), bumping the Panthers into second place with 33 points. Bethel sat in tenth.

Potomac would take the team lead with its fourth place finish in the 4x200 relay as the quartet of Rawle Berbnor Jr., Zenis Mensah, Kofi Boateng and Matthew Mitchell clocked a 1:31.68. Carson, Ellis, Williams and Stancil placed fifth (1:33.20), while Lee-Davis finished in 11th (1:33.57), and earned no points. With its four points, the Bruins, now with 16, climbed into eighth place, just one behind Green Run.

The Tide Turns with a 500

Two-thirds of the way through the meet, Bethel had just broken into the top-10 team standings. The idea of taking home a team trophy seemed bleak.

Yet it only took one event to change the entire course of events.

With two entries in the 500, and only 11 competitors in all, it looked like Bethel could score mightily with their tandem of top-seeded Richardson, and #3 Ellis. However, Lee-Davis had Jeremiah Hankerson who entered tied for the fifth seed, ironically with Potomac's Kevin Mayers.

All four runners were together in Heat 2. For the most part, the race went according to plan. Jacob Weigel of Kecoughtan provided the major surprise, finishing in second with the #9 seed and a placement in Heat #1. But, Richardson (1:04.96) and Ellis (1:06.27) finished 1-2 in the final heat to give Bethel first and third, doubling their team point total, which now leaped to 32. Hankerson placed fourth to slightly pad Lee-Davis' lead over Potomac, as Mayers finished sixth.

Most importantly, with the 16 additional points, the Bruins leapfrogged over Douglas Freeman, Highland Springs, Atlee, Mountain View and Prince George into third place. Still, Lee-Davis led with 44.5, with Potomac in second at 41.

It would take another win to close the gap, one which King Edward III would provide just an hour later.

E.J. Strikes Again

Richardson left little doubt with his win in the 300, edging Tarik Samuel of Prince George by .49 seconds with his 34.6 time, but besting all other runners by over a second.

Most importantly, neither the Lee-Davis runner, nor two of the three entries from Potomac, cracked into the scoring column. Mayers placed fifth to vault Potomac back into the lead over the Confederates, 45-44.5. But Bethel's ten points put them squarely in third with 42. As none of the teams would have runners in the next to last event - the 3200, the championship would come down to the final event, the 4x400, an event that had all three teams facing off in the final heat.

Winning Scenario

Bethel did not have to win the 4x400 to earn the championship. However, they would have to defeat both Lee-Davis and Potomac by at least two places - three, if all of the teams finished below third place.

The Showdown, and King Edward's Kick

On paper, Bethel was seeded far ahead of the pack at #1. Yet, Lee-Davis seeded at #2, only needed to hold their spot, and beat Potomac, to win the championship. The Panthers, at #4, would need to finish higher, probably second to Bethel, to guarantee a team win.

The Bruins climbed as high as third during the first three legs, as Carson, Ellis, and Williams, now tired from their other events, tried to gain the lead. However, a drop-off on Leg #3 led to Richardson, one of the nation's top long sprinting sophomores, being given the baton in fifth, and near last place.

Richardson nudged forward, but was still out of video camera view through the first 200 meters. On the final back stretch, he strode past two runners into third, setting up one of the greatest finishes in state meet history.

Coming around the final turn, Richardson had to go wide as Hampton, and a surprising Kempsville team, occupied the first two spots. Reaching down for his last gear, almost worn to a nub after winning efforts in the 500 and 300, Richardson found the extra push to catch up to, and then overtake, both runners on the final straight. With a final burst of energy, the Bruin, with a screaming home crowd showing support, broke the tape, just two-tenths of a second ahead of Kempsville, the #6 seed, who spoiled a higher finish for Lee-Davis and Potomac with their improvement of almost four seconds. Hampton, seeded just behind Lee-Davis, finished two strides ahead of the Mechanicsville school for third, leaving the Feds in fourth, with Potomac fifth, albeit with a two-second team best.

Coaches Sturgis, and then Gaines, led a crowd of Bruin supporters on to the track to mob the athletes, seeing as 80 percent of their team was in the race! The final tally was Bethel 52, Lee-Davis 49.5 and Potomac 49.

For A Raider, By A Raider - Klusner Wins 5A State Shotput for JEB Stuart

From MileStat.com (Photo by Mary Ann Magnant)

Through the tears in his eyes, J.E.B. Stuart senior Michael Klusner tried to explain the significance of his win in the 5A Boys shot put on Friday morning.

“I did it for Jeremy,” said the senior, who was seated in a chair just beyond the far bleachers at the Boo Williams Sportsplex.

Jeremy Munga was a football teammate of Klusner’s at the Falls Church school. He was slated to be a slot back and safety for the Raider team. The two were preparing for the upcoming season last July when Munga went on a boating trip from which he never returned.

“He should be here,” said Klusner, sporting a red wristband with “R.I.P. Jeremy” highlighted in white letters. “He was on the boat and did a backflip into the water.” Holding back more tears, Klusner finished his thought. “He never came up.”

Still, Jeremy was with him on Friday morning. He used to text me all the time (saying) “you better win state next year.” I went back through his texts again (before today).

During the same week of Munga’s passing, Klusner, and the Stuart community were struck with tragedy again when Austin Fitzpatrick, another football teammate of Klusner, committed suicide.

“He was supposed to be the star of the team. He could jump, run, he could do anything,” said Klusner of Fitzpatrick. “He was working out with us that day (of his death).

The pressure began building up on the Raider thrower at Munga’s funeral. “People were coming up to me at the service saying, “go and win states for Jeremy.” I could have cared less about winning states – this (effort) was for him.”

And what an effort it was. The 5A shot-put was supposed to be a Battle of Richmond, with Xavier Ivey of Hermitage and Connor Scott of Lee-Davis both sharing the top seed with a throw of 55-10.5. Klusner’s own best throw of 53-5 had him firmly entrenched in third, almost two-and-a-half feet behind the leaders, and nearly four feet ahead of the fourth seed.

But there was a secret, unknown to his opponents. “I knew I had a chance,” said Klusner. “I was throwing 55 feet in practice, but they didn’t know that yet. I knew I could catch them by surprise.”

On his third throw, Klusner glided, turned and threw the 12-lb. ball 54 feet and six inches, enough to nudge into the lead over Ivey and Scott.

Klusner’s lead held firm through the final rounds, and won Klusner and Stuart their first state track title of this millennium.

It was not a moment lost of the Stuart coaches. Leonard Reynolds, who has coached with the Raiders for the better part of 20 years, could only shake his head when reminded of the fact. Distance coach Peter Guevara, a newer member of the coaching staff, and 2012 Stuart graduate, was able to find words.

“(In Klusner) we have a guy working hard with a purpose and determination. Hopefully, that will inspire our other athletes.”

There was help from another source. Reynolds was quick to point a reporter back toward the infield where Washington-Lee throwing coach Josh Patulski was preparing his 6A state title favorite, and future Auburn thrower, Benedict Draghi.

“Coach (Patulski) had a lot to do with this,” said Reynolds. “We were basically here to talk with (Michael).

Patulski joined forces with Klusner last year. “We started out in the summer. I was a glider myself, so I like to be able to help a guy out.” Although the two represent different schools, both Stuart and W-L are members of the former National District.

Klusner will continue his education, and throwing career, next year at Tiffin University in northeast Ohio.

Heritage Defeats Jamestown 58-33 In Ironclad (Conf. 18) Semis

From Daily Press - Thursday, February 16, 2017

NEWPORT NEWS – The Lady Hurricanes of Heritage used a swarming defense against Jamestown to break a close game open in the second quarter and defeat the Eagles 58-33 on Wednesday night.

With the win, Heritage earned a berth in the Ironclad Conference final where they will face top-seeded Grafton. The Clippers survived a scare from sixth-seeded Lafayette before regaining the lead in the final minute to win 57-54, and they will host Heritage on Thursday night at 7 PM.

Heritage (14-8) also clinched a berth in the 4A East regionals, which will begin next week.

The Hurricanes started out slow, and didn’t score until the game’s fourth minute.

“The kids understood the significance of this game,” said Coach Lanica Tallon. “They knew a win would solidify regionals, and they had to work the nervousness out.”

After a sluggish first quarter, which had Heritage holding on to a skittish 9-6 lead, the Lady Canes took control in the second quarter. A short jumper by Rheality Webb was followed on the next possession by another eight-footer from Special Bridges to extend Heritage’s lead to 20-10 midway through the period.

On the defensive end, Heritage was successful in containing Jamestown’s leading scorer Corynthian Williams. Williams, who averages 18 points per game, was held to a pair of free throws in the first half.

“We did some things to speed up our game, and it affected how Jamestown played,” said Tallon. “Our aggressiveness led to some good things.”

A put back basket by Jamestown’s Anaya Simmons made the score 21-12. But, on the next possession, the Canes’ Trinity Carter buried a three-pointer from the right wing. Just before halftime, it was Carter again who grabbed a defensive rebound from inside the paint, dribbled the length of the floor and scored on an underhanded flip that swished through the net. Heritage led 28-12 at the intermission.

Jamestown (14-10) found its firepower in the third quarter. Williams finally erupted and scored the Eagles first 11 points as the visitors attempted to climb back into contention. Annette O’Leary added five points for Jamestown in the final two minutes and the Eagles narrowed the lead to 11 at 42-31 after the third period.

However, Heritage started the final quarter with a 13-0 run to effectively put the game away. Webb led the Hurricanes with 15 points, while Bridges scored nine of her 13 in the fourth quarter. Williams topped all Jamestown scorers with 15 points.

Asked about the prospect of facing Grafton, a long-time Bay Rivers powerhouse, Tallon turned the focus to her team.

“We saw them at a Christmas tournament because we were in the same bracket. But we need to focus on us. We’re going to treat the game like any other. If we can take care of the little things, then I’ll live with the results.”

Jamestown   6,  6, 19, 2   -- 33

Heritage       9, 19, 14, 16 -- 58

JAMESTOWN (14-10): Knotts 2, C. Williams 15, O’Leary 10, Simmons 6. Totals 12 8-11 33.

HERITAGE (14-8):  Carter 8, Deloatch 4, Webb 15, Martinez 6, Bridges 13, Goodman 6, Newell 6. Totals 23 8-17 58.

3-point goals: Jamestown 1 (C. Williams), Heritage 4 (Carter 2, Martinez 2).

Westfield K Delaney Makes Parade All-American Football Team

As seen on UltimateRecruit.com

UVA bound Brian Delaney managed to be the lone Virginian on the Parade All-American teams

by Jim McGrath, recruitNoVA

Brian Delaney, Westfield’s first team 6A All-State kicker has earned another distinguished honor – one that truly separates him from every other high school football player in the Old Dominion.

The University of Virginia signee was recently selected as a Parade magazine 2016 All-American, making him the only player from the state to earn a spot (first team or honorable mention) on the squad. The All-American team was displayed in the Parade magazine that was included in many newspapers nationwide last Sunday.

Delaney was instrumental in the Bulldogs’ successful 2016 season, which ended with a 13-2 record and a second consecutive 6A state title. The 5’11” senior, who also doubled as the Bulldog punter, scored 96 points, while converting 12 field goals and 60 extra points, helping Coach Kyle Simmons’ team overcome a rocky 4-2 start to reel off nine straight wins and defend their 2015 championship. Westfield finished the season with an exciting 34-28 double overtime win over Oscar Smith in the 6A final at Armstrong Stadium in Hampton.

Coach Simmons spoke of Delaney’s talent as the key member on kickoffs and punts.

“We rarely had to cover a kickoff during his tenure,” said Simmons. “It is a huge advantage in high school when you know the opposing team will be starting at their own 20 (yard line).” In fact, about 75 percent of Delaney’s kickoffs (59 of 81 in 2015 alone) sailed into the end zone, setting up a touchback situation.

Brian Delaney’s ability to hold punts in the air was another advantage, according to Simmons.

“Brian regularly flips the ball with his punts. He routinely punted the ball above the lights at high school stadiums, and his hang time rarely gave opponents the opportunity to return punts.”

The third advantage of his kicker’s leg strength came from giving the coach more options on offense.

“He allows you the shot at long field goals. (Delaney) hit a 42-yard field goal as time expired against Robinson,” said Simmons, recalling his kicker’s game winner which gave the Bulldogs a narrow 29-28 victory over the Rams in mid-October, as Westfield was struggling to find its bearings as a team.

As a junior, Delaney made 11 field goals and averaged 45 yards per punt, and won first team 6A All-State honors as a kicker and punter. He is a first-team MaxPreps All-American as a punter, an Under Armour All-American, and Delaney played in the 2017 Under Armour All-America game at Camping World Stadium. He is rated a five-star kicker and a five-star punter by Kohl’s Kicking, as well as the No. 1 punter in the country by Kohl’s Kicking. The three-year starter is also rated as a three-star recruit, and the No. 2 kicker by ESPN.com, and No. 5 high school kicker in America by 247Sports.com.

Perhaps no one was more surprised by the Parade selection than Delaney himself.

“I didn’t have any warning,” said Delaney. “My Mom was the first to see it on Sunday when she picked up the newspaper and told me. It was a pretty cool surprise.”

Delaney is excited about both his pending academic and athletic career at U. VA.

Asked about a potential senior slump in his final semester of high school, Delaney was quick to tell a reporter that he has been studying hard and his upcoming grades should remain in the 3.6 GPA range. “Things are going well (academically).”

“I’m fired up and can’t wait to go and help the Cavaliers, It’s a dream come true and I’m looking forward to going,” said Delaney. He had no answer to the question of possibly redshirting with the Wahoos, but his goal is to become both the kicker and punter with Virginia. Asked if he expected to play both positions from Day 1, he echoed one of Coach Bronco Mendenhall’s favorite lines, explaining that every position with the Cavs is “earned, not given.”

Yet, with an All-American honor in his back pocket, and four years of hard work ahead of him, Delaney’s future in Charlottesville could end up becoming very memorable. After a 2-10 season in 2016, it is safe to say that the University of Virginia truly upgraded at one, and possibly two positions heading into 2017.