Regional Preview

Remember, this is only how it looks from the rankings heading into the regionals. Nothing is decided. That's why we run the races.

AAA Boys
Region I: It looks as though three will get in from this region. Parkersburg and Parkersburg South are heavily favored. University look like the most likely to get the third spot, but Morgantown is a threat. The top 12 ranked individuals are on one of those three teams. John Marshall's Allen Byard (13th), and Wheeling Park's Kevin Narrish (14th) and Mike Wakim (15th) will need to run great races to advance. Top 8 by Current Rankings: Ryan Skotnicki, Curt Ruble, Joe Smith, Brian Falck, Ryan Johnson, Joseph Schaeffer, Adam Meisterhans, Mark Parsons.
Region II: This region will only be sending two teams. On will assuredly be East Fairmont, who has an outside shot of scoring the minimum 15 points in the Regional Meet. The battle for the second spot could go to any of North Marion, Buckhannon-Upshur, Elkins, or Robert C. Byrd. North Marion looks to have the best shot, but they cannot afford a bad day by any of their top 5. Individuals not on the two expected teams looking to fight their way into the State Meet include, Mark Wilfong (7th) of Buckhannon-Upshur, Troy Higgins (8th) of Elkins, Andrew Esquer (9th) of Buckhannon-Upshur, Wayne Fasig (10th) of Elkins, Andrew Skidmore (11th) and Ryan Sullivan (12th) of Robert C. Byrd, David Thompson (14th) of Fairmont Senior, and Bryant Cummings (15th) of Elkins. Top 8 by Current Ranking: Mathias Hickman, Brian Wright, Matt Finkenbinder, David Nuzum, Joseph Morris, Bryan Talerico, Mark Wilfong, Troy Higgins.
Region III: It looks as though this region will only get two teams out unless Nitro or St. Albans can field a full team. Cabell Midland is far out in front in the region, and Ripley looks to have a pretty firm grasp on the second spot. Individuals fighting for a top 8 spot include Casey Fuller (5th) of St. Albans, Bobby Johnson (7th) of Hurricane, and Brad Creamer (11th) of Spring Valley. Top 8 by Current Ranking: Eric Cooper, Matt Lambert, Sean Beckett, Brian Bridgewater, Casey Fuller, Corey Waybright, Bobby Johnson, Nick Perry.
Region IV: This region is likely only going to advance two teams. Woodrow Wilson is a heavy favorite to win the region, and George Washington looks very solid for the second spot. Individuals looking to advance include Capital's Andrew Robinson (3rd), Nicholas' John Thompson (4th), and Capital's John Underwood (11th). Top 8 by Current Ranking: Adam Hensley, Matt Hensley, Andrew Robinson, John Thompson, Silas Laws, Ben Swartz, Stephen Bruner, Matt Middaugh.
Region V: Like East Fairmont in Region II and Cabell Midland in Region III, Preston has a chance to score the minimum 15 points in this meet. With only two teams coming out of this region, the battle for second place will be the interesting part of this meet. Jefferson, Hedgesville, and Musselman all have legitimate claims to the spot. Jefferson looks like it has a very small advantage, so we'll give them the nod at this point. If Jefferson takes the team spot, the individuals looking to get in include Hedgesville's John Windle (5th), Musselman's Matt Rouzer (7th), Musselman's Wayne Stump (9th), and Hampshire's J.R. Benson (10th). Top 8 by Current Ranking: Scott Gemberling, Chad Hooton, Bryan Hooton, Eric Ryan, John Windle, Jacob Anderson, Matt Rouzer, Joel Turley.

A-AA Boys
Region I: It looks like only one team will advance from this region. Unless Magnolia or Cameron can come up with a full team, a second advancement will not happen. Williamstown is the strong favorite for the team spot. That leaves several individuals to grab spots. They include Wheeling Central's Tyler Morando (2nd), Magnolia's Justin McEldowney (3rd), St. Marys' Jesse Templeton (5th), Madonna's Sam Hall (7th), Magnolia's Brandon Longwell (8th), and Wheeling Central's Sean Droginske (10th) and Chris Gallaway (11th). Top 8 by Current Ranking: Ryan Jobes, Tyler Morando, Justin McEldowney, Corey Brown, Jesse Templeton, Danny Smicker, Sam Hall, Brandon Longwell.
Region II: It looks as though this region will only get two out this year unless Philip Barbour, Roane, Gilmer, or Calhoun can come up with a full roster to run. Ritchie and Grafton look very evenly matched for the regional title, but if either have a bad day, Liberty Harrison could sneak in. Individuals looking for a way in include Roane's Justin Bossert (1st), Liberty Harrison's Josh Wagner (2nd) and John Natow (4th), Gilmer's Chris Weaver (9th), and Philip Barbour's Wayne Ridgway (10th). Top 8 by Current Ranking: Justin Bossert, Josh Wagner, Michael Hardbarger, John Natow, Straten Schemel, Brandon Miles, Todd Duryea, Clifton Umstead.
Region III: Far and away the strongest of A-AA, this region will leave several strong teams at home. With only two teams expected to advance, Ravenswood and Scott have to be the favorites. Braxton could contend if their front five all have good days and/or either of the other teams falter a little. This region is sadly likely to only have two advance. Individuals looking to advance include Sissonville's Wes Snodgrass (4th), Braxton's Lance Hines (6th) and Jarren Morlan (7th), Poca's Matt Null (9th), Charleston Catholic's Jamie Blair (11th), and Winfield's J.D. Love (12th). Top 8 by Current Ranking: Andrew Benford, Adam Benford, Mike Smutko, Wes Snodgrass, Jose Shultz, Lance Hines, Jarren Morlan, Jason Sheets.
Region IV: It looks like this region will probably get two teams out. Pikeview is a heavy favorite for the team title, and Webster appears to have a slight advantage over Richwood for the second spot. The only ranked individual that isn't on one of these two teams is Bluefield's Kyle Lester (1st), who should win the region easily. Top 8 by Current Ranking: Kyle Lester, Jonathan Yost, Seth Hampton, Nick Butler, Patrick Bolling. Only 5 currently ranked.
Region V: This region will likely send two teams. Frankfort is a very solid favorite for one of the two spots. East Hardy, Keyser, and Tucker should wage a nice battle for the second spot. At the moment, East Hardy looks like it has a slight edge. Assuming that East Hardy gets in, the individuals trying to claim a spot would be Tucker's Ian Beckner (4th) and Preston Simmons (6th), and Keyser's Kurtis Wildman (9th), Kris Stephens (11th) and Mark Zinn (12th). Top 8 by Current Ranking: Shawn Dier, Lester Davis, Clancy Lanigan, Ian Beckner, Jeremy Rudolph, Preston Simmons, Vinnie Houdersheldt, Kevin Leatherman.

AAA Girls
Region I: This region is likely to advance three teams, but everyone must bring a complete team for that to happen. Morgantown is a heavy favorite to win the region, and Parkersburg is a very solid 2nd. Parkersburg South appears to have the edge for the 3rd spot. Individuals trying to get in include Brooke's Brittany Zumpetta (7th), John Marshall's Kristen McCabe (10th), Wheeling Park's Lindsay Dunaway (11th), and University's Brittney Goff (16th) and Maddie Rosen (18th). Top 8 by Current Ranking: Claire Berryman, Ahna Lewis, Diane Kenaston, Brittany Harvey, Maria Dalzot, Jessy Offenberger, Brittany Zumpetta, Lara Stone.
Region II: Only two teams will advance from this region. Elkins and Fairmont Senior will wage a battle for the regional title. It's doubtful that any other team can compete with those two. Individuals trying to fight their way in include East Fairmont's Rebecca Fulaytar (9th) and Emily Swiger (12th). Top 8 by Current Ranking: Emily Corley, Heather Saffel, Kristal Hardway, Mija Khan, Chelsea Metheny, Katie Burda, Ali Hermosilla, Sierra Wolfe.
Region III: This region will likely only advance two teams. Cabell Midland and Huntington will likely battle for the title. However, if either has an off race, Ripley and Hurricane will be ready to pounce. Individuals aiming for a State Meet spot include Ripley's Alison Spiker (2nd), Spring Valley's Emily Bailey (3rd), Hurricane's Mandy Estep (6th) and Lindsey Meadows (8th), Ripley's Ashton Canter (12th), Jamie Casto (13th), and Hurricane's Michelle Young (14th). Top 8 by Current Ranking: Molly Stevens, Alison Spiker, Emily Bailey, Lindsay Graham, Sarah France, Mandy Estep, Alicia Thomas, Lindsey Meadows.
Region IV: This region may get two teams out, but it's possible to only get one. Regardless, there will be three teams fighting for the title: Capital, Nicholas, and George Washington. It looks as though Capital and Nicholas have a slight advantage over George Washington. Individuals trying to claim a spot include Greenbrier East's Aleacha McClintic (1st), Woodrow Wilson's Terryn Webb (4th), and George Washington's Anne Kerns (6th), Elizabeth Bruner (7th), and Abby Case (9th). Top 8 by Current Ranking: Aleacha McClintic, Hannah Henderson, Carrie Nyden, Terryn Webb, Stacie Cooke, Anne Kerns, Elizabeth Bruner, Cassie Spinks.
Region V: Two teams will advance from this region. Preston and Jefferson appear to have a solid grasp on the top two spots, but Hedgesville is definitely within striking distance. The Individuals hoping to advance include Hedgesville's Brittany Thomas (4th), Nicole Phillips (7th), and Christy Ashley (8th). Top 8 by Current Ranking: Amber Riley, Kaylyn Christopher, Kate Atkinson, Brittany Thomas, Joanna Clark, Whitney Blume, Nicole Phillips, Christy Ashley.

A-AA Girls
Region I: This region should advance two teams. Wheeling Central is clear favorite. Tyler Consolidated and St. Marys should battle for the 2nd spot. Tyler appears to have a slight advantage heading in. Individuals looking to get to the State Meet include St. Marys' Megan Taylor (2nd), Cameron's Hannah Robinson (3rd) and Jessie Teska (4th), and Williamstown's Heidi Webb (9th). Top 8 by Current Ranking: Kallen Weaver, Megan Taylor, Hannah Robinson, Jessie Teska, Lauren Bauer, Stephanie Caruso, Bethany Sloane, Alexis Emch.
Region II: This region will likely only advance two teams once again. Grafton and Doddridge have been battling all season. Ritchie finished only 9 points back of Doddridge at the LKC Conference Meet and could play the role of spoiler once again if either Grafton or Doddridge doesn't run up to par. Individuals hoping to advance include Ritchie's Jamie Cokeley (5th), Philip Barbour's Alexa Jennings (7th), Bridgeport's Kate Merinar (8th but likely out due to injury) and Jenna Fogg (9th), Ritchie's Tina Watson (12th), Philip Barbour's Hillary Brown (14th), and Ritchie's Samantha Crouch (15th). Top 8 by Current Ranking: Clara Grandt, Jennie Spencer, Erika Rucker, Nicole Tingler, Jamie Cokeley, Sarah Rosier, Alexa Jennings, Kate Merinar.
Region III: It looks like only one team will advance from this region. That will likely be Charleston Catholic. Winfield will try to sneak in and take the spot away. Individuals trying to gain berths to the State Meet include Winfield's Kasey Jividen (1st), Sissonville's Jennifer Povick (2nd), Ravenswood's Megan Lawless (4th), Herbert Hoover's Maribeth Jones (6th) and Carrie Burdette (7th), Scott's Heather Graffius (8th), and Winfield's Maggie White (10th). Top 8 by Current Ranking: Kasey Jividen, Jennifer Povick, Sarah Coyle, Megan Lawless, Sally Mohler, Maribeth Jones, Carrie Burdette, Heather Graffius.
Region IV: It looks like we may get two teams out of this region after all. Pikeview is the strong favorite for the regional title. Richwood is the favorite to take the second spot. The only ranked individual not on either of those teams is Greenbrier West's Lindsey Payne (3rd). Top 8 by Current Ranking: Vanessa Adams, Susan Payton, Lindsey Payne. Only 3 currently ranked.
Region V: It's looking like only one team will get out of this region as well, and that will almost assuredly be Frankfort. Individuals looking to join Frankfort at the State Meet include Berkeley Springs' Valerie Peer (1st) and Laurel Thomas (2nd), Keyser's Sadie Green (5th), Courtney Shillingburg (6th), and Shari Likens (T9th), and Tucker's Jessie Pifer (T9th). Top 8 by Current Ranking: Valerie Peer, Laurel Thomas, Alison Simpson, Sara Sine, Sadie Green, Courtney Shillingburg, Sierra Wolford, Heather Amtower.