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 teams will advance from this region. North Marion appears to have the edge, though Preston and Fairmont Senior are not far behind. If any of the three are having an off day, University will be waiting to pounce on the qualifying spot. Individually, the top 10 by current rankings are David Ciarolla, Eric Frohnapfel, Ethan Harris, Travis Mersing, Matt Long, Chris Cole, Drew Richardson, Derek Daniel, Jacob Anderson, and Ryan Beabout. Those needing to step up a little in order to advance include East Fairmont's Travis Hamrick (11th), University's Joel Massullo (15th), Wheeling Park's Colin Ferrell (22nd), East Fairmont's Trey Stoller (23rd). Those are runners within 60 points of the top 10 that aren't already on an expected qualifying team.

Region II: This region will also likely send three teams to the State Meet. Again, as in Region I, there are 4 teams that have a shot. Coming in, it looks like Robert C. Byrd is a slight favorite over Elkins and Jefferson, with Hampshire on the outside looking in. Honestly, any of the four could win the entire region, though. Individually, the current top 10 includes Matt Rouzer, Andrew Skidmore, Bryant Cummings, Cory Hampshire, Alex Zurbuch, John Paul Binotto, Louie Talbott, Bryan Potter, Mike Kwasniewski, and Neil Whitesell. This region will be run at Elkins, which often produces some unexpected results. Those looking to slip into a qualifying spot that aren't on an expected qualifying team include Hedgesville's Nicholas Belotte (11th), Hampshire's Michael Shanholtz (14th), and Hedgesville's John Windle (18th).

Region III: This region will likely only advance two teams. There are so few ranked runners in this region, it's hard to put a good gauge on which teams to expect to come out. That being said, it looks like it should be Capital and George Washington to advance. There are only 8 ranked runners in the region, so all 8 should advance. They are Nick Walsh, Clay Cobb, John Underhill, Jordan O'Dell, Jordan Burgess, David Caldwell, Benji Hamer, and Bryan Shamblin. That leave a couple spots open for unranked runners, who could end up taking as many as five spots.

Region IV: In order for this region to advance three teams, Nitro, Hurricane, or Spring Valley will have to bring a complete team. It might happen, but we're going on the assumption that it won't. The two teams expected to advance would be Cabell Midland and Parkersburg South. Individually, the top 10 is Josh Holley, David Bias, Brian Floyd, Cass Meadows, Corey Waybright, Paul Conaway, Ryan Johnson, Michael Dearing, Tilman Kleiner, and John Cluff. Cluff hasn't competed since September 27th (at least in a meet that we've seen), so he may not be around. Ty Duling would inherit that spot if Cluff is out. Those needing to step up a bit include Huntington's Ty Duling (11th), Parkersburg's Sam Vincent (12th), St. Albans' Zach Messenger (13th), Parkersburg's Dustin Meyers (14th), and Nitro's Seth Easter (18th).

A-AA Boys

Region I: It looks as though this region will only advance two teams. Ritchie's depth appears to give them a pretty solid advantage. Wheeling Central and St. Marys will battle for the other spot. Wheeling Central looks to have more depth and gets the nod as a result. Individually, the current top 10 are Brian Wilson, Jesse Templeton, Chris Gallaway, Dustin Hall, Donald Reese, Chuck Richards, Chad Henson, Jonathan Langer, Ronald Read, and Cody Mills. Needing to step up to qualify individually is Magnolia's Adam Rothlisberger.

Region II: This region should advance three teams. There actually appears to be a possiblity of advancing 4 teams (I need to go back and review some things. I think 10 complete teams yields 4 advancing teams). For this preview, I'm going to go with only three advancing teams. Doddridge appears to be well ahead of the field. Tucker and Keyser should battle for 2nd. Grafton should also be in the mix and could take one of the qualifying spots. The current top 10 individuals are Levi Grandt, David Orejuela, Brandon Miles, Lucas Warner, Luke Unger, Wayne Ridgway, Cory Smith, John Lowther, Cuylor Edgell, and Mark Saunders. Those that could slip into a qualifying spot with a strong performance include Lincoln's Vinny DeMarco (13th), Frankfort's Adam Beeman (14th), Pendleton's Andrew Graves (15th), East Harys' John Mathias (16th), Grafton's Justin Wright (17th), Lincoln's Dennis Goodwin (18th), Lincoln's Bobby Stark (20th), and Grafton's Jedd Guthrie (22nd).

Region III: It looks like this region may have three teams advance. There are 7 teams that have run complete squads this year. However, they haven't done it all the time. If one of them doesn't bring the whole team, only two will advance. The teams are pretty tightly packed in this region. PikeView looks like they have a slight edge with Independence and Shady Spring close behind. Richwood and Webster shouldn't be counted out of the running either, though. Individually, the current top 10 includes Skyler McCoy, Dusty Richardson, Spencer Naley, Josh Roles, Michael Sanson, Brent Roark, Jessie Redden, Nick Basham, Dustin Wood, and Nick Lucento. There are two other ranked runners knocking on the door: PikeView's Josh Shorter (11th tie), and Shady Springs Matt Traybor (11th tie). I'll be very surprised if at least one unranked runner doesn't step in and take a spot.

Region IV: This regionwill likely only advance two teams. Ravenswood is far and away the favorite. Charleston Catholic appears to have the edge for the 2nd spot over Winfield and Scott. The top 10 current individuals are Andrew Benford, Zack Noel, Ben Wise, Chris McGhee, James Sheridan, Ben Miller, Dusty Mullins, Kurt Gray, Curtis Shamblin, and Skeeter Vannest. Individuals looking to slip in include Scott's Brandon Angel (12th), Winfield's John Steadman (13th) and Scott's Daniel Vazquez (20th).

AAA Girls

Region I: This region should advance three teams. Morgantown and Preston look to be pretty far out front. North Marion should claim the 3rd spot. Individually, this region is once again an illustration of the travesty that is our regional system. There are roughly 30 individual who won't qualify that could if they lived elsewhere. They won't be attending the State Meet not because they aren't good enough, but because they happen to live in an area where running is strong. The current top 10 individuals in this region are Keri Bland, Kaylyn Christopher, Amber Riley, Maria Dalzot, Monica Chase, Ashley Teets, Emily Corley, Mariah Hamilton, Allison Pettit, and Aubrey Moskal. Those needing to step up to get that State Meet spot for which they are very deserving include Wheeling Park's Courtney Yaeger (12th), Fairmont Senior's Elizabeth Hendrixson (13th), University's Jennifer Van der Sloot (15th), University's Lindsay Wyatt (18th), and University's Hannah Vernon (19th). These certainly aren't the only other deserving runners from this regional, but they're the group that is really within striking distance.

Region II: Whether or not this region advances three teams will likely depend on whether Bridgeport brings a full squad or not. They have at times, but not always. For purposes of this preview, I'm assuming they will. Elkins is far ahead of the field. Jefferson looks to have 2nd fairly solidly. Hedgesville appears to have an edge over Musselman for 3rd. The current top 10 individuals are Heather Saffel, Brooke Boening, Lauren DeMarco, Rana Conneway, Tara Franklin, Cora Fry, Sydney Metheny, Mija Khan, Brittany Thomas, and Stepahie Cadwalader. Those needing to step up a bit to get in include Bridgeport's Jenna Fogg (13th), Hampshire's Amber Gano (14th), and Bridgeport's Kate Merinar (16th).

Region III: It looks like thsi region will advance two teams. Capital and George Washington appear to be out front in the region. Individually, the current top 10 includes Hannah Henderson, Chelsea Jarvis, Rachel Kenaston, Erica Sladky, Christine Azevedo, Carly Stout, Kathleen Power, Chelsey Houchins, Emily Boggs, and Jessica Margolis. There are only ten ranked runners in this region, so each of these ladies should advance. Odds are, though, that at least one will not.

Region IV: This region should be sending three teams this eyar. Cabell Midland looks as though they're way out front. Parkersburg should hold the 2nd spot, and Ripley looks fairly solidly in 3rd. The current top 10 individuals are Rachel Riley, Molly Stevens, Ashton Clemons, Alicia Thomas, Kathleen Dent, Danielle Winningham, Kylie Lemons, Chelsea Knotts, Ellen Kist, and Alexandra Jaskot. I've heard that Molly Stevens has quit, that would bring Rachel Williams into the top 10. Most of those close to the top 10 are on teams taht are expected to qualify. The only one within obvious striking distance is Parkersburg South's Kelsey Griffith (13th), but she is believed to be out with an injury.

A-AA Girls

Region I: This region should get two teams out. There is a chance of only getting one, so Williamstown and Trinity need to make sure they bring full teams so that a 2nd team advances. Ritchie is well ahead of the field this year. Wheeling Central is a strong favorite for the 2nd spot. St. Marys could give them a challenge if they have a good day. They have a nice team, but will probably come up on the short end of the stick. Individually, the current top 10 includes Stephanie Caruso, Alexis Emch, Jamie Cokeley, Melanie Manning, Lauren Bauer, Brittany Sellers, Heidi Webb, Angela Kimbler, Micalyn Miller, and Jennifer McFarland. Those closest to stealing a spot are St. Marys' Josalyn Bailey (T14th) and St. Marys' Catie Squires (T14th). No one else is within 90 points of the top 10.

Region II: This region should advance three teams if all that have been running full squads run a full squad on Thursday. How this region shakes out could very much depend on whether or not Valerie Peer runs. Peer hasn't competed in a meet since September 20th due to a knee injury. Her status for this meet is unknown. If she runs, Berkeley Springs is the clear favorite. If she doesn't, then they likely drop to 3rd in the region, which would put them in peril if one of the complete teams doesn't bring a full roster for some reason. Doddridge and Grafton are battling neck and neck. Doddridge appears to have a slight edge, but Grafton has gotten the better of them several times this year. Individually, the top 10 are Rachel Buser, Valerie Peer, Elizabeth Hyde, Sarah Rosier, Breanna Henry, Maggie McCort, Maria Saunders, Kari Mundey, Katelyn Hunt, and Kylee Boring. Looking to squeeze into the State Meet will be Keyser's Shendy Green (13th). She is the only one on a team not expected to advance that is within 90 points of the top 10. If only two teams advance, this changes dramatically.

Region III: It look as though two teams will advance from this region. There are only five ranked runners which makes it difficult to piece together a complete team outlook on short notice. From what I can tell, it looks like PikeView is top dog in the region followed by Shady Spring. Richwood is certainly in the hunt as well, though. The five ranked runners in this region are Laken Coburn, Laura Spencer, Megan Russell, Rachel Weatherly, and Sabrina Slone. Each should advance. Unranked runners will be battling for the remaining five places.

Region IV: This region should get two teams out this year. Winfield sat atop the rankings for most of the season, but in this meet, it looks like it's about a dead heat between them and Charleston Catholic. Charleston Catholic has rarely run as a complete unit. When they do, they're tough to beat. Both teams should advance with ease. Charleston Catholic may actually have a slight edge for this meet. Individually, the top 10 currently includes Darby Mullen, Megan Truelove, Kathryn Potesta, Kim Abcouwer, Lisa Day, Kasey Jividen, Nora Sheridan, Holly Rooper, Maribeth Jones, and Gina Majestro. Looking to snag an individual spot will be Scott's Heather Graffius (12th), Gilmer's Lark Butler (14th), and Herbert Hoover's Carrie Burdette (15th).