by Lisa Hinton-Valdrighi
Lancaster’s runners swept the top three spots in the boys race last week to win a three-team cross country meet at West Point.
It was a photo finish between Lancaster junior De’Avion Harding and senior teammate Domonique Veney. Harding was the individual medalist, leading 37 varsity runners with a time of 19:03. Veney was the runner-up with a time of 19:04.
Lancaster senior Zach Kane was third (20:32) and LHS finished with a team low 20 points. The Devils had all five scorers finish in the top 10 with senior Marcus Keeve placing sixth (21:55) and sophomore Marshall Lee placing eighth (22:52). Junior Adam Wilmore of Lancaster also finished in the top 10 at the number 10 spot with a time of 23:00. Also running for Lancaster were senior Tucker Vanderpool, sophomore Ashton Hollingsworth, freshman Michael Foulkes and JV runner Jameson Scott.
West Point was second in team scoring with 59 and Middlesex third with 79.
“Our boys team could potentially be a sleeper,” said LHS coach Joanne Webb-Fary. “Marcus and Zach are unexpected and they have been working hard, especially Zach. We have a solid four and our five through eight runners are tough.
“Of course, I expect Domonique and De’Avion will be district and region leaders,” she added.
Girls race
In the girls race, LHS freshman Hailey Smith sprinted by the competition to finish almost two minutes ahead of the runner-up. Smith ran a 22:20 race to lead 23 runners as the medalist. However, she was the only LHS runner in the top five and only one of two in the top 10. Host West Point had seven runners in the top 10 for a team low 20 points. Middlesex did not compete in team scoring.
“Hailey will make a lot of noise around the state in single A this year,” said Webb-Fary. “A lot of our other female runners are new and young but if they continue to progress, we’ll be tough in the region.”
LHS senior Mears Pollard placed 10th in last week’s race with a time of 30:53. Also scoring for the Lady Devils were sophomores Katelin Seaver and Kayla Oren and freshman Chyra Boyd.
Other members of the LHS girls team are senior Tara Gill, junior Skylar Bean, sophomores Kelli Casteel, Emily Kane and Whitney Nelson, and freshmen Brianna Savoy and Laila Waters.
Lancaster’s cross country teams will head to Newport News Saturday, September 8, for the Albert E. Dorner Invitational. The LHS girls and boys teams will host Mathews and Washington & Lee Wednesday, September 12. Lancaster’s home meets will be held at the former King Carter Golf Course at Hills Quarter near Kilmarnock.
SCHEDULE
September 8 at Albert E. Dorner: Newport News Invitational
September 12 Mathews, Washington & Lee
September 15 at William & Mary
September 19 at Mathews
September 26 at West Point
September 29 at Patrick Henry
October 3 West Point, King & Queen, Northumberland
October 13 at Milestat Invitational
October 17 Rappahannock, Northumberland
