by Lisa Hinton-Valdrighi
There was no doubt the Lancaster High School boys track team had the talent to successfully defend its state title. But what it also had was a work harder, go longer and never-give-up attitude that brought the trophy back to Lancaster on Saturday, June 1, when the Red Devils repeated as the Class 1 state champions.
“Friday and Saturday were full of a lot of highs and lows, and the kids proved to me that they’re going to be very successful in their lives,” said LHS coach Draper Washington. “The state championship and the trophy, all of that is for the kids. But for me it’s about watching these kids grow up, take on something big and push through to win the whole thing. They dealt with a lot of adversity last weekend.
“What I always say is either you win your competition or you walk away knowing you did your best and whoever beats you has respect for you,” he added.
Lancaster scored 87.5 points, 20.5 points better than runner-up Parry McCluer, to repeat as the Virginia High School League Class 1 state champion at the June 1-2 track and field meet in Harrisonburg.
Senior thrower Reece Rhodes successfully defended both of his state championships, winning the discus with a 168’05” throw and setting another new state record in the shot with a 63’3” put. Rhodes did it with a touch of drama though….
