It’s become a Harrison County track tradition and Bridgeport High School is its proud host. Saturday, the tradition continues as the Indians will play host to the 13th Annual Harry Green Invitational.
The meet begins at 11 a.m.
The event not only features some of the best teams in the state, but will once again have out-of-state competitors in the field as well. This year’s group, along with BHS, includes Liberty, Lewis County, Robert C. Byrd, Buckhannon-Upshur, Roane County, Philip Barbour, South Harrison, Webster County, Northern Garrett (Md.), Hampshire County, Washington, Parkersburg (boys only), Tyler Consolidated, North Marion, Keyser, Berkeley Springs and Union high schools.
“It is a very good field with representation from various parts of the state and beyond, from Parkersburg to Washington and Wayne to Northern Garrett,” said BHS boys Coach Jon Griffith.
The meet is also a good barometer for how the Tribe will fare once the regionals and state meets arrive. Griffith is anticipating the meet to be a challenge for his squad, considered among the top programs in Class AA. They are ranked fourth in this week’s Runwv.com power rankings.
“The boys will be facing some great competition from Parkersburg and the eastern panhandle schools, along with a very solid group of local teams,” said Griffith. “We hope to go out and perform to the best of our ability. We are still hampered with a little sickness and a few injuries, but we make no excuses. We are going out to compete every time we step on the track.”
For the girls, they go into the meets also as one of the favorites. Not only are they considered a threat to win the Class AA crown this year, they are ranked as the number one team in Runwv.com’s ranking of girls’ teams.
“After seeing the power rankings last week, I realized just how strong this team is. These girls are beyond talented and they are lucky to be together,” said girls Coach Emilee Stout. “They have done so well, and we have yet to run to our full potential. I am very excited of what is yet to come.”
The girls’ roster is loaded with talent and state champions. Stout is expecting to get a boost with the return of a healthy Jenna Alonge and continued improvement from Rachel Fulks and Mateah Kittle to add to an already potent mix of athletes.
Griffith is expecting a strong showing from a couple of areas. And one of those areas – distance – includes members of the state championship cross country team. So far, standouts Abe Merinar and Matt Dearth have been consistent point producers in every meet.
“I think our distance runners and throwers will most likely lead our scoring, as they have for most of the year. Our relays are steadily improving as well, so we hope to improve on our times there as well,” said Griffith. “In a meet of this size, it’s hard to tell exactly what you will be facing on the day of the meet. Every team has a few good athletes and some have a lot. We will focus on improvement, just like we always do.
Gates open at 9 a.m.
The meet will last most of the day. Cost to get into the meet is $5 and concessions and souvenir t-shirts will be available.
Editor's Note: Photos by Danny Leary of www.benqueenphotography.com
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