For the first time since late August, the Bridgeport High School boys and girls cross country teams did not have a weekend meet. It wasn’t weather related, but was part of the schedule and the off time is a good thing, according to Coach Jon Griffith.

 

“It was good to give the kids a little break from competition.  We were able to get some good training in and allow a few kids some rest that were a little banged up,” said Griffith.

 

When the teams have been in competition, one thing has been consistent. The Indians are at or near the top of the Class AA competitive standings, according to RunWV.com.

 

The defending Class AA state champion boys’ team has been ranked in the top spot all season long. Griffith said that’s a reflection of depth.

 

“We are fortunate to have had a lot of depth on the boys’ team over the last few years.  While we graduated a ton of kids last year, we had enough returning with a few strong additions to keep ourselves competitive,” said Griffith.

 

Competitive has been the operative word. And this year, when the state meet is held, the Indians will be trying to simply win the Class AA division as the WVSSAC has announced it will have individual champions in both sports.

 

“(Class AA and Class A schools) still run the same race, but they crown a champion in each division.  So for the boys, the top AA schools are East Fairmont, Philip Barbour, Frankfort, Fairmont Senior and Winfield,” said Griffith.

 

The Indians are trying to shape a solid top seven to compete at the state meet later this year at Cabell Midland High School. Things are starting to fall into place.

 

“Mark Duez is have a really great season.  Jackson Jacobs is on pace to have a great year as well.  Hunter Hutson and Cade Robinson continue to be strong for us, they just need to improve a little and work on consistency, but they are definitely becoming very solid runners for us,” said Griffith. “Jon Luke Massie is really improving each week and is shaping up to be a very strong runner.  We have a big group behind them that are all pushing to get into our top seven.”

 

While the boys may not be a surprise, the fact the girls have been ranked in the number one position this year is a little more of a surprise. Although the team finished in the No. 3 spot last year at the state meet and returned their entire roster, the team has never won a state title and are in the mix to do so this year. 

 

“The girls started the season ranked number one, but have fallen to number two the last couple of weeks to Berkeley Springs.  I don’t know how accurate the rankings for the various girls’ teams are right now.  There seem to be several girls missing from meets.  Not sure as to the cause, maybe they are injured or their coaches are resting them.

 

“Most Class AA-A teams have trouble once they get past their fourth or fifth runner.  The drop off seems to be significant,” Griffith continued. “So for the girls, I not only worry about Berkeley Springs, but also Philip Barbour, Fairmont Senior, East Fairmont, and Winfield.  At this point, any of those teams has the ability to win it all.” 

 
Bridgeport also has the ability. And they also have the depth.

 

“The girls, for the first time in my cross country coaching career, have a team with depth and balance.  That has been huge for them.  Julia Muller and Emma Campbell have been doing great.  After them is a pack of girls including Allison Hess, Brooke Wagner, Jenna Soltesz, Haley Chamberlain, Michaela Perri, Lindsay Morais, Rhe Freeman, that have been working hard and improving dramatically,” said Griffith. “Behind them in another pack of girls looking to challenge for spots in the top 10.  It is the same formula that has worked for the boys so well the last few years.”

 

Griffith said the rankings are followed by himself and other running enthusiasts on the RunWV.com Web site. He had nothing but praise for the effort that goes into the site.

 

“The RunWV.com rankings are fantastic and I appreciate Josh Weekley’s dedication and effort to put them together.  The running community in West Virginia owes him a debt that can never be repaid,” said Griffith. “They are also great at keeping me up at night, but they are only as accurate as the next race.  I tell the kids to keep in mind the rankings are based on a formula that calculates lots of variables, but the only thing that matters is what happens on race day.  Who has the heart, focus and determination to step out there and perform on the given day determines who wins the meet, not the rankings.”

 

Bridgeport will be in action Saturday at the Bearcat Invitational at West Taylor Elementary School. The meet begins at 9 a.m.