Starcher Runs Big Triple in W.V. To Power Ripley

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

Sophomore Tori Starcher of Ripley nearly took down Millie Paladino's 2014 all-time state record in the 800 meters at the West Virginia State Championships (May 18-19), held at  Laidley Field in Charleston. 

Starcher ran US#5 2:08.90 to win the Class AAA 800 meters final and she also posted strong wins in the 1,600 meters (meet record 4:49.15) and 3,200 meters (10:29.87). She also helped push Ripley to the girls team championship by running on the winning 4x400 relay (4:08.63). 

Also in Class AAA girls action, Mikah Alleyne of Woodrow Wilson set a meet record in the 400, clocking 56.04 to surpass a 33-year-old record of 56.11. The junior also won the 200 (25.47) and 100 hurdles (15.29). 

Dakota Williams led the Hurricane boys to the title with his victory in the 200 (21.86), second in the 100 and he was part of the team's third-place finish in the 4x100. Jaylen Snyder won the high jump (6-4) and long jump (22-3.50).

Alajuan Robinson from Morgantown won the 400 meters in 48.97 seconds. 

Bridgeport junior Isabella Bowen claimed the Class AA 100 (12.67), 200 (25.05) and 400 (56.15) and was part of the winning 4x100 (49.97), as Bridgeport easily won the girls team title. 

Aaron Withrow of Winfield completed the Class AA distance trifecta, winning the 800 (1:59.10) 1,600 (4:20.99) and the 3,200 (9:40.08).  

Haden Coon of Roane County won the Class AA boys 100 hurdles (14.97), 300 hurdles (39.32) and pole vault (13-6). 

Sebastian Spencer of Weird clocked 21.61 to tie the Class AA 200 record. 

Jonna Ferrell of Doddridge County dominated the Class A sprints , the sophomore won the 100 (12.49), 200 (25.61) and 400 (56.55), setting records in the 200 and 400. She also added a long jump title (16-11.25). Her 40 points helped guide her team to a state title. 

Multiple state record holder Freddy Canary made sure his final track meet was a memorable one. While the South Harrison senior didn't set any records, he left the weekend with three gold medals and a second place finish. 

Canary won the Class A 100 (10.99), 200 (22.0) and 400 (49.01). His mark of 21-7.75 in the long was good enough for runner-up to finish the team with 38 points for his team.

Class A boys state champs, Magnolia set a state 4x400 record, clocking 3:31.22. 

Sada Wright of Gilmer County won the Class A girls discus in a record throw of 137-9.

RESULTS 

Team Champions

Class AAA -- Hurricane boys 53 points; Ripley girls 74 points

Class AA -- Bridgeport boys 105; Bridgeport girls 152.50

Class A -- Magnolia boys 80; Doddridge County girls 89