June 2-3, 2006, HARRISONBURG_ Heading into the final event down just three points for the team title but seeded fifth, the outcome looked gloomy for Handley's boys. But that didn't stop their 4xfoursome from putting it on the line and nearly pulling out the meet.

The squad came through with a season-best performance of 3:24.18 in the 4x400 at Harrisonburg High School's new facility. But Appomattox' Rashad Kelso, who had already won two individual titles, held off Charles Washington and grabbed the team title with 45 points. The Judges finished with 40 to finish second with Caroline third at 35.

But while the boys failed bring home a state title, team or otherwise, their girls were led by double-winner Ayla Smith. The senior more than made up for her false start a year ago by capturing the 100 hurdles and the 300 hurdles, taking down a venerable meet record in the latter. A little help from Anna Cote and her other 4x800 relay teammates landed the Judges into a tie for fifth with 30 points.

Brentsville got a big win from freshman Danyelle Kent-Robinson in the high jump and also welcomed back Becky Steward from injury to finish as the next Northwestern District team, taking eighth with 26 points. Millbrook's Jillian Pollack 20 points put the Pioneers in 11th while Liberty/Bealton was 14th (14.5) and Sherando finished in a tie for 15th (14). Warren County tied for 30th with six points.

The Warriors brought home two state champions in Latasha Watson (400) and Ryan Witt (1,600). Liberty got a surprise state champ from Brian Roof who up-ended favored Alex Ball of Handley to claim the discus title.

Liberty's boys finished 6th with 24 points while Brentsville was 9th with 22. Sherando tied for 13th with 18 points and James Wood tied for 30th with eight.

more to come....