The annual Cline Stansberry Invitational at Doddridge County High School showcased not only individual brilliance but also the power of teamwork. With a multitude of records shattered and numerous victories celebrated, this event underscored the dedication and perseverance of young athletes from across West Virginia.

A Celebration of Athletic Excellence and Unity

The Cline Stansberry Invitational was more than just a competition; it was a testament to the spirit of camaraderie and relentless pursuit of greatness.

The Boys' Dominance: A Unified Force

Doddridge County boys track coach Bobby Burnside embodied the essence of team spirit when he expressed his inability to single out any one athlete for praise after their resounding victory. The team's collective effort saw them clinch nine events, set or tie four meet records, and accumulate an impressive 157.5 points. This success was attributed to staying healthy and maintaining focus throughout the season. Burnside emphasized the importance of incremental progress and careful planning in achieving such remarkable results.Freshman Tommy Walters-Hickman emerged as a standout performer, setting both meet and school records in the 100 meters (10.91 seconds) and 200 meters (22.17 seconds). His journey has been nothing short of inspiring, having competed earlier in the season with a cast on his arm. Walters-Hickman’s achievements were complemented by Jerod Trent's victory in the 400 meters and Tristan Swiger's triumph in the pole vault, further solidifying Doddridge County's dominance.

The Girls' Mirrored Success: A Parade of Champions

On the girls' side, Williamstown mirrored Doddridge County's success, winning eight events and setting one meet record. Their total score of 146 points far surpassed that of the runner-up Bulldogs. Senior Shelby Smith made headlines by erasing the school record in the 200 meters during prelims with a time of 25.30 seconds, surpassing Andrea Deem's previous mark of 25.61 set in 2014. Smith's journey was fueled by the mentorship of Deem, who had been her coach before transitioning to head coach at Marshall University.In the finals, despite the onset of rain showers, Smith maintained her momentum, clocking in at 25.34 seconds. Her mental transformation over the past few weeks played a pivotal role in her performance. By trusting in divine guidance and focusing solely on running, she managed to achieve what had long been a cherished goal.Williamstown's prowess extended beyond individual feats, with first-place finishes in two relays, Alyssa Sauro in the 1600 meters, Grace Boone in the pole vault, and throwers Kyndra Johnson (shot put) and Reagan Corbett (discus). Johnson and Corbett also secured the top two spots in the shot put. Senior Alexis Wynn delivered an exhilarating performance in the 3200 meters, narrowly missing out on first place by a mere 63-hundredths of a second. Her newfound racing strategy enabled her to shave off ten seconds from her personal record, marking a significant breakthrough in her otherwise tumultuous season.

Regional Highlights: Beyond the Usual Suspects

The invitational featured a diverse field of 19 schools, each contributing unique talents and achievements. Doddridge County added to their accolades with victories in two relays and Payton Trent's triumph in the long jump. Elkins' Marissa Branwalt set another meet record in the girls' division by winning her heat in the 100 meters with a time of 15.30 seconds.Ritchie County's Dylan Malolepszy exemplified versatility, using his win in the 800 meters to secure high-point individual honors with 27 points. Coach Rick Haught praised Malolepszy's exceptional abilities, likening him to a decathlete due to his proficiency across various disciplines. Grafton's Hadley Horne similarly claimed high-point honors on the girls' side with 32 points, showcasing the depth of talent present at the event.

Legacy and Lessons: The Broader Impact

Beyond the immediate triumphs, the Cline Stansberry Invitational served as a platform for athletes to forge lasting legacies. For many, this event was a stepping stone toward greater achievements in regional and state competitions. It highlighted the significance of mentorship, as seen in Shelby Smith's relationship with Andrea Deem, and the transformative power of mental fortitude.Moreover, the event underscored the value of teamwork, as emphasized by Coach Burnside. Each participant contributed uniquely to their team's success, whether through individual brilliance or collaborative efforts. As the season progresses, these lessons will undoubtedly shape the future endeavors of all involved, reinforcing the enduring legacy of the Cline Stansberry Invitational.