WEST VIRGINIA STATE MEET

Edwards, University High Make It Three Straight; Morgantown Girls Push Down Record Score To 21

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

Larry Josh Edwards made sure his name will be remembered. Saturday afternoon at the West Virginia High School State Cross Country Championships, the University senior ran to a third straight AAA individual title, crossing the 5,000-meter rain-soaked course at Cabell Midland High in a time of 15 minutes, 51.7 seconds. 

Edwards’ victory also helped University defend the team title, claiming the program’s third consecutive. 

“It's a bittersweet ending to my senior cross country season, but we ended it on a high note and I’m fully confident I’m leaving the team in good hands,” Edwards said. “No matter what state you’re in, winning a team title and individual title for three years in a row is difficult and a testament to our hard work and discipline.” 

Edwards, No. 6 in the DyeStat rankings, will attend the University of Oregon next fall, and he will enter his final track seasons as one of the top 2-milers (8:46.73) in the country.  

The girls 3A race was dominated by Morgantown. Junior Irene Riggs defended her individual title with 18:24.9 and guided her team to another championship. Morgantown had five runners in the top eight to score 21 points, the lowest total in meet history. 

Led by sophomore Brayden Marshall’s victory (16:24.3), the Winfield boys edged out defending champion Frankfort, 46-50, to claim the AA team title. Winfield placed four runners in the top 14.

The Winfield girls made it a program sweep as junior Rachel Withrow won the individual title in 20:04.23. Winfield scored 72 points to win the team championship. 

In Class A Doddridge County junior Lexi Lamb continued her impressive season, winning the individual title in 19:37.6. Teammate Katie Cottrill finished third as Doddridge won the team title.

In boys Class A, sophomore Aidan Scott of wheeling Central won the title in 17:29.4, while Williamstown claimed the team trophy. 

Team Champions

Class 3A: University boys  points; Morgantown girls 21 points - RESULTS

Class 2A: Winfield boys 50 points; Winfield girls 72 points - RESULTS

Class 1A: Williamstown boys  points; Doddridge County girls  points - RESULTS