Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 30, 1995 TAG: 9503300058
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CHRIS KING SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Just ask coach Randy Bailey and his Christiansburg track and field team. Though logic dictates that a team can't win every year, don't expect the the Blue Demons' run to come to an end this season. Not with the likes of Andra Beasley and Kevin Nolan leading the charge.
In Beasley, Christiansburg will be sporting one of Timesland's finest athletes. He co-owns the school record in the triple jump with a best of 45 feet, 43/4 inches and was named All-State last year in the triple jump and the long jump. Beasley also has covered 100 meters in a scant 10.9 seconds, and there is no reason to believe he will not continue to improve his considerable skills this season.
"He is the finest track athlete I have ever coached here," said Bailey of Beasley, who has committed to play football at Hampton University in the fall.
While Beasley is busy anchoring sprints and jumping events, Nolan is a more-than-capable counterpart in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs. The senior was named Timesland Cross Country Runner of the Year and led the Blue Demons to a state title in cross country last fall.
"Kevin has got a world of talent," Bailey said. "When he is focused, he is as good as anybody around. Those two provide us with leadership and talent. They are senior dynamos."
They may be dynamos, but they will not be the only standouts if the Blue Demons are to repeat their success of past years. Bailey also expects big contributions from many others.
Sophomore Mike Scott captured the New River District crown in the 55-meter hurdles and finished third in the region as a freshman.
Stephen Trail captured the 400 meter NRD crown last season and will be counted on to help Beasley carry the load in the spring events.
Juniors Michael Lee and Justin Mosby, both of whom were members of the Blue Demons cross country team, will be expected to score in the distance events.
"There are five to seven teams who have a chance to capture the state title," Bailey said. "I think we are one of those teams. These are a bunch of proud, hard-working guys."
If Christiansburg is to reach the first of its goals, a district championship, it will have to hold off the challenge of Blacksburg. The Indians will be led in the distance events by junior Scott Shephard and senior Jeff Hendricks, who captured the regional title in the indoor mile.
In Three Rivers District action, the Radford Bobcats will be a force to be reckoned with in their first year of group A competition. Erik Barton, who captured the 300-meter hurdles at the All-American relays, will pace the Bobcat sprinters.
In the 1,600 and 3,200, sophomore Michael Fisher will lead Radford. In the shot and discus, juniors Kelly Underwood and Chris Vicars will team with senior Chuck Hubbard to anchor the team
Maurice Milton and Reggie Holston will lead the charge for the Giles Spartans. Milton took the Mountain Empire District's 300-meter hurdles crown last season, and Holston bagged championships in the long and triple jump.
Floyd will look to its distance runners to help support a young team. Junior Ben Cooke was second in the state last season in the 3,200 and in cross country last fall. Jason Morisco, a senior, and junior Aaron Ott also will be counted on to place well in the 1,600. Travis Wimmer, who captured the district title in the shot put last year, returns for his senior season.
The Auburn Eagles will battle a numbers problem in its quest to field a competitive team. The Eagles have only seven boys on their team. Expected to lead the squad will be Bobby Bonds, who is playing baseball this spring as well, in the shot and discus, and Brian Wright in the high jump.
Dale Fitzgerald will help lead Shawsville. The sophomore missed qualifying for the state meet in the shot put by one inch last season.
In Narrows, the Green Wave will field a contender for the MED crown. The senior-laden squad will be led by Brian Ballard, Scott Vaught and Gary Lowery, the group A defensive Player of the Year in football, who will run the 100-meter dash.
Pulaski will be led by Tyrone Hash, Juan Clark and Darryn Simmers, all of whom qualified for regionals last season. As far as competing on the team level is concerned, the Cougars will have their work cut out for them.
by CNB