Nike Outdoor Nationals Saturday: Forbes gets her 20 footer and title

In her first attempt in the finals of the long jump at Nike Outdoor Nationals, Shakia Forbes finally was able to leap over the benchmark which had eluded her all spring long with the 20 plus foot long jump with a mark of 20'2.25" to win the national title. The Bethel senior had continue to inch closer to 20 feet this entire season and finally achieved her goal as Virginia's only second national champion of the meet (Brooke Point's April Sinkler won the high jump on Friday). There were a handful of other All-Americans in the meet from Virginia including Sean Holston in the 400 meter dash (2nd, 46.64), Natalie Baird in the discus throw (4th, 154'4"), and Catherine White in the  2K steeplechase (5th, 6:48.91). Holston is looking to redeem himself of his first defeat this spring next weekend at USATF Junior Nationals, which Forbes will also be another represenative from Virginia in Indianapolis. White, one of Virginia's most decorated and accomplished distance runners, finished out her high school career with an iron woman triple with the two mile run on Friday (10:34.88) and 2K steeplechase (6:48.91) and mile run (5:00.53) on Saturday. Baird had been under the weather this week including an urgent care visit while in Greensboro, but was still able to muster an All-American showing. The Western Branch boys and Bethel boys both picked All-American honors in relay action and will definitely be back next year for more honors with virtually no seniors on either squad. The Western Branch led for nearly three legs in the top section of the 4x400 meter relay and ended up as the sixth place finisher in 3:14.91. Meanwhile, the Bethel boys continued their solid weekend with top 8 showings in three different relays with their top finishing coming in a third place showing in the 800 meter SMR at 1:31.18. More to come from Nike Outdoor Nationals including photos, videos, and interviews.