Boys Preview

Events to Watch

The boys' 100 meter dash looks strong, with headliner Aaron Tindall (Olympic) leading a field that includes 5 verified sub-10 sprinter. Cameron Stinson (Hickory) ran 10.67 at the 3A state meet last spring, and if he is fit he could create a two-man race that will inspire faster times despite somewhat cool temperatures. Those two will also go head-to-head in the 200, and Cameron's brother Corey could get involved in that battle, as well. Stinson and Tindall are also top-notch long jumpers when healthy, and that could set up a third duel between the two; add in Jacolby Everhart (South Iredell) and you could have an interesting competition. In the 3200, 3A cross country state champion Tanis Baldwin (East Henderson) could get a strong push from Noah Green (Patton), who ran 9:45 at the end of cross country season. This will be the first major 3200 for both runners since January, when both ran in the 9:50's, so it will be interesting to see what kind of shape they are in now. Don't be surprised if Josh Anderson stays with those two, as well; the Watauga senior showed major improvement during the fall and could be headed for strong time in the 3200 this spring.

Individuals to Watch

Bryan Brackney (Watauga) has shown several signs of being ready for something in the 1:57 range in the 800, and the conditions will be good for a breakout race on Saturday. Chris Wray (Shelby) might be able to take his first attempt in the high jump after the rest of the competition has exited, as his PR of 6' 4" is 4 heights ahead of anyone else in the field. Marvin McMillan (Olympic) has thrown over 51 feet in past seasons, though he is still searching for the 50-foot mark this season.

Teams to Watch

The Olympic boys are the top seed in all four relays, and the virtual meet predicts them as the overall team champions. East Lincoln has a strong chance at second place in team scoring, although Watauga has some talent (and may not have shown their full strength yet this year).

Boys Virtual Meet

(Times from this year, may not reflect actual events entered)

Girls Preview

Events to Watch

The 800 looks like it will have two good racing groups to provide competition up front. Christina Nikolaou (Olympic) has the best time this season, but Doria Kosmala (Watauga) recently hit a PR of 5:19 in the 1600 and looks like she is in shape for a run at the 2:20 mark. Maddie Lowe (Northwest Cabarrus) could also get involved in the battle for first, although she has the slight disadvantage of running the 1600 earlier in the meet. There could be a nice two-girl battle between Ashley Parker (Draughn) and Lauren Arrington (South Caldwell) in the high jump. Although the seed times are not spectacular, the 400 should be extremely competitive, with five girls within one second of each other at the top of the list (all 5 with verified times). Amaka Awuruonye (Olympic) and Autumn Miller (Polk County) have the best times so far this season in that event.

Individuals to Watch

Nikolaou is entered in an unusual combination of events: the 3200 shortly after the 800. She is an overwhelming favorite in the 2-mile, though, and it could prove to be valuable training. Likewise for Lowe in the 1600, where she could try to take advantage of the cool weather to push herself beyond her current PR of 5:23, or she could save energy for the 800 (see above). India McWhorter (Alexander Central) is one of the best throwers in the state, and is really in her own class at this meet. Lakanya Leggette (Olympic) is once again drawing close to the 18-foot mark in the long jump, which she crossed last spring.

Teams to Watch

Watauga always brings a solid 4x800, and they will be looking to lower their season best of 10:15. Olympic should control the sprint relays; on a warm day they would have a good chance to break 50 in the 4x100. The virtual meet predicts Olympic as the team champion, which is a solid bet. Watauga shows up in second place, but the Pioneers have not loaded up all their distance runners, and that could open the door for South Iredell or Alexander Central to take the siver.