Cuthbertson wasted no time getting into the groove of the indoor track and field season. The Cavaliers made the trip to Liberty Flames HS Invitational in Virginia this weekend, and electrified the meet.
It started in the girls 1,600m. The Cavalier top four of Charlotte Bell, Stella Kermes, and Justine and Alyssa Preisano were all entered in the field. Bell, the defending half-mile state champion, was more than ready to hit the track again.
She ran 4:47.84, the fastest 1,600m time (not including 1-mile conversions, with conversions it is No. 5 all-time) in state history. It is also a state junior class indoor record!
Behind her was as strong pack of Lady Cavs. A. Preisano was 2nd in 4:49.40, good for NC Indoor All-Time No. 7 (including 1-mile conversions). Kermes was right on her tail, going 4:50.00, which is all-time No. 9. J. Preisano was 4th overall, running 4:55.33.
Just a couple of hours later, the quartet lined up once more for the 1,000m. This time, there is no conversions to keep Charlotte Bell from the state record. She took home her second win, second personal best, and an official state record of 2:49.32 in the 1,000m.
| RANK | TIME | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2:49.32 | 2024 | ||
| 2 | 2:49.79 | 2017 | ||
| 3 | 2:50.37 | 2024 | ||
| 4 | 2:53.23 | 2015 | ||
| 5 | 2:53.85 | 2005 | ||
| 6 | 2:55.69 | 2018 | The VA Showcase3rd F | |
| 7 | 2:55.74 | 2024 |
The 2021-22 NCHSAA 4A 1,000m state title race might've been the best 1,000m race in state history. This year is lining up to be even better. Kermes was runner-up in 2:50.37, and improved her NC No. 3 all-time mark. J. Preisano was 3rd in the race, and her 2:55.74 is NC No. 7 all-time.
The quartet currently sits US No. 1, 2, 3, and 4 in both events.
It was not just the Lady Cavaliers that lit up the track, however. As much attention as the Lady Cavs have gotten over the last few months, the boys of Cuthbertson have been up to something just as special.
UNC signee Killian Fahy, running in his first career 500m, ran a current U.S. No. 1 1:04.93 to get the win. He is the first boy to go under 1:05.00 in the country this season.
The 4x200m battle at the NCHSAA 4A state meet is already picking up steam, as two favorites in Cuthbertson and Parkland lined up in VA. Fahy chased down the anchor for Parkland and got the win in U.S. No. 1 1:29.11. Parkland was runner-up in U.S. No. 2 1:29.13.
Reece Morgan, another UNC signee and an important part of the 4x200m squad, sits U.S. No. 5 in the 300m after his 35.12 victory.