by Randall Jett

CORRESPONDENT

WESTON - Bridgeport swept the fields in both the boys and girls divisions for the Class AA, Region II Track and Field Championship at Lewis County High School Friday.

The Bridgeport boys proved that they are contenders for a state title by downing Grafton 135-109 to capture the regional. Keyser came home third with 90 points, followed by Liberty with 81 points. Frankfort rounded out the top five with 53 points.

"We qualified and placed about where we expected in almost every event," BHS boys coach Jon Griffith said. "We had a few surprises and a lot of good things happen, so we're happy."

Chris Hampton led the Indians effort with wins in the long jump and the 100 meter dash. Matt Wilson and Tim Goad also made major individual contributions by qualifying in multiple events. Wilson took second in the high jump, third in the 110 high hurdles and fourth in the long jump. Goad finished third in both the 200 and the long jump.

Bridgeport will also take seven other individual performers and all five of their relay squads to Charleston.

Liberty's strong performance was led by Dustin Mutschelknaus, who earned three individual victories in the 110 high hurdles, 300 hurdles, and the pole vault.

"Dustin had one of those days that athletes dream about," Liberty boys coach Phil Cunningham said "He had an awesome day and we qualified the people that we hoped we would."

Andrew Morgan qualified in both the shot and discus for the Mountaineers as did Josh Wagner in the 800 and 1600, John Natow in the 400, and the shuttle hurdle and 4x800 relay teams.

Other winning efforts turned in by Big 10 competitors included Scott Gemberling of Grafton (800, 1600, & 3200), Jason Koon of Lewis County (200), and Steve Barrett of Grafton (shot).

The Indians girls also took care of business, downing Grafton 114-96 to earn their second straight regional title. Keyser finished a close third with 92 points and was followed by Frankfort (82) and Philip Barbour (42) in fourth and fifth, respectively.

Bridgeport was led by Jamie Bragg, who placed first in the long jump, and Emilee Stout, who won the pole vault. Bragg also earned a second place finish in the 100 meter dash and Stout added a fourth place finish in the 300 hurdles.

Rachel Williams contributed to the Indians victory by qualifying in three individual events, high jump, long jump and 100 meter dash, and was a member of the second place 4x100 relay squad.

In addition, the Indians also qualified six additional individual performers and four of their five relay teams.

"We had a lot of real good performances out by a lot of kids," BHS girls coach Jim Dawson said. "That's what helped win the regional."

Lincoln had a nice day, qualifying their 4x100 and shuttle hurdle relay teams along with their winning 4x200 squad. Individually, Ashley Farris qualified in the high jump and the 100 meter dash, Stephanie Cole qualified in the long jump, and Andrea Burnett qualified in the shot put.

"We've done real well," Lincoln girls coach Evan Nuzum said. "Last year, we didn't have any girls qualify for the state meet. We have a young team so I'm just real excited that we've qualified."

Among other top Big 10 performers were Ebony Jones of Philip Barbour, who won the 100, 200 and 400, Erika Rucker of Grafton (800), Valerie Wood of Grafton (high Jump), and Lindsey Bailey of Lewis County (shot).