A glance down the West Virginia Class A cross country rankings will show names from stalwarts like Williamstown, Doddridge County and Ritchie County.
The lists also includes several athletes from Richwood High School who have performed at a high level not only locally, but also on the sport’s biggest stage.
Last year at the girls state cross country meet, a trio of freshmen Carlee Dillard, Baylee Jarrett and Kelsey Davis announced their arrival on high school scene in a big way.
Competing against the state’s top veteran runners, Dillard finished third, while Jarrett raced home in fifth place and Davis was 26th in a field of over 60 runners.
“My sophomore girls are really well-rounded athletes, and they thrive at what they do. They do a lot of sports” fourth-year Richwood cross-country head coach, Doris Smith said. “Those girls are very respectful young ladies that have a lot of heart and a great attitude. They did well as freshmen and have continued to progress.”
The success of the young trio may have come as a surprise to some across the state, but not to their coach.
“Carlee and Baylee have ran since they were in sixth grade. They ran through middle school and on into high school,” Smith said. “Kelsey just started last year and she has been impressive. She is finishing in the top-15 at events and sometimes in the top-10.”
Joining the three standout sophomores on this year’s team are Raegan Raffo, Sophie Mullins and Tracey Frame who is the lone senior on the team. Mullins and Raffo are both freshmen.
“Raegan just started last year as an eighth grader. Her and Sophie are really progressing nicely. They are learning the pacing and how it works. My two freshmen are up and coming athletes and they put in their miles.” Smith said. “Tracey is also doing well. She also puts in the work.”
Finding athletes to run cross-country is never easy, especially at a small school like Richwood. However, that was not really the case for Smith.
“It didn’t take a lot of convincing. They just love running. They do it in their spare time at home and they are always training in the off-season,” Smith said. “Sophie runs 5K’s with her dad and he keeps her busy hiking. They are a very active family.”
After placing fifth in the state last year, Smith is confident her girls can make another trip back to the big meet.
“As much work as they put in, I wouldn’t expect any less. They are mentally strong, and they are physically strong,” Smith said. “They are a young team that has been working really hard. They push themselves and they feed off each other. My freshmen pace off my sophomores.”
Senior Trey Stanley is the top runner on the boy’s side. After earning a spot in the state meet each of the three previous seasons, Stanley is well on his way to a fourth appearance this year.
“Trey Stanley is another one that just loves running. He also runs track, is in the band and plays basketball,” Smith said.
Last year, Stanley had his best finish at the state cross-country meet, crossing the line in tenth place. He could likely top that finish this year. Currently Stanley is ranked as the No. 4 Class A runner in the state according to runwv.com.
Stanley is joined this year by fellow senior, Hunter Vargo and two freshman, Brayden McPherson and Bryce Rozas who have recently returned from injuries.
“This is Hunter’s first season doing cross-country. He said he was doing cross-country to get in shape for track. He works hard and does really well,” Smith said.
Smith also coaches the middle school programs which has a sizeable group of runners competing. It is a group she hopes will keep the high school program thriving in the coming years.
“They are all young, but I will have three or four that will move up to push my high school team next year,” Smith said.
The regional meet to determine the state tournament qualifiers will be held Oct. 21 at Westside High School.
