An all-around consistent performance led by Michael Davenport propelled Woodberry Forest to its third straight VISAA state title on Saturday in Richmond.
Woodberry garnered 162 points to finish ahead of meet host St. Christopher’s (111). Fork Union narrowly missed out on the runner-up spot, finishing just behind the Saints with 110 points.
Davenport, a Virginia Tech commit, took first place in the long jump with a leap of 23-08.25 and was second in the 55 (6.62) and 300 meter dashes (36.63).
Jack Claiborne took top honors in the 55-meter hurdles ahead of Fork Union’s Levord Burns. The Tigers also swept the top three spots in the pole vault as Kyle Kauffman, Shepherd Sims and D’Angelo Davis finished 1-2-3.
FUMA senior Alex Lomong was a bright spot for the Blue Devils as he captured wins in the 1000 (2:30.79) and 1600 (4:27.79), distancing himself from Woodberry’s Robert Singleton in both events. Fork Union continued its dominance in the distance events with Julian Yescas’ win in the 3200 (9:44.31). Singleton finished third.
The Blue Devils also took top honors in the 4×200 meter relay. Liam O’Brien, Logan Justice, Nathan Disbrow and Burns combined for the win in a time of 1:33.57, finishing ahead of Woodberry’s team, consisting of Davenport, Bebe Olaniyan, Miles Thompson and Cameron Hill (1:34.20). FUMA’s 4×400 team was second behind St. Christopher’s. The Tigers finished third in both the 4×400 and 4×800 relays.
Other highlights included: Fork Union’s Ebruba Etta, who was second in the 500 and Taurus Carroll, who finished second in the high jump ahead of Woodberry’s Ryan Grady, Singleton and Claiborne. FUMA’s TJ Blanton-Wade was second in the triple jump (44-11.75) behind Bishop Sullivan’s Bobby Price. Both performances broke the previous meet record.
On the girls side, Norfolk Academy collected 153.50 points to claim the title, while St. Catherine’s finished second (132).
Saint Anne’s Belfield senior Maddie Hunter took second place in the 1000 and 1600 behind Norfolk Academy’s Julia Lambert as the Saints finished 10th overall.
