By joe McCullough Rappahannock News Special Writer The Virginia

By joe McCullough

Rappahannock News Special Writer

The Virginia Region B Track and Field Championship on May 19 at Western Albemarle High School was a bit of a disappointment for the Rappahannock Panthers.

Coaches Carla Scott and Scott Mellott had grand aspirations for the young contingent of seven athletes that was vying for a shot at competing in the state championship on May 27 at the Virginia Military Institute.

But at the end of the day, the only Panthers invited to the grand finale in Lexington were the team’s upperclassmen: seniors Eric Dunn and Carroll Frye and junior Susie Dearing. Sophomores Matt Eidson and Toby Waterbury and freshmen Celeste Waggener and Michelle Earley failed to qualify for the state meet.

The RCHS coaches were quick to pbint out, however, that all four youngsters benefitted from their regional experience and would be back stronger next year. “Also most of the people that beat us today are graduating, and won’t be back next year,” noted Mrs. Scott.

Rappahannock’s first competitor of the day, Frye, easily advanced to states in the shot put with a throw of 45’ 3 l/2’’for fifth place. (The,top six in each event advance).

But neither the brawny senior nor his coaches were pleased with the throw. “Carroll is not living up to his potential. There’s no reason for him not to be throwing 50 feet,” explained Mr. Mellott.

Frye says he’s excited to be going to VMI but realizes that he must do better in order to come home with an award. “It feels good to represent my school in the championships,” Frye said.

The highlight of the afternoon came in the high jump where Dunn topped his previous mark of 5’10‘ with a leap of 6’2”. The high soaring senior cleared the pole on his third and final attempt for fifth place. He almost made a jump of 6’3” but his backside grazed the bar just enough to knock it down. “I’ll make 6’3” at