Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 23, 1994 TAG: 9404230041
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RALPH BERRIER JR. STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
It could be all Christiansburg at the All-American Relays today at Radford High School.
The Blue Demons appear to have the strongest squads and are looking to become the first school to win both the boys' and girls' teams titles since Blacksburg pulled the dual feat in 1982.
Christiansburg's boys will be going for their sixth All-American title in the past seven years. The Blue Demons had a five-year winning streak snapped last year when they finished fourth.
"This team definitely feels like it has something to prove," said Christiansburg coach Randy Bailey. "Last year, we had a poor meet and we didn't have the franchise performers like we had in the past. We were fat and sassy."
Christiansburg definitely has a franchise performer in Andra Beasley, who could be the top boys' scorer in the meet. A year ago, Beasley had a sprained foot and failed to score.
Beasley could win the 100-meter dash, the long and triple jumps. He'll also run in the 400 relay and possibly the sprint medley relay.
"He's a stallion," said Bailey.
The 100 shapes up as an exceptional race between Beasley and Graham speedster Mike Gregory, both of whom could challenge the meet record of 10.7 seconds set last year by Salem's Keith Moyer. Beasley, who ran on the Blue Demons' state championship indoor team during the winter, whipped Gregory a couple of weeks ago in Christiansburg, but Gregory should be in better condition for this race.
Christiansburg also is strong in the middle and long distances with Aaron Payne, Jeremy Cosgriff and Kevin Nolan.
Salem and defending champion Northside will need strong efforts to challenge Christiansburg.
Salem's Michael Murphy should have a good day in the 200, long jump and triple jump. Northside's Dee Shovely will contend in the 100.
Another individual standout is Auburn's V.J. Lumia, who will be one of the favorites to win the 200, 400 and possibly the high jump.
In girls' competition, Christiansburg is strong across the board except for the sprint events. The Blue Demons' biggest challenge will come from Harrisonburg, which has one of the best female athletes in sprinter and long-jumper Leema Madden, and Laurel Park. Defending champion Blacksburg and perhaps Richlands and Radford could finish high.
Christiansburg junior Bethany Eigel is one of Timesland's best distance runners, as is Blacksburg's Sarah Hendricks. The Blue Demons are strong in the 1,600, 3,200, and sprint medley relays, and junior Maureen Jackson will be a favorite to win the shot put and discus.
Among other Timesland individuals, Salem's Amy Pitts and Cynthia Lundstrum are two of the favorites in the 100 hurdles, Auburn's Sherry Smith has the fastest time in the 300 hurdles, Blacksburg's Nikki Hunt could win the 400 and William Byrd's Christine Grecus is a favorite in the 800.
by CNB