Decision Bridge Invitational Preview
Runners from seventeen schools will tie on their electronic chips and head to the starting line at the Calvin Center in Hampton for the inaugural Decision Bridge Invitational on Saturday. Questions abound with runners not knowing how fast the course will be, who is healthy (or not), and what direction to take when they reach Decision Bridge.
The clear team favorite in the boy’s race is Chapel Hill coming off of an impressive 2nd place finish at the Early Bird two weeks ago. Expected to challenge for team honors are Alexander, Eagles Landing, Union Grove, and Luella. In the individual battle Wade Voyles (Chapel Hill), Chance Eldredge (Chapel Hill), and Sony Prosper (Union Grove) have already posted fast, early season times. Eagles Landing’s Zach Sims and Keanan Joyner, Alexander’s Wes Smallwood, Luella’s Preston Valencia and Zach Walker, OLM’s Jonathon Bridier, Union Grove’s Brandon Cromer, Pike County’s Brett Edmondson, and Whitewater’s Nick Londrillo and John Grafmiller all should compete for top ten honors.
The Chapel Hill girl’s with three front runners and a 1:20 1-5 split will be hard to beat. Our Lady of Mercy (defending 1A State Champions) and Whitewater have been clapboard to clapboard in early results and hope to challenge Chapel Hill. The battle for individual honors will include OLM’s Andrea Raville and Megan Malasarte, Chapel Hill’s Gabby Fulton, Gina Melilli, and Ashton Lord, Union Grove’s Madeline McCane and Reyna Green, Alexander’s Brittany Truitt, and Whitewater’s Mackenzie Nail. Not to be overlooked is the reigning queen of Fayette County, Starrs Mill’s Jackie Sample.