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With three freshmen competing, the Rockbridge County High School girls track and field team concluded its season at the Region 3C meet on Thursday at Liberty Christian Academy in Lynchburg.
Only the top four individual and relay teams, as well as those qualified by distance or time, advanced to the Class 3 state meet, which will take place this Friday and Saturday at Liberty University.
Abby Harding had the top finish for the Wildcats, placing ninth in the 100-meter hurdles in 18.1 seconds and 24th in the 100-meter dash in 14.61.
Celia Jones placed 10th in the 100-meter hurdles in a personal- record (PR) time of 18.16 and 24th in the long jump with a leap of 12 feet, 9.75 inches.
Emily Carroll finished 12th in the 100-meter hurdles in 19.06 seconds and 16th in the 300-meter hurdles in 55.34, both PRs.
The lone RC boy to qualify for the Region 3C meet was senior Konner Orebaugh, but he missed the meet so he could attend his graduation in Lexington.
Orebaugh and distance runner Will Gibbs were the Wildcats’ only seniors this year. Longtime RC head coach Jennifer Showalter said the Wildcats “will miss their leadership and dedication.”
With mostly freshman and sophomores, Showalter said, “It was a young team this year. A lot of improvements throughout the season.”
Showalter said she looks forward to indoor and outdoor track and field next year, with her young athletes having gained valuable experience this year.
