Virginia: Track and Field Season Stories

Who is the Northern Region's best team?

As usual, the competition is stiff, and a number of teams could emerge. Lake Braddock is the defending champion, and the Bruins always have a strong showing in the field events. A young Westfield squad was second in the state outdoors and is deep again. Centreville, Robinson and Oakton could also be among the top squads.

Will pole vault competition be tight again in the AAA Northern Region?

The pole vault is always hotly contested among Northern Region schools--five girls broke 10 feet at the AAA state meet last year. Among the accomplished returners are Lake Braddock All-Met senior Anna Noguchi, who won the indoor and outdoor regional title, and Westfield junior Betsy Alter, who won the outdoor state title.

Which area sprinters can compete with the tough runners from down-state?

Stonewall Jackson senior Thelma Breezeatl has a good shot, a year after she was all-state in the outdoor 100 meters. Breezeatl won her first 55-meter dash of the season at the GMU Invite last weekend, beating several standouts. Centreville sophomore Brittini Finch was Northern Region runner-up in the 100 last year.