West Virginia track state champion makes political statement during award ceremony

The West Virginia High School Track & Field Championships, held Sunday at the University of West Virginia’s Memorial Fieldhouse in Morgantown, delivered a day of electrifying performances and a handful of headline‑making victories. The 2024 championships, organized by the West Virginia Secondary Schools Athletic Association (WVSAA), featured more than 200 athletes from across the state, all vying for titles that could open doors to national competition and collegiate scholarship opportunities.

Sprinting Sensation: Zachary Allen Takes the 200‑Meter Crown

The most talked‑about win of the day came from 15‑year‑old Zachary Allen of Hinton High School. Allen sprinted down the back straight in a blazing 21.45 seconds, shattering his personal best and setting a new school record in the process. “I was nervous at first, but once I got into my stride, it felt like I could fly,” Allen said in a post‑race interview. He credited his coach, former state champion Mark Reynolds, for the meticulous training regimen that focused on core stability and reaction time.

Reynolds, who has coached at Hinton for a decade, noted that Allen’s win is a “testament to hard work and consistency.” “We’ve been doing a lot of speed‑endurance work over the past year. Seeing Zachary turn all that into a state title is a great reward for the program,” he said. The win places Allen in line for the 2025 U.S. Junior National Championships in Seattle, where he will represent West Virginia on a national stage.

The 400‑Meter Queen: Rachel Martinez Dominates the Field

On the women's side, Rachel Martinez of Wheeling Central High School dominated the 400‑meter dash, finishing with an impressive 54.32 seconds that comfortably beat her nearest rival, 17‑year‑old Emily Davis of Fairmont High. Martinez’s performance, which eclipsed the previous state record by 0.18 seconds, earned her the “State Champion” title and the “Most Outstanding Athlete” award for the day.

“Running the 400 meters is about pacing yourself and knowing when to push,” Martinez told reporters. “I felt the race coming together in the last 50 meters, and I pulled it out with everything I’ve got.” Martinez’s coach, Coach Linda Thompson, praised her mental toughness: “She’s a fighter, and her dedication to training is unwavering. This victory is well deserved.”

A Day of Record‑Breaking Performances

The championships were not just about the sprint events. The long‑jump finals saw 17‑year‑old Maya Thompson of Point Pleasant High school achieve a personal best of 5.90 meters, while the shot put final was dominated by 16‑year‑old Tyler Reed of Bluefield High who recorded a throw of 13.50 meters. The high‑jump finals saw a dramatic finish as high‑school legend’s own record was broken by 15‑year‑old Noah Davis.

These standout performances earned the athletes a coveted place on the West Virginia Junior National Team roster, which will compete at the Junior National Championships in Chicago later this summer.

Community and Coaching Efforts

The championships were a community celebration, with students, parents, and local fans lining the track for the weekend. “It’s amazing to see the support for our youth athletes,” said WVSAA President, Lisa Johnson. “The level of competition and the number of records set speaks volumes about the quality of coaching and dedication in West Virginia.”

The event also highlighted the state’s continued investment in athletic infrastructure. This year, the championships were hosted in a newly renovated fieldhouse that features updated timing systems and an expanded spectator area. “The new facilities give our athletes the best possible environment for competition,” said WVSAA’s Director of Facilities, Eric Harper.

Looking Ahead

The champions’ successes will have ripple effects on the upcoming collegiate recruiting season. Several college coaches from the Atlantic 10 Conference and the Big 12 have already called the athletes for campus visits. “We’re excited about the talent we see here,” said Virginia Tech’s track coach, Kevin O’Neil. “West Virginia’s high school athletes are stepping into the spotlight and ready to compete at the next level.”

Beyond college, the state champions are also eyeing the National Junior Olympics, where they will face the best youth athletes from across the country. “Representing West Virginia at the National Junior Olympics is a dream,” said Allen. “I’m going to keep working hard and aim for that.”

Key Takeaways

Zachary Allen (Hinton HS) won the 200‑meter dash in 21.45 seconds, breaking his personal best and setting a new school record.
Rachel Martinez (Wheeling Central HS) captured the 400‑meter title in 54.32 seconds, shattering the state record.
The championships featured numerous record‑breaking performances across field and track events.
The event underscored the importance of robust coaching, community support, and upgraded athletic facilities in fostering youth talent.
State champions are poised for national competitions and increased visibility for college recruitment.

The West Virginia High School Track & Field Championships concluded on a high note, with athletes celebrating victories that extend beyond personal achievement to represent the pride of West Virginia. Their performances not only bring glory to their schools but also inspire the next generation of West Virginia athletes to aim high and sprint toward success.

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