Saturday, February 16, 2002 -- Buckhannon, WV
WV-TAC Winter X-Country Series #1 (iPO Event Id#: 4819)
Photos by Dave McKain with story by T.R. Buck

[Details] [Coverage] [Overall Results] [Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2] [Pic Set 3]

Steve Bohan leads from the get-go

It was a sunny Saturday morning in Buckhannon as the West Virginia Track Against Cancer (WV-TAC) hosted the organization's first sanctioned event. While the race did not attract large numbers, The cross country two-miler was loaded with All-Stars.

Former WVU stars Steve Bohan and Heather Bury rolled to easy victories over the rolling layout, putting themselves in a solid position to collect the $150 in prize money for the two-race Winter Series.

Larry Taylor, the former Glenville State star, and currently the top Masters runner in West Virginia, finished second in 10:37. The next three runners were Wesleyan freshman trio of Steven Nutter, Justin Cox, and Mike Massey. Aaron Kaylor placed 8th overall, but finished 3rd among those eligible to collect the prize money, and is himself in position to collect the $50 for 3rd place when the 5k race will be held on the same course on March 16th.

Hannah Vernon, a rising star from the WV Flyers

Bury, who qualified for the U.S. Nationals in the Steeplechase in 2000, defeated WVU runner Devon Plesuk by 35 seconds. Kim Dorman finished 3rd, as it appears all three womens spots will be grabbed by former Mountaineers.

Glenville's Jim Bailey was the oldest finisher, running a 13:49 at age 61, while Hannah Vernon was the youngest runner, navigating the course in 15:06 at age 11.

"We will be doing a few road races on our schedule, but I really feel that cross country racing is a good concept that a lot of runners like to do occasionally," WV-TAC Vice President Adam Brantner said. "We have a beautiful course here, and we are very hopeful that a lot more people will make it out to our second race in March."

A beauty day for x-country

Bohan, who ran for the Canadian National team in the marathon in last year's World Championships, is going to be a marquee member of WV-TAC's pro team which will begin this Spring. The organization is also hopeful that Bury will be on the squad, but negotiations are still in the process since she already has a professional sponsorship.

WV-TAC will be presenting it's first check to the American Cancer Society at the end of February. Your race participation or donations are greatly appreciated. Help us join the fight against Cancer, and help the fitness level of West Virginia.