ONA -- Cabell Midland and defending champion Wheeling Park come into the 2008 West Virginia High School Track Championships just the way they did a year ago.
The premeet favorites in Class AAA boys.
"Our team is a legitimate contender," said Knights coach Chris Parsons. "The big thing is to put it together Friday and Saturday. There's no reason we shouldn't. We've gotten better as the year went on.
"We totally respect Wheeling Park. Their goal is to come here and beat us. You can't afford to overlook anyone either."
The State Meet is scheduled Friday and Saturday at Laidley Field in Charleston. Action begins Friday at 2 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. The Knights have won the state seven times under Parsons, the last in 2005.
Cabell Midland won the Region IV crown last Wednesday and Wheeling Park breezed to victory in the Region I meet. Both teams have entries in 16 of the 18 state events.
"We got everybody there we knew could score," Parsons said.
Depth for the Knights is apparent when you look at the qualifiers.
David Bias runs in the 800, 1600 and 3200 and also a leg on the 4x800 relay. Bias won the 800 and the Knights captured the 4x800 last year. Bias is ranked No. 1 in the 800. Wheeling Park's distance standout is Ryan Beabout, who is No. 1 in the 1600 and 3200.
"He has so much more endurance," Parsons said of Bias. "And he has that mindset. He loves to compete."
"We'd like to take it back to the house," Bias said of the state championship. "We're practicing as hard as we can."
One area where the Knights are stronger in 2008 is hurdles. A year ago, the Knights got no points in the 110 and 300, but now have the No. 1 contender in senior Drake Kinzel.
"He's stronger this year and he stayed healthy," Parsons said. "He's an athlete." In the 110s, one of Kinzel's challengers is John Gadmoski of Greenbrier East.
"It feels great to know I can compete and prove myself," Kinzel said. "I'm finally healthy. The last two years things didn't go well."
In relays, Cabell Midland is No. 1 in the 4x800 and shuttle hurdles. Brian Dilcher, Krinzel, Ryan Ramsby and John Thompson make up the shuttle team. Their best time (56.32) is nearly two seconds faster than No. 2 Jefferson.
"Four great athletes who've been at it three-four years," Parsons said.
Parsons said another reason for success in hurdles is assistant coach Jerry Smalley, ,who's been with Parsons for 14 seasons. He won't be at the state meet because he's recovering from a stroke he suffered after the Gazette Relays. He's in rehab at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital.
"He's the best in the state," Parsons said of Smalley and the way he handles that specialty. "It's strange not having him here. We'll give him updates Friday and Saturday. This gives the kids more incentive. They don't want to disappoint him."
Parsons has a surprise in store for Smalley. The area where the hurdlers practice will now be known as "Smalleyville." Parsons said the sign has been made.
Other key performers for the Knights include Ramsby in the long jump, Daniel Jarrell in the high jump, Cole Bowers in the shot put and discus and Dilcher in the pole vault.
"Ryan's in a tough field. He'll try his best," Parsons said. "Daniel's jumping his best right now. Cole's got to step it up."
In the pole vault, Wheeling Park has three qualifiers. Eric Ripley (No. 1) has a best of 13 feet, 6 inches. Dilcher is one of seven vaulters who've cleared 12-6.
"They're traditionally strong, but we don't have to sit and watch them score points," Parsons said of Wheeling Park.
Dilcher has made his charge over the second half of the season. The reason is he had limited practice in March and early April.
"We didn't get the pit out. We had about a month delay," Parsons said. "In the third or fourth meet he finally got to jump. He's got good speed, tremendous strength and his technique is so much better."
Bowers is defending champion in the shot put.
"We're going to go after it," Bowers said.
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