by Jamie Harris
Under clear skies at the picturesque Alumni Stadium, the Berkeley Springs High School track and field team delivered one of its most impressive postseason performances in recent memory, qualifying an outstanding 17 athletes for the WVSSAC Class AA State Championships at the Region II meet last Wednesday, May 13.
The Lady Indians squad powered its way to a runner-up finish with 96 points, trailing only Lincoln (160), while the boys battled through a competitive field and gained valuable postseason momentum.
Berkeley Springs was fueled by multiple individual champions, headlined by senior standout Aviona Ambrose, who dominated the hurdles:
- 100m Hurdles Champion (17.11) – State Qualifier.
Ambrose also played a critical role across multiple relays, showcasing her versatility and leadership.
Sophomore Abigail Close delivered a breakout performance with two titles:
- 300m Hurdles Champion (50.14) – State Qualifier; and
- High Jump Champion (4’8”) – State Qualifier.
Close added even more value as a key contributor on multiple relay teams.
The Lady Indians demonstrated strong depth in distance events:
- Reese Souders – third in 800m (2:30.65) – State Qualifier; and
- Bella Shoemaker – sixth in 3200m (13:37.60) – State Qualifier.
Souders also qualified in the high jump with a third-place finish at 4’8”.
In the throwing events, Katie Risinger delivered a standout double:
- Second in Shot Put (33’5.75”) – State Qualifier; and
- Third in Discus (98’11”) – State Qualifier.
Berkeley Springs’ success was driven in large part by well-balanced and determined relay teams, with multiple squads earning state qualification.
Girls Relay State Qualifiers
- 4×100 Relay (56.12): Aviona Ambrose, Taylor Henry, Lilli Stevens and Xavia Willcox;
- 4×200 Relay (1:58.02): Isabelle Bingaman, Abigail Close, Ava Michael and Reese Souders;
- 4×102.5 Shuttle Hurdles Relay (1:15.81): Aviona Ambrose, Abigail Close, Maci Michael and Ava Michael.
Each relay unit combined speed, chemistry and execution to secure spots in the state championships.
Senior Maddie Close delivered a personal-best performance:
- Second in Pole Vault (8’0”) – State Qualifier.
Her effort added to Berkeley Springs’ strong representation in field events.
On the boys side, Berkeley Springs fought through a deep field to produce a standout state qualifier:
- 4×800 Relay (9:28.82) – State Qualifier: Haven Ailor, Joshua Lucas, Jay Nazelrod and Josh Walls.
The distance quartet demonstrated consistency and endurance to secure their place at the state meet.
Individually, Landon Tausen led the boys’ efforts:
- Fifth in Long Jump (19’2.75”) – State Qualifier.
The sprint relay team also delivered a solid performance:
- 4×100 Relay (50.20): Leland Smoot, Austin Gentile, Landon Somers and Landon Tausen.
Distance runners Jay Nazelrod (sixth, 1600m) and Josh Walls (seventh, 1600m) contributed valuable points, while throwers Brian Ailor, Jaxen Landers and Ian Holmes added depth in the field events. Josh Morgan posted a personal best in the pole vault.
Beyond medals and qualifications, the meet highlighted significant individual improvement. Multiple athletes recorded personal bests, including:
- Leland Smoot (100m, 200m);
- Ava Michael (200m);
- Isabelle Bingaman (200m);
- Jaxen Landers and Ian Holmes (discus); and
- Maddie Close (pole vault)
With 17 athletes advancing across individual and relay events, Berkeley Springs now turns its attention to the state championships with confidence and momentum.
Blending experienced seniors, rising underclassmen, and strong relay chemistry, the Indians have positioned themselves as a formidable presence. Their performance at Region II made one thing clear: Berkeley Springs is not just qualifying athletes; they are building a program ready to compete at the highest level.
Next up for Berkeley Springs is the 2026 Class AA State Track and Field Championships this coming Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23 at Laidley Field in the state capital Charleston.
