The Winfield High                                  School boys’ and girls’                               track teams have ruled the AA classification for the past decade. 

This year, the teams look to show their dominance at the West Virginia state track meet held in May. 

Much of their success is due to longtime track coach David Bailey.  The coach knows how to instill his wisdom and get the most out of each and every student at almost all meets. 

Two of those runners that have listened and matured under Coach Bailey are senior Emily Stewart and junior Christian Powers. 

At the Potential Plus/Winfield High School Classic, Stewart ran a 12.9 100-meter dash.  She finished first, and also finished first in the 200-meter and 400-meter races with times of 26.0 and 59.5 seconds respectively.  She says, “I hope to break into the 58 second range come state tournament time.  I would like to be able to win all three events at States.” 

Stewart also carries a 3.6 GPA in the classroom, showing her leadership and work ethic not only on the track, but off the track as well. 

Junior Christian Powers comes into this year as a favorite to win the state meet in the 110-meter high hurdles.  He ran a 14.93 to grab first place at the Classic.  Stewart also ran 40.1 second 300-meter hurdles, where he is also favored to win the States. 

The boys’ shuttle team ran a 59.1. Stewart is the leader on that team as well. He says, “There are a couple records I would like to break, but for now I am focused on getting better each and every week leading up to the state tournament.

Coach Bailey states, “Both of these athletes epitomize the hard work and dedication it takes to be successful in the track and field sport.  Christian and Emily never give less than 100 percent each and every practice, and they hate to lose.” 

When asked about their expectations for the rest of the year, Emily says, “We obviously want to work as hard as we can, and hopefully win States again.”

Christian agrees with his teammate.  “I feel if we work as hard as we can and continue to improve, we can make a run for another State Title,” he says.

Coach Bailey humbly sums it up by saying, “I feel right now we are one of the three best teams in the state.  However, in order to be successful you have to be able to peak at the right time.  Withith the leadership of Emily and Christian I think we will continue to improve and hopefully have a good showing at the state tournament.”

Look for Emily, Christian, and other local area high school athletes to be named Tracksters of the Week sponsored by Teays Physical Therapy Center, Inc.