Rockbridge County High School high jumper Ariana Mitchell completed an impressive freshman year in the high jump at the Class 3 state track and field meet on Saturday morning at Liberty University in Lynchburg.
Mitchell had qualified by height for the state meet first meet of the season in late March when she cleared 5 feet. At the state meet, however, she was unable to clear the starting height of 4 feet, 10 inches. The state champion was Heritage’s Briyonna Tune, clearing 5-4 to help the Pioneers win the team title.
Mitchell, whose personal record is 5-2, had the same finish to her indoor season, finishing short of clearing the qualifying height. Prior to the state meet, she placed fourth at the Valley District meet and was the runner-up at the Region 3C meet.
“Being a freshman and making it to state is a huge accomplishment and a great experience for her,” said RC head coach Jennifer Showalter.
Mitchell was also a sprinter and a member of the Wildcats’ regional-qualifying 4 X 100meter relay.
The Wildcats had a small and young team this year, with no seniors. Other bright spots for RC were three sophomore girls who qualified for the Region 3C meet: Celia Jones (100-meter hurdles, high jump), Abby Harding (100-meter hurdles) and Emily Carroll (300-meter hurdles). Harding, Jones and Mitchell joined freshman Kyra Strowbridge on the 4 X 100-meter relay team, which placed ninth at the Region 3C meet in a season-best time of 54.21 seconds.
Looking ahead, Showalter said, “We are excited for next year, with upcoming [freshmen], a lot of talent coming in.”
