After Review, Schools Share Title

By Matthew Stanmyre

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

The Virginia High School League announced yesterday that a clerical error in the 800-meter girls' event from Saturday's Virginia AA track and field championships means that Brentsville and Park View will share the state title.

The Tigers edged the Patriots on Saturday in Harrisonburg, 45-42, but questions immediately were raised about the correct order of finish in the 800. At the meet, Megan Barnes of Park View was stripped of her sixth-place medal and it was awarded to Sarah Earman of Brentsville, providing the Tigers with their margin of victory.

Brentsville assistant coach Darrell Earman discovered Sunday that Sarah Earman — his daughter — ran a slower time than what meet officials had given her. Darrell Earman notified his wife, Brentsville Athletic Director Jane Earman, and they contacted meet director Joe Curcio. That prompted a meeting yesterday among meet officials, who reviewed the results and determined that Sarah Earman did not place in the top eight, taking three points away from the Tigers.

"I'm really happy that everything was worked out and resolved," said Park View Coach Randy Kerico, whose girls' team has now won consecutive AA titles. "I'm glad that everything is over."

Added Darrell Earman: "We know that we've done it the right way. If we had some knowledge that something wasn't right, it's really not worth winning it. Those kids [at Park View] should enjoy being state champions as well."

Although other complaints were raised about Saturday's meet — some coaches voiced concerns regarding the girls' 100-meter hurdles and the long jump — the 800 was the most scrutinized event. A computer that automatically records times malfunctioned during the third heat of the event. Then a typing error recorded the wrong times and places, which ultimately led to Brentsville and Park View sharing the girls' title.

Brentsville, meanwhile, still earns a share of the school's first track and field title of any kind.

"Nothing changes for me," Brentsville Coach Jacob Pilipski said. "It's still a great accomplishment. It still ends great for us."

At Park View, players and coaches were elated upon yesterday's news. A celebration is tentatively scheduled at the school for Friday morning, when the team will be presented with its championship trophy. The Patriots also acknowledge that their title perhaps would have been overlooked if not for the good sportsmanship of Brentsville.

"We're absolutely delighted with the outcome and really appreciative of the Brentsville coach," Park View assistant coach Brian Baird said. "His sportsmanship is fantastic."

Extra Points

By Paul Tenorio and Matt Brooks