Greenbrier East Girls Run Strong at State Meet

The Greenbrier East girls track team has been a dominant force all season.

Friday and Saturday at the 2025 West Virginia State Track Meet at UC Stadium on Laidley Field, the Lady Spartans proved they are one of the best AAA teams in the Mountain State.

Led by a solid overall performance, Greenbrier East finished in 3rd-place (76 points) behind Morgantown (99 points) and Huntington (94 points).

Junior Annie Whited guided the Greenbrier East effort by winning the state championship title in the 400 meter dash and earning the Paul Steinbecker Memorial Award given for the High Point Winner.

In the 400 meter dash, Whited found herself in a tight battle with Hedgesville senior Jadyn Macher.

"I just saw her coming. Most of these races that I have been running, I haven't had anyone with me there, the last 100 (meters)," Whited said. "So when I saw her, I was like, you have to kick it to the next gear. You have to want it more than she does. I have been mentally preparing for the last 100 (meters) for days now. I knew it was coming."

After finishing fifth as a freshman and two positions better as a sophomore, Whited refused to be denied and was taken by emotion after the win.

"I have been working for this so hard. When all of this work pays off, it gets emotional.," Whited said. "You just have to self-talk yourself mentally. Keep reminding yourself your the best. That is what I do."

Individually, Whited back up her state championship effort with runner-up finishes in the 100 meter dash and the 200 meter dash.

The 400 meter win was not the only time Whited stood on top of the winner's podium. Combining with Kiana McClung, Noelle McClintic and Avery Thompson, the Lady Spartans won the 4x200 meter relay championship.

However, the key to success for Greenbrier East was balance. The top-8 finishers scored and received All-state recognition.

Sophomore Neena McClintic had a strong meet coming to the line second in the 800 meter run and the 1600 meter run.

Hailey Ervin, Noelle McClintic, Ella Lewis and Kiana McClung finished fourth in the 4x100 meter relay, while Kiana McClung, Neena McClintic, Avery Thompson and Noelle McClintic ran third in the 4x400 meter relay.

Jilian Styles, Luella Mansheim, Neena McClintic and Kate Adkins finished sixth in the 4x800 meter. Mykah Judy, Hailey Ervin, Emma Palmer and Avery Thompson were fifth in the Shuttle Hurdles Relay.

Avery Thompson ran fourth in the 300 meter hurdles, while Kiana McClung was eighth in the 100 meter dash.