Highlighting spring seniors: Girls' Track & Field

Seniors: Mia Johnson, sprints; Kenzie Konyar, distance; Stephanie Smith, throws; Emma Bowman, sprints/middle distance; Emma Stover, distance; Cleo Yeatras, distance.

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Konyar has competed at the state meet in both cross country and track & field in every year of her high school career, so she was looking forward to adding one more state memory before she goes off to compete in those sports at NCAA Division I George Washington.

It wasn’t just the competition aspect that Konyar was anticipating, but also the time spent with teammates. A year ago James Wood and Konyar got to travel to Liberty University for the Class 4 state meet for the first time instead of Harrisonburg High School, and Konyar didn’t mind the extra 95 miles each way one bit.

“I think going to Liberty made it a lot more fun,” Konyar said. “You have a bigger stadium and it’s a much bigger setting, especially for us. We’re used to racing at Harrisonburg, which is a little bit more underwhelming, so it was definitely cool last year.

“We had a really big group that went to states last year for the first time, so it was really fun to have so many teammates there.”

Konyar — who competed in the 1,600 meters and 3,200 individually last year — figured to have plenty of company again this year. Konyar also competed in the 4x800 relay at last year’s state meet, and Lauren Beatty and Riley Rose were both back from that team. Konyar figured freshman cross country standout Quetzali Angel-Perez would have joined the relay this year.

Konyar was excited about the Colonels’ schedule. She said head coach Mike Onda was talking about having some of the seniors go to the prestigious Dogwood Classic at the University of Virginia. Last year’s Dogwood Classic featured 162 schools.

Konyar said it would have meant a lot to have one more season with the Colonels’ senior class.

“I love the senior class because we’re all so close and supportive of each other,” Konyar said. “I was really looking forward to being able to compete with them one last time and celebrate the last four years.”

Konyar — who will major in biology at GW — said she won’t forget those four years.

“It’s been so much fun,” Konyar said. “[Running has] been the highlight of all of high school for me. I’m really sad I missed out on my final season, but I’m thankful for the opportunity [to run the previous years], the amazing coaches, and all the memories.”