Hunter breaks Virginia meet record with 14:41

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Ever since his 14:44 at Great American, Drew Hunter of Loudoun Valley has had an eye on the Virginia state meet record at Great Meadow.

And despite temperatures plunging into the upper 30s, Hunter put together another sparkling performance on Friday, breaking the record by six seconds and running 14:41 in the Class 3A Championship.

The record of 14:47 was owned by Sean McGorty of Chantilly since 2012. (McGorty went on to finish second at Foot Locker, incidentally by six seconds, behind Edward Cheserek).

Hunter cruised the first mile in 4:32 and the two-mile in 9:13 before the back-to-back hills that slow things down in the third mile of the course.

"I was a little afraid that I wouldn't be acclimated to the weather," Hunter said. "If it was two months from now it wouldn't be a big deal. But it's been T-shirt and shorts weather this month."

Cold temperatures didn't impact Hunter, however, and he won by 54 seconds.

The result brings another shot of confidence to the junior, who can now focus on Foot Locker South.

"It's a great last race before the two biggest races of the year," Hunter said. "I've won a lot of different ways (this fall) so that gives me a lot of confidence."

One of Hunter's friends, Will Smagh, surprised him by printing up a couple of T-shirts that said "Stop Drew" -- reminiscent of the shirts made famous in 1972 by Steve Prefontaine.

Hunter agreed to wear one if he broke the record.

"It was just a fun thing," Hunter said.

At this point, there may be no stopping him.

Note: The VHSL state championships are held over two days. The 4A, 5A and 6A championship races are Saturday.