April 15,  2004
by Jeff Toquinto
Editor of The Bridgeport News

Most of the talk regarding the upcoming Harry Green Invitational focuses on the prep portion of the two-day event held Saturday. However, the middle school portion on Friday is one that any track or sports-loving enthusiast may want to take in.
Bridgeport Middle School track coach Rob Riley said that when it comes to middle school meets only one other event statewide compares to the Harry Green Invitational that begins Friday at ... a.m. And that event may now be taking a backseat.
"The SportMart meet in Charleston is the only comparison," said Riley. "That meet has a few more teams, but I believe the Harry Green teams are of higher quality."
Riley said part of the reason for that believe stems from who is in this year's field. Along with BMS, teams from Summersville, Hurricane, McKinley, South Harrison, East Fairmont, Lumberport, Elkins, Buckhannon, Taylor County, Gore, Hayes, Miller, Cheat Lake, Tygarts Valley and the BMS junior varsity will be competing.
"McKinley, Hurricane and Hayes are passing up on the SportMart meet held in their backyard to attend the Harry Green," said Riley of Saturday's SportMart event. "That should tell you something."
McKinley is back this year as the boys defending champion. Riley again sees them as the team to beat with Hurricane, Buckhannon and even the host school figuring into the mix.
For BMS to be successful, Riley said Wes Eades and Tanner Moore will have to come up big. They compete in four open events and need to place in all of them, said Riley. The coach is also hoping for big days from Ben Fredrick, Bryant Irwin, Andrew Hoover and Trey McCutcheon.
For the girls, the trio of Schelby Bordner, Kasie Carbacio and Kendall McCaugherty are expected to lead the way. Whitney Rhoades and Maria Sellas are also being looked to for solid showings.
Riley said BMS could win the girls side of the meet. He said Buckhannon and several others also field strong teams.
"Anything can happen at a meet this size," said Riley. "You never know who is going to take points away from who.
"This year's field is very impressive and very deep," Riley continued. "The teams are coming from every part of the state ... What more could you ask for: A great facility, a large number of teams and top of the line awards. Really, it doesn't get any better than the Harry Green."
The middle school meet starts at 4 p.m. Admission is $3.