EW's Collins claims two wins

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on May 15, 2005 2:02 AM

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GREENSBORO -- Eastern Wayne's Will Collins claimed first place Friday in the 1600 and 3200 at the Class 3-A N.C. High School Athletic Association Track and Field Championships as the standout distance runner captured his first state titles.

The meet was held at North Carolina A&T State University.

Collins, an East Carolina University signee, ran a 4:23.60 in the 1600 -- besting Josh Morgan (Asheville Roberson) by just under three seconds. In the 3200, Collins ran a 9:38.52, out-performing the next best finisher by over six seconds.

"It feels good. I've wanted to win a state championship for a while now," Collins said. "I've had bad luck over the past few years, but it all came together yesterday."

Will's sister, Jessica, was a state champion in the 1600, 3200 and 4x800 relay as a senior at Eastern Wayne in 2002.

"We've always been competitive," Collins laughed. "I didn't want to end my career with a zero on the board with her having three championships. It's nice to have two state champions from the same family."

The Warriors finished 15th overall in the team scoring at the state meet, posting 20 points.

"The temperature was cool. That was good, because I didn't want it to be hot," Collins added. "It was probably the nicest track I had ever ran on."

Collins proved the only area state qualifier to bring home gold, but others turned in solid afternoons.

Charles B. Aycock's Keith Cobb claimed third in the 200, running a 21.96 -- just six-tenths off of West Brunswick's Jerek Hewett's time of 21.32.

Hewett and Clayton's Johnny Dutch were named the meet's most valuable performers.

In the girls meet, Southern Wayne's Christy Dixon claimed second overall in the long jump with a 17-6 jump. Dixon was just two inches off of Jamestown Ragsdale's Kiara Crutchfield's jump of 17-8.

Charles B. Aycock's Amy Fryt finished third in the pole vault (10-6).

Durham Hillside's Atir Carter was named the women's most valuable performer.