Sam Chandler
Vestavia Hills Cross-Country
VHHS junior Alec Beers runs in the cross-country state championship.
For his Rebel indoor teams to compete at the highest level, Vestavia Hills head track and field coach Brett Huber knows the path to success begins with preparation.
“Having the right mindset to approach training, meeting training objectives each day at practice and applying both in competition,” Huber said.
Following that formula, the Rebels enter the indoor state championships led by a mix of standout athletes who compete in the full spectrum of events.
Junior Walter Thomas, a shot put thrower who placed third at last spring’s outdoor state meet, looks primed to move even farther up the podium this winter. In his first meet of the season, the Magic City Invitational on Dec. 5, he notched a first-place finish in a personal-best throw of 56 feet, 6¾ inches.
Fellow junior Alec Beers, a distance runner, will spearhead the Rebels’ efforts on the track. Coming off a sensational cross-country season that culminated in an All-State performance, Beers is looking to continue to his breakout year and blast through a pair of elite barriers, 4:30 in the 1,600 meters and 10:00 in the 3,200 meters.
Sophomore Carl Nesbitt will also be a key contributor on the boys side, especially in the high jump. At the Magic City Invite, he soared to a five-inch indoor personal best, clearing the bar at 6 feet and claiming a runner-up finish.
Spurred by a blend of veterans and newcomers, Huber expects the Rebel girls to do well in relays and field events. Freshmen Katherine Ratliff (pole vault) and Anna Grace Darty (jumps) are two youngsters who could make an impact.
Last season, the boys and girls teams each finished seventh overall in the indoor state championship meet. This year’s event, which takes place at the Birmingham CrossPlex, will commence February 5-6.
