Photo by Tonya Woolwine
Emma Francis, a graduated senior at James River High School, capped off her high school athletic career with a state championship effort in the shot put. Emma won the event at the Virginia High School League state championship meet at James Madison University in Harrisonburg last weekend.
Francis had a winning effort of 38’8.25”, which was a personal best for her. That was almost eight inches better than second place Abby Mikolay of Stuarts Draft, who threw 38’0.5”. With that result Francis stands third all-time in James River school history in the girls shot put.
Two other Knights also placed in the meet, as Kelsey Firebaugh and Kaia Binns finished sixth and seventh in the 100-meter dash. Kelsey had a time of 13.18 and Kaia finished at 13.19.
In the boys meet senior Michael Jorgensen was sixth in the 1,600 and eighth in the 3,200. His 1,600 time was 4:47.1 and his 3,200 time was 10:32.
In the field events River’s George Toliver was fifth in the shot put. He had a best throw of 47’5”.
Teamwise, the River girls finished 17th and the boys were 25th. The Strasburg girls and Glenvar boys won state team championships.