Christiansburg High School
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Christiansburg High School
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Some Cross Country History
The recent history of the CHS Cross Country stretches back to the opening of the present Christiansburg High School at it current address on Independence Boulevard. Five coaches have served. These include: Tony Mullins ( 1974 to 1977), Greg Harman (1978 to 1983), Tom Morris (1984 to 1987), Jeff Custer (1988 to 1991), and Steve Shelton (1992 to 1999), and Shane Guynn (2000-present).
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS: 1995:
1994:
1991:
1990:
1989:
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP INDIVIDUALS: BRIAN EIGEL (1990, 1991): Brian ended his four year career of cross country excellence in 1991 by becoming a repeat champion and establishing himself as the finest runner in the history of our program. He was named Timesland Runner of the Year by The Roanoke Times and World during these, his junior and senior seasons. While at CHS, Brian set track PR's of 2:00 (800), 4:21 (1600), and 9:22 (3200) which still stands as the school record. Eigel went on to compete at The College of William and Mary where he set PR's of 1:53.8 (800), 3:49 (1500), 4:08 (Mile), 14:23 (5000), 24:35 (5 Mile), and 30:40 (10000). He is currently attending The University of Kentucky for his graduate studies. ROBBIE TURNER (1985): Robbie became the first State Champion in cross country winning in the fall of 1985 by a narrow 2 seconds over his closest rival. After a 4th place All-State performance the year before, his 1985 title capped a tremendous running career. He was named Timesland Runner of theYear in 1985 by The Roanoke Times and World News, the first such honor by a runner from CHS. While at CHS, Robbie set track PR's of 1:59 (800), 4:19 (1600) which still stands as a school record, and 9:27 (3200). Robbie went on to compete for one season at Virginia Tech before ending his running career because of injury. Turner currently resides with his wife and child in Salem and works for General Electric.
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The 1995 boys team entered the AA State Championships at Great Meadow as slight favorites over Western Albemarle High School. The boys came away with a 44 point win for their second consecutive team championship. Led by senior Justin Mosby's 3rd place finish, the team placed four runners inside the top nine finishers. Those included Matt Nolan in 4th, Michael Lee in 8th, and Robby Rakes in 9th. Greg Turpin was fifth man finishing 69th to complete the
team total of 72 points. Season highlights included Mosby winning the District and Region titles as well as being named Timesland Runner of the Year by The Roanoke Times, as he defeated 800 of the 812 runners he competed against all year. This year's boys team also won New River District and Region IV team titles for the seventh consecutive season.
For the first time ever, the State Championships were held at Great Meadow Course in Northern Virginia. The 1994 team responded by capturing its first title after two years as runner-up. With Spotswood High School individuals finishing one-two, the pressure was on and the Blue Demons responded with five runners finishing inside the top twenty to enjoy a 30 point team victory with a low score of 56 points. Freshman Matt Nolan, leading at the one-mile poin
t, finished an impressive 5th overall, joining Justin Mosby (13th) to earn All-State honors. Season highlights included winning the New River District and Region IV crowns for the sixth year in a row. Kevin Nolan was named Timesland Runner of the Year by the Roanoke Times and World News. In October, the boys were ranked 18th in the nation and 3rd in the south by The Harrier magazine.
Led by senior Brian Eigel's second consecutive individual title, the 1991 team of overachievers won their third consecutive team win. Eigel capped a remarkable career as he was again named Timesland Runner of the Year by The Roanoke Times and World News. He also was impressive defending his Region IV and New River District individual titles. Junior Greg Harman joined Eigel with a 12th place effort to also earn All-State honors. This would be Head Coach Jeff Custer's third consecutive team championship and his third season as the Timesland Coach of the Year. Team highlights also include another New River District and Region IV title.
This year's team captured its second consecutive team championship by easily scoring a low score of 38 points placing four runners inside the top 10 finishers. Brian Eigel joined only Robbie Turner (1985) as an individual State Champion in cross country. Joining Eigel with All-State awards were Troy Long in 3rd, Chris Rutledge in 8th, and Chris Sutphin in 10th. These 38 points were the sixth lowest total for a boys team in AA history. Coach Jeff Custer
won his second straight Timesland Coach of the Year award given annually by The Roanoke Times and World News. This team also easily won New River District and Region IV team titles. Brian Eigel was awarded Timesland Runner of the Year as well.
This year marked the first State Championship won by any team in any sport at Christiansburg High School. The 1989 boys won the team title scoring just 36 points, the fifth lowest total ever. Sophomore Brian Eigel lost a close battle with Blacksburg's Lee Cross to finish second overall. Eigel was followed by junior Troy Long in 5th and Harley Johnson in 6th to earn All-State honors. The team defeated defending State Champion Blacksburg by capturing the N
ew River District and Region IV titles as well. Head Coach Jeff Custer, in only his second year at the helm, turned the corner with a program that would go on to dominate State Meet results in the early 1990's. He was named Timesland Coach of the Year by the Roanoke Times and World News.