ONA- Greenbrier West’s cross-country runners delivered three personal-best performances and earned three state championship berths at the Class A Region III Championships on October 24, led by senior Jesse Walkup’s second consecutive regional title.
Walkup covered the 5,000-meter course in a personal-best 17:44.2, finishing 3.8 seconds ahead of runner-up Landon Wright of Summit Christian Academy. The victory added another milestone to an impressive career for the Greenbrier West school record holder and WVU Tech commit.
For Walkup, the sport’s impact extends beyond records and championship finishes.
“I didn’t know for sure what to expect when I started cross country. It taught me that I can do something really hard, push through it and see it to the end. I even learned to love it,” Walkup said. “Sometimes, you accidentally find something you’re really good at, in a place you never thought you’d find it. I’m going to try to keep that mindset with everything I do. I can do hard things and even excel at them.”
Walkup will carry that mindset into another appearance at the state championship before continuing his running career at WVU Tech.
Freshman Julian Turpin also earned a trip to states, placing 10th in the boys’ race with a personal-best time of 20:11.1. His performance gives the Cavaliers a young runner gaining valuable postseason experience alongside their veteran regional champion.
Senior Dominic Mandeville finished 17th in 21:43.6, continuing a comeback season following a significant knee injury, surgery and months of rehabilitation. His return to postseason competition reflected the work and determination required to rebuild throughout the season.
“But this year alone taught me that an injury shouldn’t define what you can or can’t do,” Mandeville said. In recognition of his achievements during that comeback, Mandeville will serve as Greenbrier West’s team captain for the state meet. The role marks a meaningful finish to a season defined by perseverance as he also looks forward to his enlistment into the United States Marine Corps.
In the girls’ race, freshman Kaylee Walkup secured her own state championship berth with a fifth-place finish. She crossed the line in a personal-best 26:24.9, giving Greenbrier West another strong individual result and a third runner advancing to states. With Jesse Walkup repeating as regional champion, freshmen Turpin and Kaylee Walkup earning qualifying finishes, and Mandeville serving as team captain, the Cavaliers have much to celebrate as they prepare for the state meet on October 31.
The Cavaliers will be out and about asking for donations to support the entire team’s trip. Funds raised will help cover travel expenses, hotel accommodations, food and drinks. Those who would like to mail a donation directly to the school may address it to: Greenbrier West High School Attn: Cross Country Team / Coach Christian Walkup 278 Cavalier Dr. Charmco, WV 25958 Every contribution, regardless of the amount, will help ease the cost of the trip. The Cavaliers appreciate the community’s support as they represent Greenbrier West at the state meet.
Jesse’s words capture the mindset they can carry with them: “I can do hard things and even excel at them.”
A letter from Christian Walkup, head XC coach
