For the third consecutive year, Blue Ridge School stands atop VISAA Division II track & field. The Barons delivered another championship performance this weekend at the 2026 VISAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, capturing the team title with 114 points and continuing one of the most dominant runs in program history within the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association.
Led by Head Coach Dale Anderson, Associate Head Coach Marvin Hatchett, and assistants Raeshad Herriott, Craig Blandford, and Jesse Schmeizer, Blue Ridge combined depth, leadership, and championship-level execution throughout the meet. Anderson’s leadership throughout the season was recognized with VISAA Coach of the Year honors, a fitting acknowledgment after guiding the Barons to a third straight state title.
The Barons were especially dominant in the hurdles, where captains Zyir Cayasso ’26 and Cohen Lemcke ’26 delivered unforgettable performances. Cayasso claimed the VISAA state title in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.04, while Lemcke finished runner-up in 15.47 to give Blue Ridge a commanding 1-2 finish. The duo then flipped positions in the 300-meter hurdles, as Lemcke earned the state championship in 41.19 and Cayasso followed closely behind in 41.24, once again producing a massive point total for the Barons.
Lemcke’s exceptional championship meet earned him Top Performer of the Meet honors, awarded to the athlete who scored the most points in the track events. His versatility, consistency, and leadership played a major role in securing another championship for Blue Ridge.
Blue Ridge also captured a state championship in the 4×100-meter relay, finishing in 43.67 to secure another gold medal and strengthen its lead in the team standings. The Barons added another strong relay performance in the 4×400-meter relay, placing second overall and contributing valuable points to the championship total.
Several other Barons delivered standout performances throughout the meet. Graham Buford ’26 made a major impact in the field events, contributing critical points that helped separate Blue Ridge from the rest of the competition. Yariel Cruz ’26, one of the program’s most consistent contributors over the past three years, also turned in a strong championship performance while continuing to showcase the experience and competitiveness that have defined this remarkable run.
The leadership of captains Lemcke, Cayasso, Michael Roman ’26, Cruz, Dayo Matsinhe ’26, and Maelig Mieusset ’29 helped set the tone throughout the season and championship meet. Their consistency, competitiveness, and commitment to the program were instrumental in guiding the Barons to another state title.
This championship also carried historic significance for Lemcke, Matsinhe, and Cruz, who have now been part of all three consecutive VISAA state championship teams. Their careers helped establish a sustained culture of excellence that has elevated Blue Ridge track & field into one of Virginia’s premier independent school programs.
Winning one state championship is difficult. Winning three in a row requires talent, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. This year’s Barons once again proved themselves equal to that challenge, delivering another memorable performance and continuing a remarkable era for Blue Ridge athletics.
