It would appear as if former Ritchie County High School track standout Mark Britton has picked up where he left off with the Rebels' track and field.
Now competing as a member of the Winthrop University team, Britton recently participated at the Carolina Cup meet in Rock Hill, N.C.
The freshman competed in three events - the hammer, discus and shot put.
It was his effort in the discus where he made his biggest impact.
A state record holder in the discus, Britton added his name to the school record book with his toss of 50.4 meters (165-feet, 4.2 inches).
His effort also placed him atop the Big South Conference in the event as well as placing him 45th in the Eastern Region and 93rd in NCAA Division I.
Jenkins missed the entire 2011 campaign with a knee injury he suffered in last year's Gold/Blue Scrimmage while Molinari had an up-and-down campaign for the Mountaineers at punter, but entered spring drills as the team's No. 1 holder and backup punter.
Jenkins apparently has recovered from his injury and recaptured his left guard position this spring. His return to WVU's offensive front can only improve a unit that saw massive improvement during WVU's 10-3 season, capped off by an amazing 70-33 win over Clemson in the Orange Bowl.
Speaking of the Mountaineers, second year head coach Dana Holgorsen will lead the old gold and blue into its annual spring game on Saturday night.
So, what should Mountaineer fans expect to see?
Obviously, the two areas that concern fans the most center around the team's running game and its new defensive scheme.
Leading rusher Dustin Garrison will not be on the field, but senior Shawne Alston and sophomore Andrew Buie will be getting the majority of the carries.
If there is one area where Mountaineer fans felt most disappointed, it was the running game (or lack of it). Just how much that disappointment will be absolved won't be seen immediately, if at all, especially with the success that senior-to-be quarterback Geno Smith enjoyed in the passing game.
And with the return of favorite receivers Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey, who could blame Holgorsen for wanting to put the ball into the air on nearly every play.
Then, there is the defense.
Gone is veteran defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel and the bulk of his staff. Also gone will be the familiar 3-3-5 stack alignment that he made famous in Morgantown. Enter defensive coordinator Joe DeForest and his new 3-4 scheme as well as co-defensive coordinator Keith Patterson.
I can't say that I've ever been a big fan of co-anything. At some point in a game a decision will have to be made that will either make or break the Mountaineers' prevent unit. But, just who will make that call?
Contact Jim Butta at jbutta@newsandsentinel.com
