Skyline Indoor Track Team Shines at State Championship with New Records and State Title

It was a night of celebration and pride at the Warren County School Board meeting on April 23, as Skyline High School’s Indoor Track and Field team was formally recognized for their exceptional performances at the 2025 VHSL Class 3 Indoor Track & Field State Championships held at Liberty University.

Leading the accolades was senior Ahsan Abul-Qasim, who soared to the top of the podium as state champion in the high jump, clearing a personal—and school—best of 6 feet, 6 inches. That mark not only secured him the gold medal, but also set a new Skyline High School record and the best jump ever recorded by an athlete in Warren County.

Ahsan wasn’t finished making history. He also placed 8th in the 300-meter dash, posting a time of 35.81 seconds, which set another school record.

“He had an outstanding track meet,” said Coach Dick Allanson, who presented the team at the meeting. “He set the bar—literally and figuratively. The level of competition in Virginia right now is unbelievable, and Ahsan rose to it.”

Joining Ahsan among the school record-setters was Louden Schucker, who finished 8th in the 1000-meter run with a time of 2:36, earning a school record of his own in the process.

The team’s 4×800-meter relay squad also delivered a record-breaking performance. Composed of Sebastian Bieker, Aaron Romo, Jaesyn Bushrod, and Louden Schucker, the group placed 11th overall, setting a new Skyline school record in the event.

“These are huge accomplishments,” Coach Allanson told the board. “It speaks to the dedication these athletes bring—training through the coldest months of the year, in snow, rain, whatever the weather.”

Skyline’s field competitors also earned spots among the state’s best. Audrey Lacombe placed 14th in the long jump, an impressive result for a first-year athlete in the event. Marques Lockhart finished 16th in shot put, rounding out Skyline’s strong showing across a range of disciplines.

“We used to call it indoor track, but now it’s really just winter track,” said Coach Allanson, noting that much of the team’s training is done outdoors in challenging conditions. “It’s 25 degrees, and we’re still out there running. That’s the level of commitment these kids have.”

Coach Allanson also praised Assistant Coach Misty Bordner, who works closely with the team’s distance runners. “I don’t know how she does it—I wouldn’t do it,” he joked. “But she brings incredible energy to the team.”

Board members responded with warm applause and congratulations for the athletes and coaching staff, commending their discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship.

With a state title, multiple top-ten finishes, and four new school records, the Skyline Indoor Track and Field team has set a high standard, and judging by their determination, the best may be yet to come.