News, Sports

2020 YOUTH NATIONALS

 A 17 year old Doddridge County High School Senior, Alyssa Barnes from the Big Isaac/Salem community participated in the Youth Nationals sponsored by the United Kennel Club. The Appalachian Coon Hunters and Buckhannon Coon Hunters Association hosted the event on Saturday, October 24, 2020.  The hunt was held at Holly Gray Park in Flatwoods, WV.

   Youth that participate are divided into two age groups:  5-12 and 13-17 to be drawn out separately in Junior and Senior Division.  One set of 10 placements was awarded based on scores, regardless of age division.  There was a 60 minute Final Four Hunt in a late round on Saturday to determine the overall champion and a continuing education tuition award was given in each age division.  The Youth were required to complete the hunt time to be eligible for the Final Four.  First by age division; followed by the single night highest cast win score to make up the Final Four.

   Alyssa Barnes placed 2nd in her division handling GRNITECH PR Bearcreek Rose, treeing walker, female dog age 5, owned by Justin Nicholas and Bernard Hicks of WV.  Overall she was awarded 4th place, a $2,000 Tuition Award and a Youth Nationals Final Four Plaque.  This is not her first national victory, she placed 4th in 2016 and received a $2,500 scholarship then.

   This young lady has a bright future, as she is versed in many different extra curricular activities that include:  2021 D.C.H.S. Class President, National Honor Society Member,  a 2 year Cheerleader, and a 4 year Wrestler.  She has also been selected as one of three girls to represent the Senior Class on the 2020 Homecoming Queen Court.  She has taken many Advanced Placement and College Classes at D.C.H.S. and plans to attend a 4 year WV college next year.  She plans to major in Biology or Animal Sciences and aspires to one day be a Veterinarian.