All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Thropp to continue track career at Wesleyan

Sterlin Thropp, front row with orange shirt, along with his family, teammates and coaches, signed to run track and field at Wesleyan during a recent ceremony at the high school. (Duane Carpenter/My Buckhannon).

TENNERTON – Just prior to winning a state championship as part of the Buckhannon-Upshur 4×400-meter -relay team, Sterlin Thropp announced his plans to continue his track and field career at the next level.

At a recent ceremony at Buckhannon-Upshur High School, Thropp said that West Virginia Wesleyan College was the best place for him to continue his athletic career.

“It is close to home and my family,” Thropp said. “It means a lot to me to stay close to my family and friends. I felt like that campus was family-like, and I felt like I could do more there as well.”

Thropp said it was also the tradition-rich past of the Wesleyan track and field team, along with the current coaching staff, that led him to become the newest Bobcat on the team.

“The competition level at Wesleyan and the Mountain East Conference is very high,” stated Thropp. “It is what drew me there. The coaching staff was really chill and laid back, and I think they can push me to be my best.”

Thropp was at his best at the recently concluded state track meet.

The foursome of Thropp, Shawn Blandino, Julien Larcher and Jordan Gillum brought back a state title in the 4×400-meter relay with a time of 3:25.26, which was just 2 ½ seconds of the current state mark. Individually, Thropp ran third at states in the 400-meter dash with a time of 49.69 — just .36 seconds off from eventual winner Isaiah Fritts of Jefferson.

Thropp was a three-sport standout at Buckhannon-Upshur playing football and basketball, but he said chose to continue his athletic career in track and field because it provided the most competition for him.

“Something just felt right about picking track and field,” he stated. “I like the competition of it, and I feel I can go higher in it than I could the other sports.”

Buckhannon-Upshur boys’ head track and field coach Patty Wager feels the sky is the limit for Thropp at the collegiate level.

“Sterlin is a phenomenal athlete,” said Wager. “He has a natural ability on the track. Wesleyan is lucky to have him, and he is lucky to have Wesleyan. I know he will help their program. He is a great mid-distance runner who could compete in the 200, 400 or 800-meter runs. I have no doubt that his times will drop at the next level.”

Thropp said he will major in business while at Wesleyan.

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 16, 2025

From joyful moments at the hospital with Strawberry Festival royalty to soil science projects, yard sale plans and community aid drives, Buckhannon is buzzing with local happenings and opportunities to get involved this week.

City of Buckhannon accepting bids for on-call skilled construction services

The City of Buckhannon is seeking bids for on-call skilled construction services, with bid documents available at City Hall and submissions accepted until 1:30 pm on June 16, 2025.

City of Buckhannon accepting bids for paving services

The City of Buckhannon is seeking bids for paving services until June 16, with bid details available at City Hall..

City of Buckhannon accepting bids for yard reclamation services

The City of Buckhannon is accepting bids for yard reclamation services until June 16, with bid details available at City Hall.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 15, 2025

It’s a busy week in Buckhannon, with the West Virginia Strawberry Festival in town all weekend!

Webb Grubb Day pays tribute to longtime Buckhannon law enforcement leader Virgil Miller

The eighth annual Webb Grubb Day honored the late Virgil Miller, former Buckhannon Police Chief and five-term Upshur County Sheriff, for his decades of dedicated law enforcement service to the community.

Klie Law Offices marks 20 years of fierce advocacy across West Virginia and Ohio

Klie Law Offices celebrated its 20th anniversary, highlighting its growth from a small rural firm to a four-city legal advocate known for aggressive, client-focused representation in West Virginia and Ohio.

City of Buckhannon prohibits smoking and vaping at West Virginia Strawberry Festival

The City of Buckhannon has banned smoking, vaping and all tobacco use in public areas during the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, with violators subject to fines.

Buckhannon reactivates emergency siren system, issues guidelines for use

The Buckhannon Fire Department, in partnership with local police and emergency management, has reactivated its fire siren system to warn downtown residents and visitors of emergencies such as severe weather or life-threatening incidents.

Denver Junior Carpenter

Denver Junior Carpenter, 80, a retired State Road worker and longtime Buckhannon resident known for his love of auctions and the outdoors, died May 14 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, survived by his wife and family.

Baseball Bucs shake off loss to Wheeling Park to stay alive in regional tournament with 5-4 win over John Marshall

The Buckhannon-Upshur baseball team survived elimination in the Region I tournament with a 5-4 win over John Marshall, overcoming a late rally and advancing to another must-win game against Wheeling Park.

Eight B-UMS track athletes headed to the “Best of the Best: WV Middle School State Meet”

Eight Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School track athletes qualified for the inaugural Best of the Best: WV Middle School State Meet in Huntington after standout performances and school record-breaking achievements during a successful season.