Virginia high school runner hit in head with baton during race

March 10, 2025

A controversial incident at the Virginia State High School League Championships has garnered attention after one runner struck another in the head with a baton during a relay race. Kaelen Tucker, a junior at Brookville High School, was diagnosed with a concussion after being hit by Alaila Everett from I.C. Norcom High School. While Tucker’s family questioned the lack of an immediate apology, Everett has since spoken out, calling the incident an accident and describing how her baton got stuck behind Tucker’s back during close-quarter racing. abc news