The Second Annual Alex Kile Memorial 5K will be held during WVU Potomac State College's Homecoming to raise money for a scholarship in the late athlete’s memory.
As short as her life was, Alex Kile certainly left behind a rich legacy on the campus of WVU Potomac State College. It is in her honor and in recognition of her significant contributions to the PSC community, that the run will be held on Sunday, October 4.
Alexandrea Elaine Kile, of Capon Bridge, WV passed away suddenly at the age of 20 on Friday, April 4, 2025, in Burlington, WV. She was born June 6, 2004, and was the daughter of Norman Gene and Ginger Lynnette (Staggs) Kile of Capon Bridge.
“Alexandrea’s journey through life was marked by remarkable accomplishments and unwavering commitment to her passions,” her published obituary read. “A 2022 graduate of Hampshire High School, she was a shining star both academically and athletically. Her dedication to sports was unparalleled, as she excelled as a three-sport athlete for four years, earning her a nomination for the prestigious Rannell’s Award. Her talents extended beyond the high school arena, as she went on to become the first person to win the regional cross-country meet at Potomac State College in two consecutive years. Her contributions to the community continued as she served as an assistant coach of the cross-country team at Potomac State College, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of her teammates and fellow athletes.”
Kile was a member of the Cross-Country team starting in 2022, leading the Catamounts to their first NJCAA Region 20 Championship and placing first overall as an individual. She would repeat those accomplishments in 2023 and garner many additional awards during her student-athlete journey, including winning the Catamount Culture Award in 2024 for her selfless nature.
In the Fall of 2024, she transitioned into the role of Assistant Coach and won her third championship in three years.
PSC Athletic Director, Mandi Larkin, said she remembers one moment from the 2023 NJCAA Region 20 Championship meet that clearly defined who Alex Kile was as a person and as an athlete.
“Alex was in second place for a major part of the race. Unbeknownst to her, the lead runner collapsed during the final 50 feet of the course. Alex didn’t know this at the time and finished in the first-place individual spot, leading the Catamounts to another first-place team finish,” said Mandi Larkin, PSC athletic director.
But the story did not end there. After receiving her first-place individual award, Kile learned that the fallen Howard County Community College runner had been transported to the hospital. She completely recovered. Kile presented her individual medal to the remainder of the Howard team, asking them to give it to their teammate as she would have been the clear first-place winner.
“The character of her actions was immense, mature, and speaks so highly of Alex, her family, her teammates, and her coaches. She was an amazing representation of our institution,” Larkin stated.
In 2024, Kile, a Computer Information Systems major, was recognized with the Catamount Climb Higher Award. Climb Higher recipients are recognized for their ability to bounce back despite encountering obstacles, for overcoming challenges, and for staying the course. Recipients are also recognized for their outstanding work ethic, kindness, and positive attitude. Although this award is not based on GPA, recipients must be in good academic standing.
“I always knew I would pursue a higher education degree after high school, but I didn’t want to go far. Potomac State College just felt like the right place for me. Having great faculty and the support of my family has helped me succeed at PSC,” Kile said at the time she received the honor. “Don’t give up, because you never know how close you may be to achieving your dream.”
Aside from her athletic prowess, Alex Kile was an active member of Hope Christian Church in Augusta, WV. In her free time, she could be found indulging in her love for horses, a passion that brought her immense joy and tranquility.
“We inducted her into the Hall of Fame in October of 2025 after her passing and also started a scholarship account in her name that same year,” said Mandi Larkin, PSC athletic director. “The 5k provides funding for that scholarship that benefits future cross country and track and field athletes. She was an amazing light who impacted many in her short time on earth.”
In addition to her parents, Kile was survived by three brothers, Coltyn Kile of Capon Bridge, Jarrod Kile of Seneca Rocks, and Nick Kile of Flatwoods; her grandparents, Shirley Kile of Petersburg, and Randy and Thelma Staggs of Burlington; her fiancé, Peyton Whetzel of Mathias; aunts and uncles, Tracy Staggs of Burlington, Benjie Staggs and wife Annette of Frostburg, MD, Tammy Paugh and husband David of Petersburg, Charles Kile and wife Sandy of Moorefield, and Jeannie Hedrick and husband Danny of Petersburg, and numerous cousins and good friends.
“Alex will be remembered for the light she brought into any space with her smile and infectious laughter,” Larkin said. “Joy radiated from her, and she willingly shared that with anyone around her. She is deeply missed by her Catamount family.”
The WVU Potomac State Cross Country Alex Kile Memorial 5k will take place Sunday, October 4, beginning at 2 p.m. Registration must be completed online prior to the start of the race. Check in/Race start/finish will be at Keyser Primary School. To register, visit https://give.wvu.edu/event/alex-kile-5k-run-1-mile-fun-run-walk/e809089