Morgan Chase Republic Year: Junior Sport: Track Position: Hurdler

Republic boys track coach Jim White was impressed by the way junior Morgan Chase competed last weekend as he grabbed four medals in State B track competition at Yakima.

White, however, shed a little more light on the competitive nature of Chase after the tournament.

“He hit the blocks so hard in the 100 meters that he tore out the back ends of his brand new shoes,” the coach said.

And with leather flapping in the wind, Chase still finished third, in 11.58 seconds. Jesse Buchanan of Raymond won the race with a time of 11.56.

But Chase managed to bounce back in the 200, where he finished second in 23.10, before winning the 110 hurdles (14.67) and the 300 hurdles (40.10).

White said Chase’s athletic ability is only exceeded by his modesty.

“He’s not taking credit for us placing third at state,” White said. “He realizes that there were 19 other people working just as hard as he was.

“He doesn’t just run, he’s a good leader and motivator. That, to me, is pretty neat. He doesn’t have a swelled head. If anything, he might be a tad bit embarrassed by the attention.”

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