Several area athletes out front in 3A track regional

PASCO – Deja Svastislee quit thinking about the lack of competition during the season, deciding to focus on doing all she could to bring her times down.

The North Central senior was challenged a little more than usual Saturday at the 3A regional track meet, but she still won the title in the 300-meter hurdles in decisive fashion. She trimmed three-tenths of a second off her personal best with a time of 44.56 seconds.

“That’s what I’ve worried about most is running without competition,” Svastislee said. “I’ve been pleased for the most part with the consistency of my times.”

Then about an hour later, she anchored the winning 1,600 relay (4:00.22) that trimmed more than 6 seconds off its best. She teamed with Megan Murphy, Megan Dean and Sierra Everman.

Girls

Murphy had a big breakthrough in the triple jump, eclipsing the 38-foot mark for the first time to secure the win. It may have been by just a half-inch but it might as well have been by a mile judging from the smile on her face.

“That’s been my goal all season,” Murphy said. “When I jumped I thought it was something good but I wasn’t sure.”

The jump came on her final attempt.

The top three individuals and relays advance to state, which begins a three-day run Thursday at Mt. Tahoma HS in Tacoma. Kamiakin, behind ultratalented Ellie Heiden, dominated, lapping the field with 205.5 points – more than 100 ahead of runner-up Mt. Spokane (100.5).

Boys

Patrick Miranne of University was seeded seventh after the prelims in the 800. In the final, it was all Miranne as he won in 1:56.53, a personal record by nearly two seconds.

“I had no idea I could win,” Miranne said. “Midway through the season I started bringing my times down.”

Carlos Riojas of Mt. Spokane cruised to victory in the javelin, winning with a throw of 187-2. He wasn’t bothered that the throw was below his PR, but added he’ll have a different mindset at state. “I feel like I can go win a state title with my great coach, Jeanne Helfer,” he said.

NC’s Tanner Anderson completed the distance double after winning the 3,200 on Friday. He pulled away in the final 100 meters from John Dressel of Mt. Spokane to take the 1,600 (4:13.79). Anderson’s goal is to double at state so he can complete the “Triple Crown.” He was the individual cross country state champ last fall. Hanford won with 146 points and Mt. Spokane finished second (112.5).