Nc’s Paul Riley Sprinting Toward School Record

As a freshman, Paul Riley was touted as a future state champion sprinter.

So here it is, his senior year, and Riley is a relative unknown in state track circles.

Not for long, perhaps.

Putting aside two injury-marred years, the North Central senior has run a Greater Spokane League-best 10.9 seconds in the 100 meters and a second-best 22.6 in the 200.

“I like to think I’m one of the top runners in the state because I haven’t put together a full race yet,” Riley said.

He hasn’t had much of a chance since his ninth-grade year, when he ran an official 11.0 and an unofficial 10.8 in the 100.

Riley’s sophomore season started promisingly, with another 11.0 during a meet at West Valley.

But days later he joined friends for a pickup basketball game. Nearly ready to call it a day, Riley altered his high school sports career when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

The rest of his sophomore track season was washed out, but Riley didn’t have surgery. To accommodate the injury, he switched from wide receiver to quarterback for his junior football season.

“I guess everything happens for a reason,” Riley said. “Maybe this was to keep me level-headed because I was having a lot of success in sports.”

Tired after a painful football season, Riley skipped basketball and finally had surgery in December. He tried to run a 100 in the spring, finished in 11.7, and decided to concentrate on the shot put.

“He’s not that interested in (shot put), although he made regionals last year,” said NC coach Joe Schauble. “He does it to give us some points, because he’s the best on the team.”

Riley won the 100, 200 and shot put during a GSL meet on April 27. True to form, he took one throw in the shot and figured he’d had enough.

“I’ve been doing it since the fifth grade, but I guess I’d rather work on my sprinting,” Riley said. “I guess I don’t take it as seriously as I could.”

Besides, Riley has a new interest: NC’s 400-meter relay. The Indians ran a commendable 44.2 last week with a revamped lineup.

The relay team would have to finish in the top four at the regional meet (GSL combined with the Big Nine Conference) to qualify for state.

If the relay falls short, Riley likely won’t in the individual events.

“I don’t have any doubts, but I have to stay level-headed about it,” Riley said. “I just bring what I can every day and hope it’s enough to win.”

Riley is within striking distance of NC’s 100 meter record of 10.7 (converted from yards), set by Evan Pearson during the 1910s. Yes, the record is that old.

Riley, a Spokane native, was a “chunky” elementary school student who has filled out to a solid 210 pounds.

Western Washington University recruited Riley as a football wide receiver. The Vikings, who play in the same league as Whitworth College, throw and win considerably.

“They’re supportive - the type of people you’d want to play for,” Riley said. “(Western) had the total package.”

Whitworth, Central Washington and Eastern Oregon also wooed Riley. Whitworth was his second choice.

Riley plots a future in business or education. He has worked almost two years for Tidyman’s at Five Mile.

Besides saving money for school this summer, he may compete in The Athletics Congress track and field.

Riley said he will seek guidance from NC sprint coach Vic Wallace, an ex-Indians athletic star.

“He’s a straightforward guy,” Riley said. “He doesn’t beat around the bush.”