Rogers Ends Long Losing Streak

GSL TRACK

Thanks to Nick Perez and his teammates, there’s a new teacher at Rogers High School this morning.

That would be Steve Kiesel.

The Pirates cross country and track coach promised his team he would dye his hair blond if they beat North Central in track on Thursday.

The Pirates came through with their first Greater Spokane League win in at least five years, 78-65.

“I have seniors who haven’t been part of a win,” Kiesel said. “I had some kids who were close to tears. It was fun.”

It was truly a team effort. There were no double winners for the Pirates but there were a lot of key efforts.

Perez, pole vaulting for the first time, cleared the opening height of 9 feet to finish second and pick up three points. He also led a sweep in the long jump.

“It was fun to be in the hunt, counting scores, every place counts,” Kiesel said. “It feels really good.”

The Pirates swept the sprints with Steve Steinherdt, Lucas Anderson and Loren Hatch. Chris Olinger won the 1,600 and Keith Safran won the 110 high hurdles.

Besides the long jump sweep, Jason Mashtare took the triple jump and Gerald Smith won the discus. The Prates also won the sprint relay.