COMING UP
4A at Pasco
Where: Edgar Brown Stadium in Pasco
Who: A minimum of 16 competitors each in 17 boys and 18 girls events.
When: Friday, field events 9:30 a.m., running events 10:30. Saturday, field events 9:30 a.m., running events, 10.
Last year’s finish: Boys—Inglemoor, Mead, Kentridge. Girls—Curtis, Snohomish, Eastmont.
Outlook: The meet will feature outstanding talents including Kentridge sprinter-hurdler James Frederickson (37.13 for 300 intermediates, No. 3 all-time in Washington), Roosevelt jumper Norris Frederick (7-1 high jump, 24-8 ½ long jump, also No. 3 all-time) and Mead distance star Evan Garber in the boys; Rogers’ Becca Noble, the state’s second-fastest 400 runner all-time, and Mt. Spokane and University 1,600-3,200 stars Megan O’Reilly and Amie Dahnke among loaded sprint and distance fields. The Panthers boys and Pirates girls will be among top four trophy challengers. Individually, it was a banner year for times in the GSL. Thirty-one boys and 27 girls fill 78 berths, and there are 8 relays, most with medal possibilities.
3A at Pasco
Last year’s finish: Boys—O’Dea, Yelm, Bainbridge. Girls—Bellevue Ellensburg, Sehome.
Outlook: Athletes to watch include Nate Rolfe, Inglemoor, whose 206-2 discus throw is No. 2 all time, Jacqua Williams, Rainier Beach, ran a 23.79 200, No. 3 girl all-time and Christina Tupper, Skyline, triple jumped 40-0 ½, No. 4 all-time. West Valley’s Rashad Toussaint (triple jump) and Kayla Mainer (high jump) are defending state champions and shot putter Ryan Flint is among the state’s top three. Cheney 300 hurdler Katie Kimball leads the state. Three schools send a combined 22 individuals and six relays filling 34 event spots.
2A at EWU
Where: Woodward Stadium, Eastern Washington University in Cheney
Who: A minimum of 16 competitors each in 17 boys and 18 girls events.
When: Thursday, 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m.
Last year’s finish: Boys—Pullman, Mt. Baker, South Whidbey. Girls—Cascade, Mt. Baker, Woodland.
Outlook: Cassie Merkley leads Cascade as defending 100 hurdles and javelin state champ. She does long jump and high jump as well. Six other defending champions return, middle distance runner Andrea Brown of Mt. Baker, 400 runner Selena Galaviz of Toppenish, high jumper Katy McGillen and triple jumper Kyle McGillen of South Whidby, pole vaulter Stephanie Whitsil from Chelan and javelin thrower Adam Togstad of Lakewood. Connell’s Ashley Price is a state co-leader at 5-7 in the high jump. Pullman boys, led by 800-1,600 favorite Phil Hinrichs, and girls will contend for team titles.
1A at EWU
Last year’s finish: Boys—Freeman, Tacoma Baptist, Charls Wright. Girls—Kings, Seattle Academy, Cle Elum-Roslyn.
Outlook: Freeman boys will try to defend behind four-event jumper Kevin Hatch. He’s one of several returning champions including four-event sprint-long jump winner Katherine Reynolds, University Prep; distance runner Tom Wyatt, Charles Wright; 800 runner Brian Wall, Tacoma Baptist; distance runner Jane Larson, Cedar Park Christian; hurdlers Kelsey Dunne, Adna and Lynn Voth, Tacoma Baptist. Steve Vandenburg, Northwest Christian, is a distance challenger.
B at EWU
Last year’s finish: Boys—Pomeroy, Willapa Valley, Ritzville. Girls—Mt. Vernon Christian, Riverside Christian, DeSales.
Outlook: Defending champions Braidy Haden, 400, Wilbur-Creston; Philip MacArthur, discus, Selkirk and Erik Walter, 800, Odessa, lead an area assault on this meet. Other state titlists back are distance runner Mac McGrath of Kittitas and triple jumper Matt Vander Ark from Mt. Vernon Christian.