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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Mead’s Justin Sands picks up track and field, earning Washington State scholarship after just one season

By Sidiq Moltafet The Spokesman-Review

If you are looking for info on Justin Sands’ career as a high school track and field athlete, there may not be a lot to look at, as he only did the sport for one year. Sands, who plays basketball, never thought that track would be the sport landing him a D1 scholarship.

“I have played basketball ever since I was a little boy, I love the sport, but there was something different about track,” Sands said.

In his senior year of high school, Sands decided to try track & field for the first time ever. His motivation: to be stronger for his basketball season.

Sands participated in numerous events including high jump, long jump and triple jump. But ultimately it would be his success in long jump landing him his scholarship at Washington State University.

“I never expected to land a scholarship, but I did. I am beyond grateful for the WSU track and coaching staff for seeing something in me,” Sands said. “I think what people do see is all the training I did beyond the field, the countless hours I spent working and perfecting my technique”

During the state competition Sands received a medal in long jump, placing second in the state. Furthermore he placed sixth in triple Jump and ninth in high jump.

During his time as a basketball player, Sands was a two year varsity player for Mead High School and averaged 4.5 points per game.

Although Sands will miss his time playing basketball, he is excited to start his journey in his new calling.

“It’s like a dream, I am going to play a sport I love at a higher level than I could imagine,” Sands said.

Sands is expected to start training in September.

“I think this proves that you have to try everything you can, because you never know if something can make your future,” Sands said.