State results have team hopeful for next year

According to Wahkiakum track and field Coach Tina Merz, last weekend's state competition at Eisenhower High School was "amazing," as eight athletes competed, five more than last year's showing. With one of those athletes being Sam Dela Cruz, the sophomore nearly made the podium last year with a triple-jump distance of 32 feet, 5 inches, good enough for ninth place. Freshman Mayleonna Casey, who competed as an eighth grader last year, ran in the 2B Women's 1600M and took 10th with a time of 5:58.81. Dela Cruz was the lone athlete from Wahkiakum to make the podium this year with her sixth-place-worth 33 feet, .25 inch showing at the Women's Triple Jump.

"Eight athletes are the most we have had in many years," said Merz. "We are very young with Jayden Stoddard being the only junior, but Joe Merz, Mayleonna Casey, Anna Vik, Clara Hogue, and Dom Diaz are freshman, and Sam Dela Cruz and Robby Chandler are sophomores, which brings me a lot of hope for the future."

At the 1B state track meet in Yakima, Vik, emerged as one of the only freshman in the top 15, according to Merz, throwing 90 feet, 7 inches in the Women's Javelin 600g, good enough for 11th in the state. "I know Anna was disappointed in herself, as her PR (personal record) on the year was 104 feet, 7 inches, but we are really proud of her efforts and know she will be back next year stronger and with more confidence," said Merz. "I predict top five next year."

The third returning player from last year's state competition, Chandler took ninth in the Men's Javelin 800g with a distance of 149 feet, 10 inches. "This year Robby has shown great improvement, as he truly studies javelin and works to improve every aspect," said Merz. "One of his furthest throws he scratched by foot faulting over the line a smidge. Robby will definitely be back next year with a vengeance. I predict top five next year."

In team competition, Chandler, Merz, Diaz, and Stoddard ran a 48:16 in preliminaries for the Men's 4x100M Relay for 12th place. Incidentally, a 48:16 in the finals would have been good for sixth place according to Coach Merz. "This team has so much potential, and if they work hard and stay together, [they] will be top five next year," she said.

In team competition for the girls, Vik, Casey, Hogue, and Dela Cruz ran a 55:17 in the Women's 4X100M, good enough for 13th place. "With three freshmen and one sophomore, the sky is the limit for these girls," said Merz. "Next year, I predict top five also."

According to Merz, Casey achieved a PR in her last race with a 2:34.50, including being in the top four for the last 200 meters. "With some strategy and hard work, I know Mayleonna will also be a top contender at state," said Merz. "May is capable of running 800M, 1600M and 3200M. [I'm] not sure which one(s) she needs to focus on."

Dela Cruz had another ninth-place finish last weekend, running a 53:43 in the Women's 300M Hurdles. In the actual finals, this time would have been seventh in the state," said Merz. "Sam is a top contender in this event next year."

Looking upon her athletes and their accomplishments not only as state but for the overall year, Merz said, "As you can see, our future is bright. With a lot of hard work and strength training, these athletes can all compete in the top of the state. I look forward to next year."

Plugging the extra curricular activities taking place between now and the upcoming school year, Merz said, "Our once a year fundraiser, Terry Bonny Fun Run, is on Saturday, July 19, at Bald Eagle's Day. Please help support these athletes as we definitely need to buy some equipment for next year. Also, if you really feel ambitious, we need to repave the track which is very spendy. We applied for a grant but, unfortunately, did not receive it. We have not had a home track meet for three years because of this issue. I would love to help but can't be the only one."