Dominating the distance events, the 8th grade girls track team completed a two-year domination of the Pacific League, defeating runner-up South Bend 127-95 in competition last Saturday, May 22 at Ocean City.
Ocosta swept the top four spots in the 800 and the top three places in the 1600 to rack up 52 points in the two events. This marked the twelfth time in 13 seasons the girls have won a league title.
Despite missing three competitors from the regular season, the 7th grade girls placed second behind North Beach, falling 109-93. The 8th grade boys placed third behind Raymond and North Beach while the 7th grade boys placed fourth behind Raymond, Naselle and North Beach.
8th grade girls
Ocosta’s ability to run for distance while picking up points in the sprints and jumps were a recipe for success. A rare one through four sweep of the 800 by Teal Mitby, Alexi Most, Emma Tucker, and Mercedes Denny and a top three finish in the 1600 by Most, Mitby, and Mercedes Denny highlighted the 8th grade victory. Piper Furford added four-second place finishes in 100 hurdles, 100, 200, and high jump, the latter won by Mercedes Denny. The 800-meter relay team, consisting of Kennedy Merino, Mitby, Tucker, and Mercedes Denny, notched the final blue ribbon for the Wildcats. Most added a second place finish in the pole vault.
7th grade girls
Katelynn Denny brought home first place in the 400 meters and long jump, and added a second place finish in the 800. The 400-meter relay team, comprised of Jennifer Guevara, Clarissa Perez, Jennifer Rosas, and Madison Vanover, was the league champion as well.
8th grade boys
Paul Bjornsgard, the 8th grade boys’ record holder in the turbo javelin, was the lone league champion, easily winning his specialty event. He added second place finishes in the high jump and triple jump.
7th grade boys
Paris Silver jumped to victory in the long jump. He added a second place finish in the triple jump. Austin McDonald placed second in the shot put and discus.
Trina Nyhus, Bruce Jones and Mike King coached the junior high team this year.
