The Vashon High School track and field team competed in its first meet of the season on Thursday at Orting High School. At times it seemed as if flippers and snorkel gear should have been issued to each athlete, as heavy rainfall and gusty winds played a part in many of the running, jumping and throwing events at the meet.

The lone victory for the Pirates was turned in by Landon Summers, who won the boys 800 meters with a time of 2:16.

In the race, Summers and Orting’s Jasper Heckman went out ahead of the pack and opened up a gap between themselves and the other runners. Summers was able to stay up with Heckman, then overtook him in the final turn and broke open a 20-yard lead as he crossed the finish line.

Summers summed up his victory, saying that it helped to have an outside lane and a faster start to get out near the front before cutting into lane one and wanting to keep pace with Heckman.

Elan Peterson had a pair of second-place finishes. He completed the boys 200 meters in 26.37, and also took second in the long jump with a leap of 17 feet, 11 inches.

Madi Groen placed third in the girls 3200 meters, nearing her record in the event with a time of 13:30.

Samantha Clements placed third in the girls triple jump with 27 feet, 4 inches, as well as the long jump at 14 feet.

The Pirates were hard pressed to score a lot of team points, as they were missing several athletes. A few had not attended enough practices to compete, and a few were preparing for the spring theater production.

For the boys, Orting took the day with 91 points, followed by Cascade Christian with 53, Chimacum with 41 and Vashon with 18.

Orting won the girls meet with 134 points, followed by Cascade Christian with 66, Chimacum with 16 and Vashon with 13. The next track meet will be tomorrow at Charles Wright.

— Kevin Ross is a VHS track and field coach.