Members of Vashon High School’s track and field team decided to switch things up a bit as they traded their usual events for different ones at a meet under sunny skies at Charles Wright Academy on Thursday, April 21. Cascade Christian and Seattle Christian also competed at the meet.

Stephen Cooper and Alex Soriano, who normally specialize in the throwing events, tried out the eight-lap 3,200 meters and performed well by placing second and third. Cooper also had a 14-foot personal best in the javelin, throwing 105’1”.

Colin Andrus, Aidan Cyra and James Spencer, in addition to their sprinting and running efforts, took the opportunity to throw the shot put for the first time. Spencer also placed first in the 200 meters in 24.41, and Cyra and Andrus also swept the boys 800 meters, placing first and second.

Other personal bests for the throwers included an 11-foot improvement in the discuss for Alex Soriano. Maggie Amundson broke 60 feet in the discus, and Kirsti Edwards in her first track meet of the year had a personal best throw of 23’5” in the shot put.

Landon Summers ran to victory in the 300 meter hurdles in 46.61. Summers also placed second in the high jump with a leap of 5’6.

Tyler Soffer tied for first in the high jump with Charles Wright’s Austin Oliveria at 5’8”. He also had a personal best this year in the 110 high hurdles, finishing second in 16.39. Stoffer and Charles Wright’s Josh Naon had quite a battle going as they fought hurdle for hurdle from the gun and were side by side at the finish.

Other notable personal best performances came from Rachel Hoffman in the triple jump as she went 13.5 inches farther then ever. Peri Robberts improved her time by 20 seconds in the 3,200 meters, and Sami Clements had a personal best in the 100 meters, long jump and triple jump.

Every girl on Vashon’s team had at least one personal best, with the majority of the boys following the same example. Overall, Charles Wright won the boys meet with 84 points, followed by Cascade Christian with 77.5 points, Vashon 40.5 points and Seattle Christian with 13 points. Vashon’s girls placed fourth as a team with 21.5 points.

Tomorrow the team will travel to Orting to face the Cardinals. Charles Wright and Cascade Christian will compete at the meet as well.

— Kevin Ross is a track and field coach at Vashon High School.