On Thursday, April 14, the Pirate track and field team made the short trip to Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma to take on the host Tarriers along with the Orting Cardinals and the Chimacum Cowboys. 

In team scoring, both the boys and girls took fourth place, with Orting the overall winner. Despite the bone-chilling weather and downpours at times, a few Vashon competitors shined in their individual events. 

In the high jump, both Landon Summers and Tyler Stoffer jumped 5’6” to sweep first and second place. 

The same pair placed in the 110 high hurdles. Stoffer claimed the victory in 17.58, and Summers took third in 18.95. 

James Spencer placed second in the 200 meters in 24.05, and Colin Andrus took third in the mile at 4:55. 

For the girls’ meet, Alia Payne placed third in the 400 meters in 1:09.34, and right behind her was Emma Lodes in fourth, stopping the clock at 1:09.38. Lodes also placed third in the long jump at 13’9”. Rachel Hoffman and Julie Wilson were right behind, placing fourth and fifth in the same event. 

After the meet, the Pirates were pleased to hop on a warm bus and were almost thawed out by the time they returned to the high school. Preparing for competition in the heat will be a welcome sight if and when it arrives. 

Tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. the Pirates will return to Charles Wright for the fourth time this season to go up against the Tarriers and the Cascade Christian Cougars.

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