Washougal sends four seniors to state meet

Thomas Normandeau and Adam Thomas clinched district championships for Washougal Friday, in Olympia. Michelle Greear and Mackenzie Pfeifer also punched their tickets to the state track and field meet Thursday through Saturday, at Mt. Tahoma High School, in Tacoma. "You hope they enjoy their last competition in high school," head coach Dave Hajek said of the four seniors. "They have earned the right to be there. It's a perfect opportunity for them to celebrate their accomplishments with family." Normandeau had a lot to celebrate Friday. He won the 800-meter run with a time of 1 minute, 58.02 seconds. He also broke the school record time of 1:58.2 set by Terry Williams back in 1967. Dustin Nading, of R.A. Long, and Tanner Busing, of Mark Morris, crossed the finish line behind Normandeau. The three rivals and friends celebrated making it to state together. "Nading challenged him on the last lap. Thomas really took it to him and outkicked him," said Washougal distance coach Terry Howard. "If he needed to run a second or two faster to win that race, he would have. It's encouraging to know he's not at his limit. We anticipate him running faster at state." Thomas soared to new heights in the pole vault. He won the event with a leap of 14 feet, 9 inches and increased his personal best by seven inches. "Adam is a really good athlete. He's matured into a leader," Hajek said. "He was the last competitor of the night. He PR'ed with all of us clapping and cheering him on. It was really neat to see." Greear grabbed third place in the discus with a toss of 106-1.25. Pfeifer placed third in the javelin with a throw of 106 feet. "Both girls have been battling an injury here and there. They both have been to state before and I'm glad they get to go back," Hajek said. "They both haven't reached their potential. I hope they will both have better outings at state." Washougal had a few fourth- and fifth-place finishes, but only the top three athletes qualify for state. Hannah Wright dropped 19 seconds off her personal best time in the 3,200. She earned fifth with a time of 12:11.13. "She was ecstatic, and so was I," Howard said. Junior Holbert grabbed fourth in the 400 (52.78) and Brian Connolly claimed fourth in the high jump (5-10). Josh Bischoff (44-11.75) and Aubrey Kraft (44-10) finished fourth and fifth in the shot put. Bischoff also took fifth in the discus (127-10). Morgan Rodgers earned fourth in the girls shot put (32-7.25), Julia Vovna notched fourth in the high jump (4-10) and Kristen Graham took fifth in the triple jump (31-8.5). "You feel bad for the ones who worked so hard, but fell a bit short," Hajek said. "We're happy with how all the kids competed. Now it's on to the next level."

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