Fishback flights

The Washougal High School track and field family is looking forward to the next eight days at Fishback Stadium. Ridgefield comes to town today for an important meet against the Panthers. The Washougal girls are fighting for redemption after losing the league title to the Spudders in 2013. "There will be no convincing. If kids need to step into any type of event for us, they will do it without question," said head coach Dave Hajek. "That's a great attitude to have. These kids want to compete." On Friday, Washougal hosts the annual Panther Twilight against Centralia, Fort Vancouver, Mark Morris, R.A. Long, Ridgefield, Stevenson and White Salmon. Field events begin at 3:30 p.m., and track events start at 4. "We like to think of this as a nice little community event," Hajek said. "It's great to see the past athletes and parents who come out to help us run the meet. Our kids look forward to this, and they want to do well." The Washougal boys are aiming for their third straight league title. The Panthers defeated Hockinson 75-70 April 22. They also outscored the Hawks 153-131 to win the Bruin Invitational Friday, in White Salmon. Thomas Normandeau earned first place in the 800-meter run at the Bruin Invitational by improving his personal best time to 1 minute, 59.30 seconds. He also helped the Panthers finish third place in the 1,600 relay and fourth place in the 400 relay. Josh Bischoff delivered a personal best throw of 135 feet, 5 inches in the discus at Hockinson. He also snagged first place in the event at the Bruin Invitational (126-10). Brian Connolly clinched first place in the high jump (5-10) and third place in the javelin (140-3). Collin Manning claimed first place in the 3,200 (10:49) and Donald Holbert grabbed first place in the 100 (11.79). The Washougal girls beat Hockinson 86-64 April 22. The Panthers edged the Hawks 114.5-112.5 for second place at the Bruin Invitational Friday. White Salmon won the meet with 212 points. Morgan Rodgers earned first place (110-6) and Michelle Greear followed in second place (109-3) in the discus. Greear also grabbed second in the shot put (32-11.5). Courtney Owens finished in second place (2:35.40) and Hannah Wright followed in fifth place (2:43.63) in the 800. Stacey Cuff clinched second in the long jump (14-9). Laura Dills and Paige Moore tied for third place in the high jump (4-6). Kristen Graham gained second in the triple jump (29-8.5) and fourth in the long jump (14-4). Graham, Erin Locke, Ellie Schmid and Hailey Howell took third place in the 400 relay (56.44).

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