Back on the track

With close to 200 track and field athletes on each team, Tuesday’s meet between Camas and Skyview turned into a four-hour tour.

For CHS seniors Yacine Guermali and Karsyn Quade, it was an opportunity for them to compete for the first time this season before the Oregon Relays Friday and Saturday, at Hayward Field in Eugene.

“It’s been a while. This is the longest break I have ever taken,” Guermali said.

He won the 4A state cross country championship and earned the opportunity to compete at the Nike Cross National Championships. Guermali kept training throughout the winter to get ready for track, but then the flu sidelined him just before the season started.

“I’m starting off slow, but I’m happy with where I’m at right now. As long as I can stay healthy, I think this is going to be a great year.”

Guermali grabbed first place in the 3,200-meter run and took second place in the 1,600. Quade won the 100 dash and helped the Papermakers finish second in the 800 and 400 relay races.

“I thought I was going to come out sluggish, but I’m feeling really good and really energized,” she said. “I’m just ready for the rest of my season.”

Sisters Emma and Halle Jenkins got the meet started off right by finishing in first and second place in the 3,200 run. Emma won the event in 11 minutes, 14.53 seconds. She was cruising along until she heard Halle coming up from behind on the final turn. The last 100 meters was exciting to watch.

“I thought it was fun because she really pushed me,” Halle said. “It’s always good to have your big sister ahead of you.”

“I want to work on setting a faster pace, but it’s just the beginning of the season,” Emma said. “Running with Halle is fun because she’s always there.”

After going to the Oregon Relays to see her big sister, Halle Jenkins cannot wait to step onto the track at Hayward Field Friday.

“I’ve watched her from the stands,” Halle said. “I’m really excited to compete.”

Daniel Maton is on a roll for the Papermakers. At the Tiger Invitational in Battle Ground April 1, the CHS sophomore helped his team win the distance medley relay and the 1,600 relay while also finishing first in the individual 800 run. On Tuesday, Maton took first place in the 1,600 and the 800.

“Last year was a struggle. My goal was just to hold on,” he said. “This year, I want to win some stuff. Win some races.”

William Sun soared to first place for the Camas boys in the 110 and 300 hurdles. Cade Greseth grabbed first place in the 400 and helped the Papermakers win the 1,600 relay. Adam Jenson notched first place in the triple jump.

Alexa Dietz leaped to first place for the Papermaker girls in the long jump and the triple jump. Nkem Aduka earned first place in the discus and shot put, and took second place in the javelin. Madison Peffers claimed first place in the high jump and second place in the triple jump. Ellie Postma captured first place in the 1,600, Amika Kluka took first place in the javelin and Cambryn Gulzow clinched first place in the 100 hurdles.