Washougal track team reloading with record numbers

Just 30 student-athletes turned out for Washougal track and field team in Dave Hajek’s first season as the Panthers’ coach 24 years ago. This season, a record-setting 98 student-athletes — up from 77 one year ago — showed up for the team’s first practice on Monday, March 2.

The Panthers’ recent success at the 2A state championship meet may have something to do with the increase in numbers. Last season, the Panthers’ boys 4×100 relay team of Kenny Kanthak, Arcey Harton, Brig Griffin and Ryan Davy won the state championship and broke the all-time school record in the event, and thrower Kierston De La Rocha finished her high school career by winning a state championship in the discus.