Sebastian Barajas and Jestena Mattson successfully defended state titles over the weekend at the 2014 OSAA 5A State Track and Field Championships to help propel Hood River Valley High School to ninth- and fifth-place team finishes in the season finale at Eugene’s Hayward Field.
Friday afternoon’s sunny weather illuminated nearby fruit trees in full bloom, providing a fitting backdrop for the aptly named Apple Blossom Invitational at Hood River Valley High School. After many years’ hiatus, the event, once a well-regarded track and field meet, was revitalized this year with the intent of restoring it as an annual occurrence.
In a repeat of last year’s standings, Hood River Valley High School varsity girls cross country team finished in fifth place Saturday at the Oregon 5A State Championships. The Eagles had nine runners in Eugene for the race — seven varsity girls (Sascha Bockius, Lauren Robinson, Daisy Dolan, Sophia Marble, Kailee McGreer, Denali Emmons and Althea Dillon) representing the Columbia River Conference championship team and varsity boys runners Ricardo Castillo and Justin Crosswhite, who qualified for the race individually.
Nine Hood River Valley High School cross country runners extended their season another week by qualifying for the 2013 5A State Championships at Lane Community College in Eugene.
Athletes provided moments of drama in the 90-degree heat of Wednesday afternoon at the Skip Sparks-Bob Sullivan Invitational cross country meet at Hood River Valley High School.
Hood River Valley High School cross country hosted its only home meet of the season Wednesday afternoon, with teams from Ridgeview, Benson, Cleveland, Franklin, Madison, Roosevelt, The Dalles, Wilson and Lincoln in attendance.
Hood River Valley High School cross country jump-started its fall running season Thursday evening at the Wilsonville Night Race. As a 3K instead of the regular 5K distance, the race is a good opportunity for teams to measure their early season speeds, called “date-pace,” to base workouts on as they prepare for the regular season.
