Cardinal track athletes medal at State

CHENEY – Several Medical Lake athletes placed high enough to win medals among the hundreds of high school athletes from around Washington who came to Roos Field in Cheney to compete in the 1B, 2B, 1A Washington State Track and Field Championships last weekend.

Head Coach Gene Blankenship said the Cardinal boys finished in 14th as a team. The girls' finished 15th overall. Blankenship said there were a lot of individual successes on the day too.

"Our gallant young lady Kylie Constantine finished second in the 100 meter and third in the discus, making her our first athlete to compete in the ambulatory division," Blankenship said. "Reid Headrick set two school records running 1:55.82 and finishing 3rd overall in the 800 meter and broke his own 1600 meter record in 4:20.09. Connor Palmen finished 4th in the 800 in a personal record (PR) of 1:58.17."

Blankenship noted that several other lady Cardinals fared well in their respective races and field events also.

"On the girls' side we were led by Sophie Salinas-Sanders who finished second in the 100 meters in 12.59 and fifth in the Long Jump with a 16-09," Blankenship said. "Amblessed Okemgbo finished third in the discus with a PR 123-06.

"Chiche Okemgbo competed in three events and finished eighth in shot put with a PR of 33-06.25. She was also 12th in the javelin in 91-03, and 11th in the triple jump in 32-08.75."

Although she didn't place on the podium, distance runner Allyson Payne finished the 3200 meter race in a time of 12:28.35. She was only the second girl to represent Medical Lake in that race.

Blankenship said other notable performances included Tyson Cooper finishing 13th in the shot put with a throw of 42-07.5. Kiyah Hatcher finished in 12th place in the high jump, and couldn't quite clear 4-10.

The boys' 4×400 relay team of Connor Palmen, Oran Rhimer, Milan Contreras and Reid Headrick placed 8th overall.

Blankenship said the track and field team's had a good season and noted the efforts of team coaches and volunteers who helped make the State competition a memorable weekend.

"Overall we finished the weekend with 8 PRs, and three school records. I'd also like to mention that we had several athletes who volunteered to work the starting block detail," Blankenship said. "A very special thank you to them. They received special recognition medals for their efforts. Thank you also to Adasha for taking excellent pictures all three days.

"I'd also like to thank my fellow coaches David, Sarah, Forrest, and Katrina for the excellent job in coaching, managing transportation, and supervision! It allowed me to enjoy the meet and cheer our athletes on. It's been one of our best track seasons in years. Great job everyone!"

Blankenship said the awards banquet is Thursday, June 2 at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria.