Though its only been a week since the Washington track and field team competed, it must have felt like a whole season ago as the Pam Pack went into the Easter break battling cold conditions only to return to action under a strong sun that unleashed mid-80’s temperatures on the athletes on Wednesday.
The increased heat could not slow down the Washington boys’ team as it racked up 65 points to place second in a tri-meet behind White Oak (94) and above West Craven (17). However, the girls’ team did not shine as bright as it tallied 26 points to place third behind White Oak (85) and West Craven (59).
“Individually, we had some kids stand out today. We set some personal records and had a good day. We were just kind of outmatched versus White Oak,” Washington coach Jon Blank said. “Some of the kids came back from the break ready, but I think the heat by the end of the meet was affecting some of them. They went from 55 degrees before the break to 85 today. It was a little bit of a shock to their system.”
If Pam Pack junior Stevie Green was bothered by the heat it didn’t show as he took first in the 110-hurdles (15.56) and second in the high jump (5’10”). Green excelled in the relays as well, teaming up with Jarquez Keyes, Wante Smallwood and Devonta Corprew to take first in the 4×100 (44.98), while joining Myron Brooks, Corprew and Keyes to place second in the 4×200 (1:33.28). Brooks would go on to win the 400-meter dash with a time of 54.22 and combine with Jose Chavez, Alan Hardy and Keyes to place second in the 4×400.
“Stevie Green had another good day. He performed well in the high jump and the 110-hurdles,” Blank said.
Tarahje Burk was nearly as strong he placed second in both the 110 hurdles (15.82) and the 300 hurdles (44.33).
The Pack also received second place finishes from Jaquez Columbus in the shot put (38’8”), Corprew in the 200-meter dash (25.33) and Santos in the 3200-meter run (11:17).
The girls’ team was led by Callie Landen who placed second in the 1600-meter run (6:34), the 800-meter run (3:01) and the 3200-meter run (15:25).
Dajah Smith took second in the 200-meter run (27.09), while Zandria Edwards jumped 13’9” to place second in the long jump. Caitlyn Hales took silver in the 100-meter hurdles and third in the long jump (13’7”).
Though the girls’ team had its struggles on Wednesday, their progress drew praise from Blank.
“The girls are truly a pleasure to coach.  I love seeing their improvement every week and their efforts and attitudes are so positive,” Blank said.  “They have struggled to get a win this year, but over the next few years they will be very tough to beat.”