Local track programs are down, young talent on the horizon

Marques Hunter

of the Gateway

The successes of high school athletic programs are ever-changing.

The Gig Harbor boys and girls track and field teams are a prime example.

During the past few years, the boys and girls teams have fared very well at the state competition. The boys were state champions in 2007 and finished second in 2006. They finished top 10 last year.

As for the girls, they joined the boys for a state title in 2007, finished 15th in 2006 and were second last year.

When you consider their placement at state the previous three years, it seems as if the Tides were bound to have a year of adversity.

Moreover, Gig Harbor senior cross country Class 4A champion Alyssa Andrews’ decision to not compete in her final high school track season could have given the team some extra points.

Although she would’ve been a frontrunner in the 3,200 meter distance race, it wouldn’t have replaced the overall dearth of talent on the girls’ team.

Still, I loved the competitiveness in all of the Gig Harbor and Peninsula athletes. Each one tried their best, and that’s all you can expect.

The Tides’ team is still relatively young. Of the 15 listed athletes who competed or were alternates at the state meet, only two are graduating.

Those two (Eric Murrell, discus and Brittany Schroeder, 400) scored the most points for both teams.

And of the 17 athletes on the state roster for Peninsula, six are graduating. Both teams are relatively young, which should bode well in the coming years.

On a championship note, I’d like to commend Peninsula senior Lance Wilhelm on winning the Class 3A state title, and the state’s sportsmanship award.

It was a monumental achievement that took him four years to earn. He’s worked extremely hard on his physical conditioning and the mental side of tennis.

After watching him play at the West Central District tournament, I now see why he’s the champ and why he’s earned the sportsmanship award two consecutive years.

Reach sports reporter Marques Hunter at 253-853-9246 or send an e-mail to marques.hunter@gateline.com