Eastern track’s strong performance builds momentum
MIKE MAYNARD | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 months, 1 week AGO
The Eagles put together strong performance at Cougar classic.
COURTESY PHOTO/EWU ATHLETICS/BRAEDEN HARLOW
PULLMAN — The Eastern Washington University Eagles wrapped up a successful weekend at the Cougar Classic, with standout performances in the field events setting the tone, according to a statement by Eastern Washington Athletics.
“Our first-year sensation Cort Gebbers uncorked a throw in the discus that landed him top 3 in school history and top 3 in the conference,” said director of track and field/cross country Erin Tucker. “All it takes is one throw, and guess what, he is not done. Coach Maj has got this young man clicking, and I love their dynamic, especially with her being a former discus thrower.”
Men's Highlights
Cort Gebbers led the way with a personal-best throw of 55.01m (180-05) in the discus, launching him to third all-time in program history. His mark also placed him 69th nationally and 46th in the West Region. Logan Ashbeck delivered a season-best in the javelin, throwing 60.54m (198-07) to earn a third-place finish.
In the hammer throw, J.J. Niuamoa claimed fourth place, followed closely by Javen Livas in sixth. Livas also placed fifth in the shot put, where Koda Woodard recorded a personal-best throw of 14.99m (49-2.25). In the long jump, Nic Cunningham secured fourth place with a leap of 6.66m (21-10.25).
On the track, Noah Holden led the men in the 1500m, finishing sixth with a time of 4:00.03.
Women's Highlights
“Another first-year field eventer put herself into conference scoring position and that is Anne Shipp, I've had a running joke with her all year about high jumping (HJ) and not high leaning. The HJ is an athletic but highly technical event. The key is to jump first. I've seen the progress she has made with Coach Jo all year, and I love that it has come together. I am glad she remembered to jump first,” she said.
The women delivered a strong showing across multiple events. Anne Shipp finished fifth in the high jump with a jump of 1.61m (5-1.25). Dyvhon Fonoti earned third place in the discus with a throw of 42.40m (139-01) and also took ninth in the hammer. In the same event, Dyvhine Fonoti placed fifth.
Gilana Wollman finished second in the triple jump with a mark of 5.44m (17-10.25), while Rachel Hard followed in third. Zoe Dunn added a fourth-place finish in the triple jump. In the javelin, Saira Schener and Kimberly Smith placed fourth and fifth, respectively.
Suzie Woodall claimed third in the pole vault, with Reghan Skogen and Breauna Erikson tying for fourth.
On the track, Nattie Ruzauskas impressed with a second-place finish in the 3,000m steeplechase, clocking 10:57.15. Madi Carr took fourth in the 1,500m (4:49.84), and Faith Martienz earned third in the 800m with a time of 2:16.54.
EWU moves on to prepare for the Oregon State High Performance Meet set for May 2.
ARTICLES BY MIKE MAYNARD
Wahluke falls to Tri-Cities in home opener
MATTAWA — The Wahluke Warriors (0-1) were defeated 46-24 in their home opener by the Tri-Cities Prep Jaguars. Despite the loss, Head Coach Makai Hirai said he was proud of the effort his players gave on the court. “That was the biggest thing that I took away is we had a lot of effort. We have a lot of girls who are hungry, and the coaches were excited about (that). Our girls look pretty motivated ... they’re working hard,” Hirai said. The Jaguars started fast and held the lead the entire game. Tri-Cities Prep put up double-digit scores in each quarter except for the third. The Warriors finished strong with 10 points in the fourth quarter, but the Jaguars came out victorious.
From overtime thriller to championship stage
The Knights meet Cashmere once again
ROYAL CITY — On Friday, the No. 1 seed Royal Knights (12-0) will travel to Husky Stadium to play the No. 2 seed Cashmere Bulldogs (11-1) in the 1A state championship game. The Knights Head Coach Wiley Allred was not surprised to see the Bulldogs reach the state championship game. “I was hoping there wasn't a team better than them, because that's a pretty tough team right there. We'll meet our match,” Allred said. When these two met in October, it was the Knights pulling off a late comeback to win 21-15 in overtime. Coming into that game, both teams were undefeated. The Knights had only allowed seven points all season, while the Bulldogs had not allowed a score by any team.
Warriors fall short in home opener
MATTAWA — The Wahluke Warriors (0-1) were defeated 67-43 by the Tri-Cities Prep Jaguars Tuesday in their return to the hardwood. Wahluke Head Coach Anfernee Cortez said some of the loss may be attributed to first-game jitters. “We started too flat and just kind of dug ourselves into a hole early. Against a team like Tri-Cities Prep, it’s tough to catch up at that point,” Cortez said. A slow start by the Warriors allowed Tri-Cities Prep to take hold of the momentum early and build a commanding lead. In the first half, the Warriors struggled to knock down shots and attack the rim. The Jaguars carried their momentum into the second half to run away with the game. Wahluke had a stronger second-half showing, but Cortez said it was not enough to get back in the game.