SPORTS Vashon-Maury
DRAG RACE ON THE HARBOR: Watch rowers compete in the first annual Vashon Drag Race, where individual rowers will go head-to-head in 500-meter races on Quartermaster Harbor, with bracket-style eliminations. The event is a fundraiser for the Vashon Island Rowing Club. To enter the competition, visit www.vashoncrew.com. 8 a.m. Sunday at Jensen Point.
Page 14
WWW.VASHONBEACHCOMBER.COM
Wednesday, May 29, 2013 • Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Track athletes rise to the top at State
Equestrians will show off many skills at horse expo
Islanders who compete for private schools also brought home medals
Accomplished and armchair equestrians may want to head to Paradise Ridge Park this weekend for a day-long event that will raise funds for equestrian improvements at the horse park. Throughout the event, called Vashon Horse Expo: The Day of the Horse, there will be educational and entertaining horse events, as well as live music, food — including a multitude of homemade pies — and an array of booths featuring everything from horse tack to arts and crafts, according to Emily Wigley, one of the event organizers. Wigley is also a member of the event’s host group, the Vashon Maury Island Horse Association. One of the day’s highlights will be the Jiocké Bareback Riders, who travel and perform with such groups as the Ringling Brothers Cirucs, Cavalia and the Arabian Nights, Wigley said. They will perform between 3:30 and 4 p.m. The Cascade Vaulters, a regional club, will be another highlight, according to Wigley. They demonstrate the art and sport of gymnastics on horseback and will have repeated demonstrations throughout the day. “We’re really exited to have them,” Wigley said. There will also be dressage demonstrations narrated by a dressage expert and a jumping demonstration, which Wigley said she expects to be enjoyable for riders and nonriders alike. For the youngest in the crowd, Dreamland Ponies from off-island will provide pony rides and photos. While admission to the event is free, donations will be accepted and put to good use, Wigley said. Island equestrians would like to see some fully enclosed stalls at the park as well as improvements to the arena’s riding surface, and the day’s proceeds may help bring those wishes to fruition. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Paradise Ridge Park.
By KEVIN ROSS For The Beachcomber
Three Vashon High School athletes competed in the 1A state track and field championships last weekend, and one returned with a medal from the prestigious tournament. Two young islanders who attend private schools in Seattle also put forward award-winning performances at State, which took place at Eastern Washington University in Cheney. The Vashon standout at the event was easily Abigail Kim, a Seattle Christian freshman who won all three events she competed in, beating mostly older athletes from around the state. Kim claimed the victory in the girls 100meter dash in a photo finish with Amarah Nicholson from Medical Lake, as they both sprinted to a time of 12.68. Kim had a bigger margin of victory over the same competitor in the 200-meter dash to take the state title in 25.54, a personal record for the sprinter. She also stood on top of the podium with a first place finish in the long jump, with a leap of 18 feet, 4.5 inches. Kim, who competed at the Junior Olympics last year, plays on an elite club soccer team and recently won the state 1A soccer tournament with her Seattle Christian team, said she almost didn’t join the track team at her high school this year because she was so busy with soccer. She’s glad she did, she said, as she enjoyed going to State and especially enjoyed competing alongside her good friend and former McMurray Middle School teammate Annika Hille. “When we were in middle school we
Kevin Ross Photo
From left, Annika Hille, Garrett Starr and Landon Summers take a moment for a photo after competing in the state track and field competition. Starr is wearing the eighth-place medal he earned in the triple-jump. Vashon residents Abigail Kim, who competes for Seattle Christian, and Graham Peet, who competes for The Northwest School, also medaled at State. both wanted to go to State together, so we both got to go,” Kim said. “She’s good, too.” Hille, a freshman at VHS, placed 12th in the triple jump with a best of 32 feet, 9 inches. She also placed 13th in the long jump with a leap of 15 feet, 2 inches. Sophomore Graham Peet, who attends The Northwest School, brought home a medal from State. He placed fourth in the boys 3,200 meters with a time of 9:50. VHS senior Landon Summers finished out his high school career on the big stage in Cheney, but missed qualifying for the finals in both the 110-meter high hurdles and 300-meter hurdles by just one place.
WILLIAMS HEATING Proudly Sponsors… PIRATE
Brooks Benner VHS Senior • Soccer Brooks has great passion for the game and his hard work and leadership on the field has been a key factor in the team’s success. As a cocaptain this year, Brooks moved from Keeper into the defense where his work ethic and dedication made a tremendous impact. Coach Sergiei says “Brooks makes a big difference when he is in the game, he leads by example. We wish Brooks well in his next chapter next year at Skidmore College.”
Serving Vashon Island Since 1929
463-9134
The lone Pirate to brandish a medal at State was junior Garret Starr. Starr made the finals in the boys triple jump and placed eighth overall, allowing him to bring home a piece of hardware. He had a best measurement of 40 feet, 4 inches. After the tournament, Starr said he was pleased with his performance, as it had been his goal to place in the top eight at State. “The 1A meet itself was a great atmosphere and very intense,” he said. — Kevin Ross is a track and field coach at Vashon High School. Natalie Johnson contributed to this report.
— Susan Riemer