HIGH SCHOOLS
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Boys Track MVP: Attrail Snipes, Rainier Beach
By MICHAEL MCLAUGHLIN
P-I REPORTER
With his steely stare and chiseled frame, there\'s an air of athletic intimidation surrounding senior Attrail Snipes of Rainier Beach.
If anyone fits the description of a person who lets his actions speak louder than his words, it\'s Snipes. He learned from an early age that staying quiet kept him out of the public eye and free of explaining his personal situation, one so foreign to most kids that it\'s nearly impossible to relate to.
The P-I ran a story last September that revealed Snipes had lived at 39 different locations since relocating in Seattle from California with his mother and younger sister during his freshman year.
He listened when one of his older brothers said there was nothing after high school and was determined to have his own prep experiences, even when caring for his sick mother, and more so after his family moved back to California without him.
\"I know I went through a lot those first couple years here,\" Snipes said. \"But I wasn\'t going to give up. My family and the coaches at Beach kept me motivated. I owe them so much.\"
At Rainier Beach, Snipes found a venue to success through athletics. He developed into a possible D-I football recruit, and used track as a means to enhance his football skills. He also began to feel a new emotion -- confidence.
This season, he pulled off one of the toughest triples at the 3A state track meet, winning the 100, 200 and 400 sprints.
His time of 10.71 in the 100 was the fastest in the state this year, and he clocked the fastest 3A times in the 200 (21.98) and 400 (48.83).
\"He\'s a kid with a different kind of character,\" said Rainier Beach boys coach Peller Phillips. \"He sees the opportunity sports has given him. If Attrail actually trained for track and took it as seriously as he does football, he would be unreal.\"