Snohomish girls compete in Calif. track meet

ARCADIA, Calif. - Spring break didn't mean sleeping in, daytime television or trips to the mall for Snohomish's Kara Sporrong, Jessica Yates and Ellie Bonner,.

Rather, the trio spent the better part of their break competing at the Arcadia Invitational, one of the nation's most prestigious prep track and field competitions.

The highlight for the Panthers came from Sporrong, who ran a time of 11 minutes, 5 seconds in the 3,200-meter race.

According to Snohomish coach Dan Parker, Sporrong's time was 11 to 12 seconds faster than her previous fast time of the season.

"She (Kara) is getting into better shape and reacting to her competition," Parker said.

Her 3,200-meter time is also one of the three fastest in the State of Washington this year.

It was quite an accomplishment, on quite a stage.

Each year, top high school prospects come to the Arcadia Invite to break track and field records, qualify for state and national competitions and gauge where they rank amongst their peers.

"This is a track meet like no other; it's a fantastic experience," Parker noted. "National bests are being set (this weekend)."

While not placing, Yates (triple-jump) and Bonner (mile run) both recorded competitive marks.

"Being that we start our season three weeks after the California schools, I'm pleased with our progress and where we are at."

The Snohomish track team heads to Edmonds-Woodway on Thursday and then to Eastern Washington next weekend to compete in the Pasco Invitational.