Several intriguing storylines are developing across Washington ahead of the WIAA State Championships, from emerging freshman stars to potential record-breaking performances and highly anticipated head-to-head matchups.
Freshman Quenton Lanese is Becoming a State Title Favorite
After breaking the Washington freshman class record at the Arcadia Invitational this season, Quenton Lanese proved that he'll be in the running to win a state title this season. However, he changed the narrative at the SPSL 4A League Championship, where he swept the 1600m and 3200m. These races were impressive because he beat the 3200m state leader and several 1600m runners ranked in Washington's top 10. These types of performances can make Lanese not only a contender but also a favorite.
4A Boys 1600 Meter Run Finals
4A Boys 3200 Meter Run Finals
Chase for the Washington Girls' 300m Hurdles Record?
At the start of the season, Braelyn Baker's 300m hurdles record of 40.92 wasn't on anyone's radar, but that may have changed after last week. At the Kingco-Metro-Wesco District Meet, Anna Schneidler ran a personal record of 41.74, moving her to #2 all-time in Washington. Although this performance doesn't automatically mean she'll break the record this year, it's intriguing given the likes of Jazzlyn-Rei Smith (PR- 42.07) and Chloe Williams (43.07) in 4A. Could this competitiveness push these ladies to the record at the State Meet? Time will only tell.
WA 4A Girls' Long Jump Collison Course
The girls' long jump is turning into one of the more intriguing battles in 4A. Mount Si junior Beliya Tidd currently owns the edge after jumping 18-11.5 to win the Kingco Championships, but Sumner junior Savannah Ferencz is right behind her at 18-10.5 this season. With both freshmen continuing to improve late in the year, the state meet could come down to who lands the bigger jump on championship day.
WA Girls' and Boys' 800m King of the Hill
All season, the 800m has been a must-see event on the girls' and boys' sides. From the first week of the season, Kjirsten Ludeman and Ciana Johnson produced almost identical times. Luedeman set the tone with a 2:06.64 for the state lead, and at another meet, Johnson ran the #2 fastest time in the state at 2:07.43. The two then met at the 36th gearUP Eason Invitational in April, where Luedman bested Johnson. Then, the following weekend, Johnson took the state lead with a personal record of 2:06.57 in a dominant fashion at the Metro League Championships.
On the boys' side, Mana Voss has controlled the event after running 1:50 at the Oregon relays to take the state lead. Voss state lead looked virtually untouchable until Amin Fidaar ran a personal record of 1:49.82 at the SPSL 4A League Championship, beating it. Fidaar's performance has intensified the 800m and opened it in the air, who could take the state lead.
Quenton Lanese
Amin AJ) Fidaar
Asher Pepin
Isaac Benjamin