Eason Invitational features showdown in boys javelin
Published 11:14 pm Friday, April 16, 2010
Watching a modern javelin competition, it’s easy to imagine an ancient warrior stalking his prey: The determined hunter uses speed, strength, balance and his weapon — a spear — to achieve his goal.
Instead of desperately seeking a meal, contemporary high school javelin throwers have a much different motivation: To be the best.
That intense desire will fuel three of the state’s top javelin throwers when they face off today at Snohomish High School. King’s High School junior Curtis Clauson, Everett senior Malaki Seanoa and Arlington sophomore Blake McPherson are the top three seeds, respectively, in the boys javelin event at the 2010 Larry Eason Invitational Track and Field Meet.
Starting at 8 a.m. this morning, more than 1,300 athletes from about 60 schools are expected to participate in the 21st Eason Invite, named in memory of former Snohomish High track coach Larry Eason, who died of brain cancer in 1987. Many of the state’s best male and female athletes, and even some Canadian standouts, are set to compete.
The boys javelin, featuring Clauson, Seanoa and McPherson, will be a must-see spectacle. All three throwers are ranked among the state’s top five — regardless of classification — according to Athletic.net. The boys start after the girls javelin finals. The first girls javelin flight (of six) begins at 10 a.m.
“It’s going to be pretty intense,” said Judd Hunter, Arlington’s track and field coach.
McPherson, the Arlington sophomore, is ranked No. 5 in the state (No. 3 in Class 4A) and is seeded No. 3 for the Eason with a season-best throw of 198 feet, 9 inches. He is the youngest of the top three contenders but carries himself like an experienced veteran.
“He’s very explosive and has got a good head on his shoulders,” Hunter said. “He is probably one of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever coached. He’s got that competitive drive. It’s not always all about winning (to others) but it is to him.”
McPherson has an outstanding bloodline. His father, Paul McPherson, holds the Snohomish County high school record in the javelin. His huge throw of 216-10 in 1969 has held up for 41 years, and counting.
Although Everett’s Seanoa has been resting a sore throwing elbow since his last competition on April 6, he said he plans to go all-out today. It’s an exciting opportunity to compete against such talented throwers, he said.
“It’s going to be a challenge, that’s for sure. (McPherson, Seanoa’s Wesco North Division rival) gave me some good scares last year. I think we actually kind of push each other,” said Seanoa, ranked No. 3 in the state (No. 1 in Class 3A) with a season-best of 200-11.
Seanoa is seeded second for the Eason behind Clauson of King’s, whose season-best toss is 202-2. That mark, which Clauson achieved a week ago at the Cashmere Invitational, is No. 1 in 1A and No. 2 overall behind the state leader, Tahoma’s Derek Eager (218-7). Clauson is the defending Class 1A state champ in the javelin and the 300-meter hurdles.
“We’re all pretty close (in the state rankings) so it will be interesting to see what our best is,” Blake McPherson said. “I’ve been looking forward to going head to head against some of these guys.”
Mike Cane: mcane@heraldnet.com. Check out the prep sports blog Double Team at cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/heraldnet/doubleteam.
