Lake Stevens track and field retains Pilchuck Cup
Published 11:44 pm Thursday, April 11, 2024
LAKE STEVENS — The Lake Stevens and Arlington track and field teams have faced each other in dual meets for several years. The Vikings are a Wesco 4A powerhouse while the Eagles control the 3A nest.
But in 2019, the stakes were raised because not only were territorial rights up for grabs but so was the Pilchuck Cup, a small trophy standing about a foot tall with the words “The Old School Dual” engraved on the front.
Lake Stevens has won the cup every year, and this season the trophy remains in Viking territory. The Arlington boys team won 80-79, but the Lake Stevens girls squad secured the victory 90.5-68.5.
“I was dead certain (Arlington) was going to win the cup this year,” said Vikings head coach Jeff Page. “We were missing the Tupua sisters. … Our No. 2 hurdler had an injury. … But the kids competed really well. I’m really pleased.”
Lake Stevens swept the pole vault and won the boys and girls 100 and 200-meter relay races, along with the girls 400 relay. Arlington swept the boys shot put, discus and javelin events. Both teams were balanced in all three jumping events, having at least one or two contestants finish in the top three.
“It’s always a great battle against Lake Stevens,” Arlington head coach Judd Hunter said. “They stepped up, but so did we. Our girls performed really well today. I was super proud of them. The boys came in clutch. … (But), we got to get better at the hurdles … and the pole vault. Those are kind of our holes right now.”
Vikings senior David Brown ran a 14.43 to win the 110-meter hurdles, setting not only a personal record but also a new state time. He was the anchor in the 100 relay and runner-up in the 100-meter dash.
“I wasn’t expecting to PR today, but sometimes it just happens,” Brown said. “Yesterday, my coach didn’t have me in the 110s. But I went up to him, and I was like begging him to put me in the 110s because I look at is as a loss of opportunity. I have an opportunity to get better and compete in my race and hopefully PR, which I did. And I didn’t want to miss an opportunity like that.”
Lake Stevens junior Ares Van Straaten trailed Arlington’s Lucas Spurling entering the final lap of the 1600 but pushed through to claim first and set a personal record.
Vikings senior Jada Sarrys outran her competition placing first in the 100, 200 and serving as the anchor in the 100 relay.
“I’m pretty happy,” said Sarrys of her performance. “I didn’t see any PR’s today. It was just to get some points and save my body for Saturday. … I really need to work on my 200. I have had a good PR for my indoor season for my 400, and I’ve had a good outdoor PR for my 100. But I’m just waiting for that good 200 PR. So one of these days, I’m hoping to see that come out.”
Arlington junior Brooke Henkin claimed first in the 1600, 3200 and anchored in the 400 relay. Arlington senior Dallas Miller carried his heats with first-place finishes in the 100, 200 and 400 while also anchoring in the 400 relay to secure Arlington’s only relay victory.
Though the Eagles will have to wait another year for a chance to get their talons on the Pilchuck Cup, the dual meet prepared both teams for intense upcoming meets. Lake Stevens competes at the Pasco Invitational on April 13 while Arlington prepares for a trip to University of Oregon’s Hayward Field for the Oregon Relays April 19-20.
