TACOMA — Brittany Jones was frustrated with her performance but still proud to be in Tacoma.
The Cascade senior wasn’t going to let the fact that she didn’t win the 4A discus ruin her Friday.
Jones, ranked first in the state in the 4A discus, placed fifth Friday on the second day of the 2A/3A/4A state track and field championships at Mount Tahoma High School.
“I’m more frustrated than disappointed,” Jones said. “… (But) I’m proud of myself … a lot of people don’t (get to place) I know how hard I’ve worked. I know I deserve to be here.”
Jones, who reached distances of 135 feet, 9 inches this year and who won the District 1 meet last week with a throw of 135-7, could never quite get on track in a slight breeze. Her best distance was 119-8.
Gabi Dixson of Battle Ground repeated as 4A champion with a throw of 135-4. Jones finished fourth behind Dixson in 2008 as a relative unknown but had to compete with the title of No. 1 in state this year.
Jones said she didn’t pay much attention to the rankings — or at least tried not to. Instead, she gave credit to Dixson.
“I knew from last year she was good,” Jones said of Dixson, “(And) I could see on athletic.net she was right on my tail.”
The state result won’t take away Jones’ district championship or her season-best distance of 135-9.
“She’s had a great year,” Cascade throwing coach Chris Crockett said of Jones, who plans on attending Washington State University next year and studying science.
“She’s very open (to improvements), pretty much a perfectionist at the discus range,” Crockett added. “It’s a rare combination to have someone so well-rounded.”
Jones, who plays saxophone and baritone for Cascade’s band and marching band, took time out between her throws to joke with her friends and her coach. She also competed in the shot put on Friday, placing 13th.
“It’ll be hard to let go of someone that’s really been an inspiration to the program,” Crockett said.
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