Rivals Bailey, Eickoff root for each other

By Aaron Coe

Herald Writer

SNOHOMISH – After he had cleared the high jump bar at 6 feet, 6 inches, Snohomish’s Warren Eickoff suddenly became a fan of Cascade track.

More specifically, he began rooting for the only other competitor left from the field of 20 leapers – Cascade’s JaMichael Bailey – on Day 1 of the Western Conference North Division meet.

He was thrilled when his rival uncorked a jump that cleared the bar by a good three inches on Bailey’s final attempt. The crowd that had gathered beyond the fence surrounding the track at Snohomish’s Veterans Memorial Stadium applauded, and the anticipation grew as the bar was set at 6 feet, 8 inches.

Though neither cleared that final height – both came close on the respective third and final attempts – the rivals were thrilled for themselves and each other.

“We’ve always been neck and neck,” said Eickoff, a senior who won the event because he cleared 6-6 in less attempts. “JaMichael’s got crazy hops. He’s definitely got more hops than I do, but I’ve worked on the technique a little more.”

Bailey, who took up track last year as a junior, soared high on most of his attempts, but sometimes peaked a little early. Still his height Wednesday was a personal best and his effort delighted fans.

“I bless God and he blessed me,” said Bailey, also a standout basketball player. “It’s fun to go head to head like that. It’s all about sportsmanship.”

Five event finals were contested on Wednesday with the remaining 12 scheduled for Friday at Snohomish. The top four finishers in each event qualified for the District I meet, which will be held at Stanwood High School next Wednesday and Friday.

After all other events had long been over, Arlington’s McKane Lee wowed the few remaining spectators in the pole vault. With the crowd clapping slowly as he approached his launching pad, Lee tied the state’s best of the year at 16-6.

Derek Fekkes was feeling plenty rested for the 1,600-meter run, which was the only boys final running event Wednesday. The Stanwood miler went to sleep at 6:45 on Tuesday night and woke up for school nearly 12 hours later. Fekkes was in the middle of a 10-man pack for the first three laps before his final-lap awakening. Fekkes, who won his 800 preliminary heat by 20 meters to qualify for Friday’s final, turned on the jets heading into the first turn and emerged with a solid lead with 300 meters left. He held off the Snohomish threesome of Faraz Bala, Ryan Roache and Jimmie Poier to win the race in 4 minutes, 26.91 seconds.

“I’ve been pretty tired lately, so I got some rest (Tuesday night),” said Fekkes, whose qualifying time was the fourth best of the field. “I felt like I had a lot left in the last lap, so I just went for it.”

Arlington’s Bodewig won the long jump with a leap of 21-5. Mike Johnson of Lake Stevens threw the shot put 53-4.25 to claim first place.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

A Snohomish School District truck clears the parking lot at Glacier Peak High School on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (Aaron Coe / The Herald)
Inclement weather cancellations strain high school sports calendar

With state tournaments on the horizon, ADs from Wesco, Northwest and Kingco must be flexible

Edmonds-Woodway’s William Alseth dribbles the ball down the court during the game against Shorewood on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds-Woodway boys basketball enters playoffs on high note

The Warriors never let up in 63-43 win vs. Shorewood on Tuesday to secure Wesco South 3A/2A title

Prep basketball roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 4

Parker powers Seagulls to district berth.

Kraken rally to force overtime, fall in shootout

Streaking Red Wings too much for young Kraken lineup that showed some promise.

Slivertips’ Clarke Schaefer tries to maneuver around Medicine Hat’s Josh Van Mulligen during the game on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tips Week in Review: Everett splits slate in high-scoring week

The Silvertips were outscored 24-18 in four games this week, losing two to the next-best WHL teams

Everett Silvertips’ Landon DuPont during the game against the Medicine Hat Tigers on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tips’ DuPont becomes first rookie D to score 50 points in 35 years

The 15-year-old star defenseman joined Scott Niedermayer in exclusive company with an assist Sunday.

Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto believes players like Jorge Polanco (7) will enjoy bounceback seasons in 2025. (Alika Jenner / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Despite quiet Mariners offseason, Jerry Dipoto confident

With the pre-spring training luncheon and news conference no longer an annual… Continue reading

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Jan. 26-Feb. 1

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Jan. 26-Feb. 1. Voting closes… Continue reading

Monroe’s Halle Keller drives to the hoop during the game against Snohomish on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Monday, Feb. 3

Stanwood, Snohomish, Monroe girls dominate.

Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak adds to staff

New play-caller for Seattle’s offense brings in familiarity from Saints.

Gonzaga slips in bracket projections after Saint Mary’s loss

Gonzaga slipped a few spots in the NET rankings and another spot… Continue reading

Dan Vladar (80) of the Calgary Flames looks to make a save against the Seattle Kraken during the second period at Climate Pledge Arena on Feb. 2, 2025, in Seattle. (Steph Chambers / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Early Kraken power-play goal disallowed in fall to Flames

Joey Daccord made 32 saves as the Kraken fell behind… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.