Cascade girls track and field
The junior thrower captured two Class 4A individual championships at Star Track XXIII, the 3A/4A track and field state championship meet in Pasco.
Hooks won her first state discus title on Friday with a top throw of 145 feet, 6 inches. Then she claimed her third consecutive state shot put crown on Saturday, launching 46-7. Although she easily outdistanced her competition in both events, Hooks was not pleased with her shot put mark.
“I respect that,” Cascade coach Bill Stengele said. “She is constantly trying to improve. She is her own worst critic.”
Asked to describe how Hooks has progressed since last year, when she won the shot put but took fifth in the discus, Stengele said the Bruins standout is a more complete thrower who has honed her form – especially in the technically demanding discus event.
Hooks will compete in the Golden West Invitational on Sunday in Sacramento, Calif. The meet showcases some of the most talented high school track and field athletes in the country. Stengele said Hooks could open some eyes at the meet and will represent the considerable talent this state has to offer.
“Often times, the state of Washington is overlooked,” Stengele said. “We’ve got a lot of talented athletes that are doing a lot of incredible things.”
According to the meet’s Web site, Hooks’ competition will include the top-ranked prep shot and discus throwers in the nation: Michaela Wallersted of Omaha, Neb. (164-9 in discus) and Stephanie Horton of Hillsborough, Ore. (52-7 in shot).
Stengele, who plans to fly to California for the meet, said Hooks has surpassed 50 feet in the shot several times in practice this year. Her top competitive throw is 48-10.
Other top girls track performers: Becky Scherer, Shorecrest; Krystal Paszkeicz, Sultan; Brittany Aanstad, Lake Stevens; Caitlin Bonney, Lynnwood; Laura Bulander, Snohomish; Jane Larson, Cedar Park Christian; Chelsey York, Sultan; Sarah Smart, King’s; Kimberly Mayhle, King’s; Chira Louie, King’s; Tatiana Noel, King’s.
Boys track athlete of the week: Jeff Helmer, Jackson
Other top boys track performers: Chase Mancuso, Kamiak; Michael Davis, King’s; Jesse Hoffman, Shorecrest; Alex Croutworst, King’s; Andy Kincaid, Sultan; Jeremy Rasor, Shoreline Christian; Jon Chittim, Coupeville; Nick Snyder, Archbishop Murphy; Clay Kincaid, Everett.
Baseball player of the week: Cam Nobles, Jackson
Other top baseball performers: Travis Snider, Jackson; Ryan Martin, Lakewood.
Softball player of the week: Krista Crosson, Lake Stevens
Boys soccer player of the week: Rylan Hawkins, Shorecrest
Other top boys soccer performers: Colin Adams, Shorecrest
Boys golf athlete of the week: Alex Hedlund, Arlington
Other top boys golf performers: Jacob Koppenberg, Everett; Jon Keane, Meadowdale; Craig Crawford, Master’s Touch.
Girls golf athlete of the week: Christa Goldie, Kamiak
Other top girls golf performers: Kaitlin Parker, Marysville-Pilchuck
Mike Cane, Herald Writer
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