On April 4-5, the Gig Harbor Track Team traveled to Eugene, Oregon, to compete against other teams that had been invited to the annual Oregon Relays. The meet took place at the legendary track of the University of Oregon, Hayward Track and Field. There were around eighty talented teams from all over the West Coast who were invited to the meet. Even though the competition was three weeks earlier than usual, the varsity girls all did great and had a fun time competing at such a huge event.
With some sickness going around, many of the girls still achieved their goals and got new personal records in their events. Sofia Simmonds (12) said, “The girls team came out and competed really well! A lot of our girls got some pretty great PRs and season bests.” The girls’ team raced well, and there were many season bests. Some of the girls who set new personal records were Isabelle Harruff (10), Lejla Carlsson (11), Ruby Savage (11), Eisley Hering (10), and Ella Savage (9). Even if they did not PR, everyone worked hard and walked away from the meet proud of what they accomplished.
The girls were blown away by not only the amazing stadium but also how they were treated like professional athletes. Before their events, the athletes got to go under the stadium and then get escorted out to their lanes to compete, where their names and schools would be featured on the big screen. When asked about her experience, Laila Flynn (11) said, “The experience was amazing, and it was so cool to race at that track. It felt professional.”
The warmer weather and state-of-the-art facilities inspired the girls to compete and represent our school well. Their hard work and dedication paid off and helped the girls compete confidently. Mackenzie Olesen (12) said, “The best part was getting to share this amazing experience with my teammates and family. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I feel so fortunate to have been able to compete in the best track facility in the world with some of my best friends.” When asked how the team did compared to previous years, Coach Patricia Ley said, “Ultimately, excellent performances for how early we were in the season!” Overall, everyone had a great time at Oregon Relays and is looking forward to what the rest of the track and field season will bring!