||| FROM DARRELL KIRK for ORCAS ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL |||

Orcas Island High School’s track and field team competed in their second meet of the season on Wednesday at Mt. Vernon High School, where athletes who had prepared for extreme weather were instead greeted by unexpected sunshine.

The Vikings team, comprised of runners, javelin throwers, shot putters, and high jumpers, delivered impressive performances across all events despite the dramatic shift in weather expectations that included Washington State’s first tornado watch.  Tom Malo set a school record javelin throw at 142’, while Sophia Mahony-Jauregui also broke her school record with a 103’ 5” throw! Dozens of other athletes on the team set personal records. 

“We had a fantastic second meet of the year. I’m really proud of the hard work our students put in during training this last week. That training shows in their results.” Remarked Coach Jon Hane.  “A twenty-four foot improvement in the Jav and running an 11:36 in the 3200M is an outstanding day for Tom”

Throughout the sunny afternoon, athletes from schools across the region could be seen catching up with friends from rival teams, many of whom have formed bonds during their weekly ferry commutes between the islands and the mainland to attend competitions.

As the tornado watch was ultimately canceled and the meet concluded under clear skies, coaches and athletes alike remarked on the unpredictability of spring weather in the Pacific Northwest – and the importance of being prepared for anything while celebrating the unexpected perfect day for competition.

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